What does this research mean for the field?

Formal education and lifelong learning are associated with distinct housing conditions and residential relocation patterns among adults aged 60 and older. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the link between educational background and housing conditions in older adults, particularly during relocation.

April 15, 2026Open Access

Educational differences in housing conditions and relocation patterns in later life

Key Points

This research aims to explore the link between educational background and housing conditions in older adults, particularly during relocation.
Analyzed data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS) spanning 1996–2023.
Employed a life-course perspective to understand relocation as an adaptive response.
Investigated the role of formal and informal education in housing situations and relocations.
Individuals with higher education reported better housing conditions overall.
Relocation appears more common among those lacking formal education, indicating adaptive needs.
Patterns of relocation are significantly influenced by the type of lifelong learning experiences.

Abstract

This preprint examines educational differences in housing conditions and residential relocation in later life, using data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS, 1996–2023). Adopting a life-course perspective, the study conceptualises relocation as a potential adaptive response to changing needs in older age. It investigates how formal education and lifelong learning (non-formal and informal) are associated with housing conditions, relocation-related changes, and the circumstances under which relocations occur among adults aged 60 and older.

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Authors

Manuela Nicola Merit Schulz

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Institutions

University of Vechta

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Educational differences in housing conditions and relocation patterns in later life

Key Points

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Authors

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

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