Snowbird Intergenerational Family Relationships

This was a qualitative study of 25 older adults age 60 and older who flock to warmer climates for at least four weeks during winter. The researchers state outside of marriage, parent-child ties represent the most important aspect of kinship for a majority of older adults (Bjelde & Sanders, 2009).The researchers wanted to see if there was an impact on kin relationships when parents went to warmer climates during the winter.

All of the participants in this study indicated they already had strong family relations with their kin. They went to warmer climates to improve their quality of life. Winter weather is very stressful and dangerous for older adults. Many find themselves home bound, experiencing increased pain from the cold, and are at an increase risk of falls and fractures from snow and ice. I have clients who have already asked me for home-delivered meals and medical transportation in preparation for winter.

For these study participants, the researchers found the following:

• Their strong family relationships appeared to help them maintain close ties  Since they already had strong family ties, everyone made an effort to keep in contact. Many used family plans on cell phones & e-mails. Their children supported their decision to head south for the winter.
• Families who were open to change were more successful since holiday traditions were often changed for some families. 
• Nearly one fourth of the participants wintered near other family. 
• The participants did report that if their health deteriorated they would want to be back home. 
• Family changes did not change seasonal migration, such as divorce or death of an adult child. Nearly 30% of the participants were either widowed or divorced, but had not ended their seasonal migration. 
• More than three fourths of them lived in some type of Sunbelt retirement community. Often celebrating holidays with other residents there.
• The participants enjoyed it when family said,"they had missed them."
• The participants encouraged family to visit them, sometimes making room for them in small accommodations. They went out of their way to make visits enjoyable and did a lot of sight seeing. 
• Families helped them get to their destination. Either by making reservations or driving them.

I think being able to go to sunnier regions during winter for many older adults is the ideal retirement. My Grandparents were fortunate enough to have been considered snowbirds for years and eventually became permanent residents in Florida. They thrived in the sunny and warm atmosphere. My Grandfather could ride his motorcycle year-round, they were not trapped inside due to snow and ice, not at risk of falling and fracturing a hip and had a large social network. I only hope I'm so fortunate to have this experience one day.


Bjelde, K., & Sanders, G. (2009). Snowbird Intergenerational Family Relationships. Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 33(2), 81-95.