Gerotopia: Building (retirement) villages for baby boomers

Abstract

It is well established that Australia's ageing population will have a critical impact on the economy, the health care service and housing provision. The existing retirement village model is not adequate/appropriate for many boomers as they age and new 'village' models are currently being developed. The village idyll, an idealised residential landscape that encompasses both physical place and ideals of community, is at the core of most fully planned housing developments. This ideal underpins a new type of residential development, the Active Adult Lifestyle Community (AALC). AALCs have recently emerged on the Australian housing market in response to many boomers' calls for housing choice as they embark upon the 'retirement' phase of life. Although some boomers have indicated a desire to age in place not all intend to stay in the same house and most suburban landscapes are ill equipped to accommodate people as they age. AALCs are specifically designed to address the desires and needs of many boomers. The aims of this paper are to explore the impacts of these developments in South East Queensland (SEQ). The significance of this research lies in providing critical insights into the planning and provision of housing for Australia's aging population. To date research in this area has tended to focus on the needs of the 'older' old (80+), of those with special needs for care and support and for those with limited incomes. The literature identifies an urgent need for further research into housing needs, choices and preferences of baby boomers, as a unique and influential cohort, as they enter retirement and this paper addresses this need.