Sustainability Literacy of Older People in Retirement Villages

Abstract

With many developed countries experiencing the aging of the population, older people play a large role in contributing to environmental problems but also to environmental solutions. The purpose of this research is to understand the awareness and behavior of current older people living in retirement villages towards sustainability development. To achieve this, a sustainability literacy survey was conducted with 65 older residents of a private retirement village located 10 Km outside the Brisbane, Australia's central business district (CBD). Most of residents recognized the importance of environment protection and would like to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. In addition, the majority were willing to pay higher prices for a living environment with sustainable features. The importance of positive social communications was emphasized with most residents having established good relationships with others in the village. The findings provide an important insight into consumer perspectives regarding the sustainable features that should and can be incorporated into the village planning and development.

Sustainable Retirement Village for Older People: A Case Study in Brisbane, Australia

“…A retirement village should be pleasant to live in, has community spirit, good facilities and leisure activities. In Keperra Sanctuary, most of the respondents (more than 90%) agree with the importance of attending social group activities and having sufficient engagement with other village residents (Xia et al 2014). Additionally, the village maintains the culture of a traditional neighbourhood where people care about their neighbours and help each other.…”

Understanding the Dynamic Behaviour of the Australian Retirement Village Industry: A Causal Loop Diagram

“…In particular, maintaining social networking is one of the attractions for potential residents (Buys, 2001;Adams et al, 2004) because they normally provide various social and leisure activities (Grant, 2007). A study by Xia et al (2014) reported that 46% of residents always attend social group activities, with another 42% usually attending. In addition, RVs can provide a positive built and social environment with various services, amenities, wider neighborhood and a suitable pedestrian infrastructure.…”

Exploring the Sustainable Retirement Village Concept in the Malaysian Context: An Initial Review

“…However, Liddle, Scharf, Bartlam, Bernard and Sim (2014) noted that the concept is only focused on the social and economic sustainability of the retirement village without taking into account the environmental sustainability element. Meanwhile, in Australia, the green features are highly emphasized in environmental sustainability as it has a significant impact on the daily life of the residents (Xia, Zuo, Skitmore, Buys, & Hu, 2014).…”