Baby Boomers' needs and preferences for retirement housing: A phenomenological qualitative study

Baby Boomer is one of the largest generations. Those born between 1946 and 1955 are beginning to consider options in retirement living. Leaders in the retirement housing industry will be more successful if they are prepared for the influx of older adults. The problem is not enough research has been conducted to effectively understand preferences Baby Boomers have in retirement housing. The current qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using the Q-methodology using a Q-sort statement questionnaire to explore the perceptions of Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1955 on retirement housing options. The purpose of the qualitative phenomenological study was to discover the needs and desires relating to preferred housing configurations needed in the retirement housing industry for Baby Boomers in El Paso County, Colorado. The study results revealed Baby Boomers will prefer living at home rather than moving into a retirement community. The study results further indicated, due to limited research on Baby Boomer preferences, additional studies are appropriate to provide leaders with more in-depth information on Baby Boomer preferences.