ARC Linkage Project- Evaluation of Independent Senior Living Alternatives

Economic, social, psychological and environmental evaluation of independent senior living alternatives in Australia
 

While it’s common knowledge that Australia is rapidly ageing, knowledge – especially empirical knowledge – about accommodation options for Australia’s ageing population, is not so common.
 

About this research project
Retirement village accommodation in Australia is expected to grow by as many as 115,000 units over the next twenty years, a tripling of the current industry. Stimson et al (2002) identifies the significant push-pull factors, but little or no work has been undertaken to identify spill over impacts to the broader community.

This study investigates the economic, social, psychological and environmental impacts that accrue to a range of stakeholders. Topics under investigation include cost savings to government funded assistance and infrastructure, psychological and social benefits to residents and their families, project and asset management efficiency, and turnover of housing stock.

National and community benefit arising out of this project
The rapid ageing of the Australian population presents a critical challenge to economic, health and social policy. Housing is an important part of this matrix of policies, but has so far received scant attention, whether in Australia or internationally.
 

This project will provide unique data on the relationships between key economic, built environment, social, psychological and health variables that should be considered in the provision of retirement accommodation. Relative to independent senior living, no similar integrative work has been attempted.
 

This research falls within national research priority goals including ageing well, ageing productively, and strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric.

This research project, funded jointly by the Australian Research Council (ARC), 26 Seniors Living Industry sponsors, and three universities (The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales, and Bond University), is the largest-ever Australian research grant examining the costs and benefits of a range of seniors living alternatives. Including cash and in-kind contributions, the value of this research effort is conservatively estimated at AU $1,500,000.
 

To learn more about this important research project – our history, our sponsors, and our research
team. Click here