Expectation after retirement of Baby Boomer and Generation X Groups in Bangkok and Chiang Mai Settings

Abstract

This research aims to study expectation after retirement between two ages groups: Baby Boomer and Generation X who live in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The study is based on research assumption that there are different expectations after retirement between two generation groups and between two cultural settings. The target groups are two ages: Baby Boomer and Generation X groups who live in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Research tools are a questionnaire interview to collect differentiation of behaviour and retirement needs. A hundred respondent representing each target group, totally 400 people, were interviewed. The results show that, firstly, culture’s settings affect retirement expectation. Both generation groups in Bangkok expect to have an income after retiring. They also expect a better health insurance covering health-related expenses, physical and mental health guidance. The favourite relaxing places are a shopping mall, supermarket and the market. In opposite, both generations in Chiang Mai expect to have a relax retirement life with their families. They also need elderly-support utilities for their houses and day-activity for relaxing as a regular hobby. Their favourite places are Buddhist temples, a shopping mall and the market. Secondly, expectation for retirement activities between two generations are different., since the baby boomer has already been an elderly who are more likely to stay home, watching TV and cooking,: while the generation X has become a pre-aged group who typically use internet and social network. However, all four target groups share the same retirement expectation needs which are aged-in-place, living among their families, and living in a detach house if it is possible. In conclusion, the cultural settings affect retirement expectation much more than the generation attitudes do. The upcoming generation X elderly group will tend to conduct social network activities in both face-to-face and digital communication much more than the current situation. The elderly public space then would become much common and an important perspective in the near future.