Expert perceptions of the popular baby boomer image. (19th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tavener, Meredith; Byles, Julie; Loxton, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 33:Number 4(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: E31
• Page End: E35
• Publication Date: 2013-07-19
• Subjects: Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajag12087-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>This paper explored how gerontology experts described baby boomers, whether they challenged the popular image, and if they provided alternatives to the popularly reported baby boomer behaviours and characteristics.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12087-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten experts from different areas across Australia. The interviews were semi‐structured and guided by a 'sense‐making' approach to explore the baby boomer construct and identify expert narratives that differed from the popularly tendered image.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12087-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The majority of experts were identified as baby boomers and made use of phrases associated with the popular baby boomer image, such as 'cashed up', 'reinventing retirement' and 'sea change'. Lifestyle and wealth were recognised as staple features of the popular image. To a lesser degree, the experts also recognised alternative characteristics and behaviours, including people with disabilities and those who struggle financially.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajag12087-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Experts appeared to identify with the popular baby boomer label, but not necessarily the accompanying stereotypes.</p> </sec> </abstract>