Will baby boomers create new models of retirement community in rural Australia?

Baby boomers are depicted as a cohort who will redefine the ageing process and reject segregated homes for older people. This exploratory study sought to find and interview friendship groups in rural Australia who are actively engaged in creating alternative living arrangements conceptualised around preparations for old age.

A purposive sampling frame and snowballing techniques were used to identify groups of interest, who were interviewed by phone using a semistructured survey.

Five groups were identified, each with explicit plans to avoid segregated housing by taking care of each other. They believe segregated housing to be undesirable and unsustainable, and perceive a need for alternative solutions.

Baby boomers geographically unattached and independent of children recognise they will require the cooperation of others to remain independent for as long as possible, and will strive to create mutually supportive living arrangements - thus creating new models of retirement community.