What do baby boomers want in retirement?: The Modern Senior's Guide

Oct 21, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Retirement Planning

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the entire baby boomer generation will be 65 or older by 2030, fundamentally reshaping society's approach to aging. The modern boomer retirement is less about winding down and more about a new chapter of active, purposeful living, prompting the question: What do baby boomers want in retirement?

Quick Summary

Today's retirees, the baby boomer generation, want a retirement rich with purposeful engagement, social connection, and continued learning, rejecting a traditional sedentary life. They prioritize health, access to technology, and customized living options that support an active and meaningful lifestyle, often including continued work or entrepreneurial ventures.

Key Points

Purposeful Living: Baby boomers prioritize active engagement through work, volunteering, or hobbies, rejecting the traditional passive retirement model.
Community and Connection: They seek diverse social opportunities and robust communities that foster interaction and a strong sense of belonging, both within their generation and intergenerationally.
Proactive Health and Wellness: Boomers prioritize their physical and mental health, demanding access to quality fitness facilities, nutritious dining options, and peace of mind regarding long-term healthcare.
Technological Integration: The modern retiree is tech-savvy and expects seamless integration of smart home features, reliable internet access, and digital tools for communication and safety.
Customized Choices: Whether aging in place or moving to a specialized community, baby boomers want flexible and personalized living situations that accommodate their unique needs and evolving lifestyle desires.

A New Era of Retirement: Redefining the Golden Years

For baby boomers, retirement signifies a new chapter of engagement and growth, moving away from a traditional, passive model. Their priorities are influencing retirement communities, financial services, and elder care, driven by a desire for independence and purpose. This section details the diverse aspirations of baby boomers entering retirement.

The Pursuit of Purpose and Continued Engagement

Many baby boomers see retirement as a fresh start filled with opportunities for meaningful activities.

More Than Just Leisure

Continuing Education: Boomers are interested in lifelong learning to stay mentally active and explore new subjects.
Entrepreneurship and Work: Starting businesses or working part-time after retiring is common, providing both income and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering: Many find fulfillment in contributing to their communities through volunteer work.

The Importance of Community and Social Connection

Having grown up in a community-focused era, social interaction and belonging are highly valued by baby boomers.

Diverse Social Activities: They look for environments with organized events, clubs, and spaces for socializing.
Intergenerational Connection: Staying connected with family, including children and grandchildren, is important.
Recreational Opportunities: Access to amenities like clubhouses and art studios supports hobbies and social gatherings.

Health, Wellness, and Long-Term Care

Maintaining good health is crucial for boomers to enjoy their active retirement.

Robust Wellness Programs: Access to fitness facilities and classes for older adults is a key feature.
Prioritized Healthcare: They seek peace of mind regarding future health needs, often favoring communities with continuing care options.
Balanced Lifestyles: A holistic approach combining physical activity, mental stimulation, and nutrition is emphasized.

Technological Integration for an Easier Life

Baby boomers are tech-savvy and expect technology to be a seamless part of their retirement.

Smart Home Features: They appreciate technology that adds convenience and safety, such as voice-activated systems.
Staying Connected: Reliable internet is essential for communication, managing finances, and entertainment.
Emergency Alert Systems: Access to modern emergency technology provides security.

The Financial and Lifestyle Choices

Financial security and planning for future costs, particularly long-term care, are significant concerns.

Home and Housing Considerations

Downsizing: Many choose smaller homes to reduce costs and maintenance.
Aging in Place Modifications: Modifying existing homes with features like stairlifts is important for maintaining independence.
Active Adult Communities: Communities designed for those 55+ with amenities and social activities are a popular choice.

Financial Planning and Adaptations

Annuities: Some explore annuities for a stable income stream.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Planning for long-term care needs often includes considering insurance.
Legal and Financial Advisory: Consulting with professionals for estate planning and financial management is important.

Comparison: Traditional Retirement vs. Boomer Retirement


Feature	Traditional Retirement	Boomer Retirement
Core Philosophy	Winding down, rest, and leisure	Active engagement, purpose, and growth
Work Status	Full cessation of work	Part-time work, consulting, or entrepreneurship
Social Life	Limited to small social circles	Expansive social networks and community involvement
Technology	Minimal integration; often resistant	Tech-savvy; relies on modern tech for ease of life
Housing	Traditional retirement home model	Customized living, 55+ communities, or aging in place
Wellness	Reactive healthcare when needed	Proactive, holistic wellness approach
Purpose	Retirement is the purpose	Actively seeks new purpose and learning opportunities

Conclusion: Retirement, Reimagined

Baby boomers are redefining retirement to be a time of active engagement, purpose, and connection. They prioritize health, technology, and customized living, creating a new vision for the golden years. Understanding these desires is crucial for industries serving this generation.

Visit the AARP website for more information on baby boomer trends in retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baby boomers are redefining retirement by shifting the focus from leisure to purpose. They pursue continued learning, part-time work, entrepreneurship, and meaningful volunteer opportunities, seeking to remain active and engaged rather than simply slowing down.

Technology plays a crucial role, with boomers expecting modern features for convenience and connection. They desire seamless Wi-Fi, smart home technology like voice-activated systems, and emergency alert systems to enhance their safety and independence.

Baby boomers want customized housing options. This includes modifying their existing homes for safe aging-in-place, moving to smaller, more manageable residences, or choosing active adult communities that offer resort-like amenities and social opportunities.

Health and wellness are top priorities. Boomers are proactive about maintaining their health and seek retirement communities that offer comprehensive wellness programs, fitness centers, and access to quality healthcare services, including continuing care options.

Key financial concerns include making their savings last, managing healthcare costs, and planning for potential long-term care needs. Many are also interested in financial products like annuities to ensure a stable income stream.

Having grown up in a community-oriented era, boomers value social bonds. They seek environments that offer ample opportunities for interaction, such as clubs, events, and communal spaces, to foster new relationships and combat isolation.

Yes, many baby boomers consider part-time work or even entrepreneurship after retiring from their primary careers. This is driven by a desire for continued purpose, mental stimulation, and supplemental income, rather than solely a need for rest.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.