Snowbird Intergenerational Family Relationships

摘要

This qualitative study examined the family relationships of snowbirds. Interviews were conducted with 25 older adults from the Midwest who migrated seasonally to the Sunbelt. Snowbirds did not perceive their winter experience as having a negative impact on their families in any significant way. The vast majority of snowbirds expressed satisfaction with how well they maintained their intergenerational ties and holiday traditions with family while they were away. Grandchildren were very significant in the lives of snowbirds, and family change affected, but did not end, seasonal migration. Seasonal migration enhanced the opportunity for almost a fourth of the participants to spend time with children and grandchild living near their Sunbelt residence.