factors that affect residential satisfaction (e.g., the size of residences and the transportation to various facilities) through a questionnaire survey administered to elderly people in Kashiwa city. Results indicated that convenience was more important for elderly people than for non-elderly people, although the concept of convenience changes after the age of 75 or older. The condition of living with or without children and the population density of their districts also altered the perceived importance of residential satisfaction. Contrary to the usual belief, elderly people were more likely to be satisfied with small-sized houses compared to non-elderly people. Moreover, dissatisfaction with accessibility to shops and medical facilities was related to the travel behavior of using cars or bicycles and being accompanied by family. Improvement of convenience by creating residential environments where elderly people can reach shops and medical facilities by themselves is a key to enhancing their willingness to settle down.
