Retired: What happens when they aren’t at the bridge table?

Abstract

This ethnographic study is based on in-depth interviews of retired males and females. Their perspectives on their financial condition, choice of housing, lifestyle, and health are explored. The individual interviews of 40 retirees equally split between women and men elicit responses that provide fundamental insights into the consumption and motivation of this growing consumer market. Responses indicate satisfaction with financial plans and with housing choices. The strong motivation for the family is evident. Challenges from health issues such as arthritis are frequently mentioned. The opinions of these retirees on issues such as physician-assisted suicide are included.