Baby boomers' food shopping habits. Relationships with demographics and personal values

The purpose of this study was to examine baby boomers’ food shopping behaviours and to investigate their relationships with demographics and personal values. A questionnaire concerning food shopping behaviours, personal values and demographics was mailed to a random sample of 2975 people aged 40–70 years in Victoria, Australia. Usable questionnaires of 1031 were obtained. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analyses. The analyses revealed that demographics and personal values influenced shopping behaviours via different pathways among male and female baby boomers. For example, self-direction positively impacted on shopping planning for men but negatively influenced price minimization for women. Among women only, age was positively related to shopping planning and negatively to price minimization. Thus, both personal values and demographics influenced baby boomers’ shopping behaviours. Since values are more likely to be amenable to change than demographics, segmentation of the population via value orientations would facilitate targeted interventions to promote healthy food shopping.

Throwing out the baby (boomers) with the bathwater : corporate sagacity or business blunder

This paper will focus on the group of people who were born between 1946 and 1962 immediately after the Second World War when servicemen and women returned from the forces and started families. They have been named the baby boomers because of their numbers. In Australia it is estimated that there are four million baby boomers who are approaching retirement age. The paper raises the question of whether the attitudes we have about older workers need to change and mature. Evidence for questioning entrenched myths about older staff in the work force will be discussed.

The baby boomers and beyond report : physical activity levels of older Western Australians 2006

Participation in sufficient levels of physical activity provides significant health benefits, particularly in older adults. The monitoring of physical activity levels in the Western Australian population is therefore necessary for developing and implementing strategies and programs for increasing participation. The Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce (PATF) conducted a survey in 2006 to measure physical activity levels among Western Australian adults to follow-up the 1999 and 2002 state physical activity surveys. There is now widespread agreement that many health problems of older life – including the onset of frailty and disability – can be postponed or delayed by adopting health-enhancing habits such as physical activity. Adults over 65 years are the most rapidly growing age group and will continue to rise as more persons turn 65. If older adults could be encouraged to be more active as they age, frailty and disability associated with falls would be reduced, and function and physical and mental health in older people would be improved thereby reducing the burden of disease and injury. Given that physical inactivity is one of the most important and modifiable risk factors contributing to ill health, particularly for people as they age, the overall aim of this study was to examine patterns of physical activity in those aged 45 years and over – referred to hereafter as baby boomers+ – in more detail.

Australian baby boomers switched to more environment friendly modes of transport during the global financial crisis

The global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008 rocked local, regional, and state economies throughout the world. Several intermediate outcomes of the GFC have been well documented in the literature including loss of jobs and reduced income. Relatively little research has, however, examined the impacts of the GFC on individual level travel behaviour change. To address this shortcoming, HABITAT panel data were employed to estimate a multinomial logit model to examine mode switching behaviour between 2007 (pre-GFC) and 2009 (post-GFC) of a baby boomers cohort in Brisbane, Australia—a city within a developed country that has been on many metrics the least affected by the GFC. In addition, a Poisson regression model was estimated to model the number of trips made by individuals in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The South East Queensland Travel Survey datasets were used to develop this model. Four linear regression models were estimated to assess the effects of the GFC on time allocated to travel during a day: one for each of the three travel modes including public transport, active transport, less environmentally friendly transport; and an overall travel time model irrespective of mode. The results reveal that individuals were more likely to switch to public transport who lost their job or whose income reduced between 2007 and 2009. Individuals also made significantly fewer trips in 2008 and 2009 compared to 2007. Individuals spent significantly less time using less environmentally friendly transport but more time using public transport in 2009. Baby boomers switched to more environmentally friendly travel modes during the GFC.

Chasing the great Australian dream : definition of "an ideal home" among baby boomers

In Australia, the idea of home ownership or The Great Australian Dream is still perceived as the main achievement of every Australian’s life. Perception of an ideal home is changing over the decades. Each generation has special requirements criteria which foster their dwelling space. This research identifies and compares three generations’ (Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y) demographics, special requirements and perceptions regarding their ideal home. The examination of previous research and literature into the Queensland context reveals that the Baby Boomers population of people 65 and older is currently 11.8% of the state population and is expected to grow to almost one quarter of the population by 2051. This is the highest growth rate among these three generations. Further analysis of these three generations’ status and requirements shows that aging is the most critical issue for the housing systems. This is especially the case for Baby Boomers due to their demand for support services and health care in the home. The study reveals that ‘ageing in place’, is a preferred option for the aged. This raises questions as to how well the housing system and neighbourhood environments are able to support ageing in place, and what aging factors should be taken into consideration when designing Baby boomer’s home to facilitate health and wellbeing. Therefore, this research designed a qualitative approach to investigate Australian Baby Boomers homes around Queensland, predominantly in the Brisbane area, using semi-structured interviews and observations. It aims to find out the level of satisfaction of Australian Baby Boomers with their current home and their preferences and requirements in light of their ideal home. The findings contribute new knowledge in the light of ideal home mechanisms. A set of strategies has been developed from the findings that may help improve the level of comfort, safety and satisfaction that Baby Boomers experience in their current and future homes.

EUTOPIA 75+ : exploratory futures scenarios for baby boomers’ preferred living spaces

Australia is experiencing the global phenomenon of an ageing population with the baby boomer generation starting to reach retirement age in large numbers. As a result, there is a growing need for appropriate accommodation and this will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. However, the needs of the fit, mobile and techno savvy baby boomers are likely to be far different from those of previous generations of older people, but are as yet unknown and unanticipated. This paper reports on the findings of a Futuring research project to explore the preferred housing futures for the baby boomer generation in the city of Brisbane, an aspiring creative city in South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. Their future home design and service needs are predicted by firstly employing a global environmental scan of related and associated ageing futures issues. This was followed by a micro-Futuring workshop, based on Inayatullah’s Futures Triangle Analysis, to identify a range of scenarios. The key aspects of the workshop culminated in the development of a Transformational Scenario – EUTOPIA 75+. From this, a suite of six design recommendations for seniors’ housing design and smart services provision are synthesised to give a sense of direction of preferred living styles, especially in terms of physical housing spaces, with a view to identifying new house design opportunities for the allied industries and research organisations. The issues identified are also of concern for aged care service providers, retirement living developers, and for academics involved in the social and physical design of living spaces for older people.

Quête transpersonnelle et trajectoire identitaire dans la tension des paradigmes éducatifs : autoethnographie d'une éducatrice de la génération des baby-boomers

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans un paradigme compréhensif et herméneutique et dans une démarche de recherche qualitative. Elle utilise l'autoethnographie comme méthodologie. L'autoethnographie cherche à comprendre une histoire singulière sociohistoriquement inscrite dans des contextes culturels déterminés L'autoethnographie est à la fois une méthode de recherche, un style d'écriture, une oeuvre et une aventure transformatrice à travers laquelle la chercheure devient le sujet de son histoire. Ici, c'est la vie et l'expérience de la chercheure qui constitue le corpus des données. L'autoethnographie offr une invitation sensible à créer une relation dynamique entre la personne qui raconte son histoire et ses lecteurs. C'est une approche originale, qui fait appel à la vulnérabilité, à la sincérité et à l'authenticité de la chercheure. Le style d'écriture vise à décrire, à montrer et invite à pénétrer la réalité de l'expérience plutôt qu'à théoriser, expliquer ou défendre des certitudes. Cette thèse dévoile la quête transpersonnelle du sujet-chercheure qui traverse une vie d'élève, de mère, d'enseignante, d'étudiante, de formatrice d'adultes et, enfin, d'enseignante en formation initiale à l'enseignement. Une quête vécue dans la culture de l'éducation et qui s'est actualisée à travers des moments clés où se joue, dans et pour la chercheure, une tension entre des approches éducatives centrées sur la personne et son potentiel, et d'autres approches centrées sur les instruments, les contenus et l'évaluation. Cette autoethnographie est présentée sous forme de vignettes qui offrnt au lecteur l'accès à des moments significatifs de vie. La production des données s'est faite à l'aide d'outils variés tels le journal de recherche, le récit de vie, des récits phénoménologiques, des photographies, des poésies, des extraits de travaux d'étudiantes, des documents et des articles. Ces données ont été analysées et interprétées de manière qualitative et en mode écriture en vue de permettre une meilleure compréhension de l'autrice et de sa praxis.

Vieillissement actif : le maintien à domicile des baby-boomers

Cette recherche s’intéresse aux enjeux de l’habitat de demain de la génération des baby-boomers, tout particulièrement ceux nés entre 1945 et 1953, qui arrivent aujourd’hui à la retraite. C’est au carrefour de la vision de ce que signifie habiter selon des auteurs comme Benoit Goetz ( 2011), des philosophes comme Heidegger (1958), Bachelard (1957), Benjamin (1955), Büber (1962) ou encore Deleuze (1980) d’une part, soulignant les facteurs de porosité et les liens aux autres, et d’autre part les caractéristiques des baby-boomers telles que présentées par Jean François Sirinelli (2003) et Josée Garceau (2012), que se situe la recherche. Cette génération informée entend rester active et pratique des « adeptions » qui influencent par les gestes un savoir habiter et par là son habitat. L’étude de terrain a sondé les aspirations des baby-boomers en ce qui concerne leur choix résidentiel pour l’avenir, pour comprendre sur quelles valeurs et vers quels buts leur projet se construit. Le choix de méthodologies qualitatives s’appuie sur le visionnement préalable d’un film récent : Et si on vivait tous ensemble. Des entretiens semi-dirigés, auprès de cinq baby-boomers, de 60 à 65 ans, effectués en deux phases avec verbatim approuvés,étaient basés sur trois thèmes : la mémoire, l’adeption et le projet. Entre autres résultats, sont confirmés avec variantes, plusieurs concepts théoriques, comme ceux de porosité et d’ouverture par la fenêtre à la fois physique et virtuelle, mais soulignent le spectre de la maison de retraite et des préoccupations financières concernant l’avenir d’un habitat nécessairement autonome. Cette génération imprégnée par le monde technologique veut avoir accès à tout ce que propose la modernité sans pour autant perdre le sens de l’historicité de leur vie. Nés dans un monde en bouillonnement, les baby-boomers ont réinventé chaque étape de leur existence, ce qui laisse préfigurer que cette génération s’apprête à réinventer la retraite et ses sites domiciliaires. Aussi l’approche design devra-t-elle complètement se renouveler pour ces nouveaux usagers.

Análisis de la Convivencia entre las diferentes generaciones: Baby Boomers, Generación X y Generación Y, en el sector público; caso Secretaria Nacional de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT)

La presente es un ejercicio investigativo que intenta comprender cómo se produce en el ámbito laboral la interacción generacional al interior de la Secretaria Nacional de Educación Ciencia y Tecnología (SENESCYT), para dar respuesta a la hipótesis planteada respecto a si la diversidad de edad dentro de la organización incide en la eficiencia y eficacia de su gestión pública. De manera general, este trabajo de investigación se desarrolla en cuatro capítulos. En el primer capítulo se realiza un análisis de la situación actual y la estructura orgánica de la SENESCYT. En el segundo capítulo al ser un trabajo intelectual se parte de concebir a las organizaciones como fenómenos culturales y construcciones sociales en las que los seres humanos imprimen un conjunto de prácticas y conocimientos que corresponden al mundo simbólico al cual dan vida y pertenecen, también se conceptualiza a las generaciones que actualmente se encuentran en actividad laboral dentro de las organizaciones, que para el presente estudio se ha considerado la clasificación de Wendy Mondy como generación de los Baby Boomers, generación X y generación Y, buscando identificar en el tercer capítulo los principales elementos y características de los funcionarios que pertenecen a estas generaciones dentro de la institución objeto de la investigación, para posteriormente en el cuarto capítulo después de aplicar las herramientas metodológicas seleccionadas (encuesta, entrevista y observación participante), explicar cómo la interacción generacional, entre los funcionarios(a)s pertenecientes a las tres generaciones en estudio aporta a la eficiencia y eficacia de los resultados de la gestión pública de la SENESCYT. Al final se detallan algunas conclusiones y recomendaciones que refieren al campo académico y la función pública.

Trayectoria profesional de la generación de los "Baby Boomers"

Actualmente, a nivel mundial la generación de los “baby boomers” está saliendo del mercado laboral, jubilándose debido a su edad o porque están siendo desplazados por generaciones más jóvenes, lo que conlleva a que esta generación se adapte al nuevo entorno y a las nuevas circunstancias dentro de su carrera que podrían redireccionar su trayectoria profesional, pudiendo consistir en una derivación de la actividad anterior o, incluso , al inicio de una actividad completamente distinta, al buscar oportunidades para mantenerse activos, útiles y productivos durante más tiempo, abandonando su visión tradicional de carrera (inicio, meseta y decadencia de una misma actividad) y adoptando una nueva visión en la que hay cabida a frecuentes e importantes cambios de orientación, de sensibilidad y de actividad. Esta investigación analiza el contexto histórico de la generación de los “baby boomers”, los factores que han influido en las decisiones de carrera pasadas y actuales, identificando cual ha sido su trayectoria profesional y sus intenciones futuras respecto a su carrera, así como cuáles son sus principales rasgos, patrones, tendencias y comportamientos.

Características de liderazgo de los gerentes de la generación “baby boomers” y propuesta de plan de mejora de toma de decisiones estratégicas y eficacia, caso de estudio Global Engineering S.A.

El presente documento analiza las características de liderazgo de los gerentes “baby boomers” de la empresa transnacional Global Engineering S.A., que tiene oficinas en España, Cuba, Venezuela y Ecuador. Esta investigación se realiza sobre la premisa que los Gerentes de las cuatro oficinas pertenecen a la generación de los baby boomers, por lo se presenta la hipótesis de que, al pertenecer a una misma generación las características de liderazgo son similares. Los objetivos de la presente investigación, fueron el identificar las características de liderazgo de los gerentes, analizarlas, verificar si son eficaces, identificar las oportunidades de mejora y presentar un plan de mejora para la organización. Al presente estudio se lo define como exploratorio, descriptivo y correlacional, se utiliza como herramienta principal para la investigación el MLQ 5X versión corta creado por Bass y Avolio y adaptado por Vega y Zabala, se lo aplica a las cuatro oficinas de la empresa tanto a los gerentes como a los seguidores. Para la comprobación de la hipótesis, se utilizó la prueba t de Student, para establecer valores máximos y mínimos de los promedios de las características de liderazgo, para de esa manera conocer si los Gerentes de cada oficina tienen las mismas características, también se promediaron los valores resultantes de cada estilo de liderazgo para conocer si son eficaces para la realidad de la organización. Como herramienta para la mejora de toma de decisiones estratégica, se presenta el Cuadro de Mando integral, se establecen los objetivos principales para las perspectivas y se señalan los pasos de cómo debe ser el proceso de implementación del plan de coaching gerencial para la organización. De la investigación realizada se concluye que las características de liderazgo de los gerentes de la organización no se relacionan directamente con la generación a la que pertenecen, sino, dependen más del entorno, la situación y de los seguidores. Se recomienda la implementación del Cuadro de Mando Integral para mejorar la toma de decisiones estratégicas, haciendo énfasis en la propuesta de valor de implementar un plan de coaching gerencial para los gerentes de las distintas oficinas para así mejorar la eficacia de la organización.

Baby boomers and property busts

In the latter half of the 20th century the baby boom generation created an increased demand for many aspects of society including education, housing and medical services. Only now are the negative aspects resulting from this unique demand being fully considered. One of the most important issues is the impact on residential housing values which directly or indirectly affects most residents whether owning, buying or renting.
The relationship between the ageing of the baby boomers and housing values is a current topic of debate throughout the world. Particularly in the U.S.A. warnings have been sounded of a dramatic decrease in property values causing a property bust as the baby boomers move into the older generation.
This paper revisits the baby boom generation and discusses previous research in the worldwide debate concerning their impact on housing values. The status of the Australian baby boomers is examined and the future impact on residential house values in Australia is contemplated.

Baby boomers' reasons for choosing specific food shops

Purpose – Baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) are approaching retirement and there is concern about their preparation for their future health and wellbeing. Food shopping is likely to play a major role in their future lives. The purpose of this paper is to examine their reasons for choosing to buy food from particular shops and whether demographic characteristics and health status were associated with them.

Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted among a random sample of 1,037 people aged between 40 and 71 years in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were asked to indicate, from a list, their reasons for choosing to shop at particular food outlets. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between respondents' demographics and health status and their reasons for shopping at the food stores.

Findings – Multivariate analysis showed that the reasons the respondents reported in choosing shops fell into four groups: saving, convenience, quality and healthy foods, and user-friendly environment. Saving was negatively related to income, age, level of education and also linked with country of birth, religious affiliation, and marital status. Convenience was negatively associated with age and also related to health status and religious affiliation. Quality/healthy food products were positively related to age but negatively associated with body mass index, and also linked to country of birth. User-friendly environment was negatively associated with income and education and related to gender and religious affiliation.

Originality/value – The paper's results show that stores could provide more information, perhaps as signage, to their recycling and health information facilities, particularly in low socio-economic status areas. Furthermore, the social status and religious associations confirm the view that shopping reflects broad societal affiliations among baby boomers. Shopping centres can be used to provide support for health and environmental sustainability promotions.

Baby boomers' desires for future health and food services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify food and health services desired by baby boomers and to examine their likely antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach – A random sample of baby boomers in Victoria, Australia (n=1,108) completed a postal survey and rated the desirability of 13 post retirement food and health services.

Findings – The strongest demand was expressed for low cost fruit and vegetables, 24-hour GP services, environmentally friendly foods, and friendly places to meet friends and exercise, among others. Generally, psychographic variables were key predictors of demand for social (health) services, food services, and vitamin pills and herbal remedies. Demand for food services was associated with universalism values.

Research limitations/implications – The cross-sectional design prevents causal attributions; however, the findings suggest that baby boomers' demand for services falls into three groups, which are related to their psychographic characteristics.

Originality/value – Consideration of these desired services may facilitate the planning of future health and food services for this broad age group.