The impact of Socio-Demographic variables on the Retirement Environment

Abstract

Objective - Demands for Urban Retirement Environments have attracted much attention in the industry for senior citizens. This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic profile and antecedent factors influencing adults' decisions and preparedness toward retirement environment facilities in two urban settings. Methodology/Technique – This study uses a quantitative cross-sectional approach using the descriptive-normative survey method with a modified self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected in Greater Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Mail survey respondents returned 369 usable questionnaires yielding a 14.5% response rate. Hypotheses were analyzed using the structural model. Finding – The study found that the urban population was receptive to retirement preparation with financial Planning and health insurance commitments. The majority, 72%, engaged with exercise and 80% with lifelong learning activities and profited from a better health status. In addition, 69% to 72% were more well-prepared to welcome home care and daycare service packages. However, it was a natural preference to accept lower fees up to RM300, even though most hold health insurance plans, and the higher-income respondents with more than RM75,000 annual income showed a willingness to pay between RM1000 to RM5000 for institutional care services. Novelty – This study has examined significant relationships between the level of retirement preparedness, namely the three elements, financial Planning, health insurance, and lifelong Learning, with their socio-demographic profile. It also provides the gaps and potential greenfield versus brownfield areas for investment. The aged care providers and insurance companies have a potential niche market in developing and collaborating using the above elements in developing retirement insurance and investment package strategies. Together they can generate more options to build sustainable retirement environment business agenda. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: I11, I12, I13, Keywords: Retirement, Financial Planning, Health Insurance, Lifelong Learning, Technology Advancement Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Fung, C.S; Jaafar, S; Ismail, R.M; Rahim, A.S.A. (2022). The impact of Socio-Demographic variables on the Retirement Environment, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 10(3), 190–219. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2022.10.3(8)