A recent study conducted in America has uncovered a wealth of defining facts, figures and insights into what retirement lifestyle trends are being driven and shaped by the demand of baby boomers, and the results are being closely observed as far afield as Australia as the national population of retirees increases.

According to the research, compiled by American residential developers PulteGroup, added amenities and extra features within homes count for some of the most attractive qualities when baby boomers chose a residence for retirement.

Multi-car garages, open-air decks or patios, eat-in kitchens, and private yards or outdoor spaces were just a few of the dominating features that are increasing in retirement village home design.

Approximately 38% of baby boomers in the USA plan to buy a new home within the next three years, and around 11% expect to purchase a residence within the coming year.

Of the 1,043 respondents, all aged between 50 and 65, 39% want to downsize, and 30% want to move to a more desirable location for their retirement.

"Retirement marks a new phase in a baby boomer’s life, and it only seems natural to relocate or move to a new home when transitioning away from their primary career, or from the day-to-day rearing of school-aged children," says Jay Mason, vice president of market intelligence for PulteGroup.

"It’s not surprising that the 55+ buyer wants a variety of options and choices in their homes,” he said.

The trends are a strong reflection on the current retirement trends in Australia, and with research firm McCrindle predicting that by the year 2020 there will be more people aged 50 (338,081) than any other age in the country with the majority of this generation to reach retirement by the same year, the growth is expected to grow exponentially.