Q: I heard you on Clark Howard talk about how many retired people will no longer stay in one geographic location. I am 46 and considering a major career change to the field of geriatrics/aging. Can you give me some idea how this trend may affect future employment in independent retirement homes?

A:There are a few states that are becoming magnets for retirees, including Florida, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Washington State.

It seems to me that while a lot of seniors are shifting around from state to state, many will still end up in these states.

Even so, there will be loads of retirees in every major metro area, so you’ll be able to pick where you want to be for the most part and probably find suitable employment.

Jan. 1, 2005