Spatial variations in demographic ageing, and the distribution of the elderly at local, regional, and national scales, are key issues in geographies of ageing: see the United Nations Population Division World Population and Ageing: 1950–2050 (2001) and Ferry et al. (2006) EPRC on variations within the EU.

Mulder (2007) Pop. Space & Place 13, 4 notes that when elderly people change residence they more often move closer to their children than further away. ‘However, adult children changing residence move towards or away from their parents equally frequently.’ See also Williams et al. (2000) Tourism Geog. 2, 1 on international retirement migration.

Sunley (2000) TIBG 25, 4 reports a north–south divide in income and benefit take-up among pensioners in the UK, with lower private pension coverage in low-income areas. ‘The social status of people throughout life is reflected in the way their deaths are perceived and in the practices concerned with their dying’ (Lloyd (2004) Ageing & Soc. 24, 2).