Boomers Are Rewriting Retirement: It’s About Lifestyle

Senior Trust Retirement Village Income Generator (STIG) says property wealth is being converted into better living for retirees and, not just a roof over heads.

Baby boomers are entering retirement with a clear vision of how they want to live, and, for the most part, they’re far from slowing down but instead seeking high-amenity communities that offer connection, wellness, and security.

STIG Executive Director Scott Lester says the demand for premium retirement villages is a sign of a generation choosing to age on its own terms.

“We are seeing boomers use their housing equity to create the retirement lifestyle they want,” Lester says. “For many, it’s about freeing themselves from maintenance, enjoying purpose-built spaces, and staying socially connected.”

Demand for these communities is expected to climb for decades. The population over 75 is projected to nearly double in the next 20 years, and with it, expectations for what retirement should look like are changing. Today’s retirees want access to green spaces, cultural activities, and integrated health services, not just accommodation.

Lester says these developments are not merely luxury products but critical social infrastructure.

“Every time someone moves into a retirement community, a family home is released back into the market, which is good for younger buyers,” he says. “It also reduces pressure on the public health system by supporting preventive care and wellness.”

Developers are investing in wellness centres, shared spaces, and services that give residents greater independence. The model supports ageing in place with a continuum of care, allowing people to remain in their community even as health needs change.

He says policymakers should see this as a public good. “Supporting the development of high-quality, age-friendly communities is a win-win for New Zealand. It meets the needs of an ageing population while freeing up housing supply for younger families.”