Life Changes and Migration: How Adversity Drives Us Home

Ever wondered how big life changes like divorce or job loss affect where we live? It turns out, they can push us to move, especially back to familiar places or towards family. This isn't just a one-time thing; these moves can happen right after the event or even years later. Researchers in the US looked into this by tracking people's moves and life changes over several decades. They found that divorce and losing a job make people more likely to move far, often back to where they came from or closer to family.Even health issues play a role. While serious physical conditions can make moving harder, they can also increase the chance of moving back home or closer to family after some time. This gives us a fresh look at how migration isn't just about new opportunities but also about seeking comfort and support when life throws us curveballs.