Golden Years Enrichment: Exploring the Basic Needs as Motivational Factors Encouraging Retirement Village Living

Abstract

As there is an increase in the aging population globally, the concept of retirement village living is gaining prominence as a viable and enriching option for older adults. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the underlying motivational factors that influence seniors’ decision to move into retirement villages. Grounded by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the research explores how basic needs help to encourage the transition of the elderlies into the retirement village settings. This study is a pilot survey whereby a quantitative method is used. A structured survey was developed and distributed to a sample of 30 adults currently residing in Kuching. The study identifies the motivational factors that encourage the movement of the future elderlies to the retirement village. The findings clearly indicate that fulfilling physiological and safety needs serves as a primary factor for older adults in choosing to live in retirement village. Hence, this research contributes to the broader disclosure on senior living and offers strategic insights for policymakers, developers and gerontology professionals aiming to support dignified and fulfilling ageing experiences.