RETIREMENT VILLAGE - LOOKING BEYOND

Abstract

This study examines the preferences of future elderly for facilities and services in a retirement village. The study is based on the affordability and preference of elderly towards their desire for facilities and services surrounding and within the retirement village. The data was analyzed using factor analysis and summarized using frequency and cross tabulation. Based on the 14 facilities and services surrounding the retirement village, three factors were identified to be important to the future elderly. They are transportation, lifestyle enrichment and daily necessities. For the 18 attributes within the retirement village, they were analyzed in the same way. The results show three components: recreational facilities, basic services and leisure activities. A major implication for developers as a result of the findings is the need to locate retirement villages where there is easy access to important amenities and good transport facilities. Further, safety and provision of basic needs are essential services within the retirement village.