title: Expert perceptions of the popular baby boomer image.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper explored how gerontology experts described baby boomers, whether they challenged the popular image, and if they provided alternatives to the popularly reported baby boomer behaviours and characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten experts from different areas across Australia. The interviews were semi-structured and guided by a 'sense-making' approach to explore the baby boomer construct and identify expert narratives that differed from the popularly tendered image.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of experts were identified as baby boomers and made use of phrases associated with the popular baby boomer image, such as 'cashed up', 'reinventing retirement' and 'sea change'. Lifestyle and wealth were recognised as staple features of the popular image. To a lesser degree, the experts also recognised alternative characteristics and behaviours, including people with disabilities and those who struggle financially.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Experts appeared to identify with the popular baby boomer label, but not necessarily the accompanying stereotypes.
authors: Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Meredith
authors: M
authors: Tavener
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Byles
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Loxton
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007802:Language; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011158:Population Growth; D011287:Prejudice; D011639:Public Opinion; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: ageing; baby boomer; expert; interview; sense-making