RELOCATING FOR RETIREMENT: A 2024 SITE SUITABILITY ANALYSIS FOR FINDING THE IDEAL RETIREMENT LOCATION IN WESTERN WASHINGTON
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Collection Information
This item is part of the MS-GIST Master's Reports collection. For more information about items in this collection, please contact the UA Campus Repository at repository@u.library.arizona.edu.Abstract
Each year, millions of Americans retire from their jobs. Although there are numerous retirement planning resources focused on financial preparation, very few focus on the other aspects of retirement. Left without the sense of purpose, social interaction, or structured routines of the workplace, many retirees can find themselves bored, lonely, and depressed. Considering a person’s mental health is unique to them alone, the requirements that make up their idea of a healthy retirement is also unique to them. Once those needs are understood, GIS tools can be used to create a process model to highlight potential retirement locations. This study, limited to western portion of Washington state for simplicity, focuses on the needs of a retiring military member, comparing their housing, schooling, and lifestyle requirements through a combination of Boolean and weighted analyses to determine potential areas for retirement. In choosing a location identified by the model, it would be expected that the retiree’s needs would be met, leading them to lower stress, a greater mental wellbeing, and a more successful retirement.Type
Electronic Reporttext