The demographic in the senior living industry is changing along with their needs. And in order to stay relevant, communities must adapt with them.
Baby boomers will shape the future of senior living, with the oldest of them now 76 years old and the youngest 57. By 2030, all boomers will be at least 65 years old. According to Lynne Moore, president of MDS Research Company Inc., boomers are more active, healthier, and live longer than the generations before them. They’ve seen the communities their parents were in and know what they like- and didn’t like- for themselves.
With residents’ growing desire for active senior communities, the senior living industry will have to adapt amenities and refocus its values on physical, social, and emotional wellness. To accommodate older adult’s requirements for active living communities, some changes could include:
A new emphasis on wellness
As older adults shift their interest to health and wellness, communities will adopt a new focus on wellness lifestyle and culture. This will include different dimensions of wellness as well as a healthcare component that will focus on telehealth and technology that will allow residents to keep track of their health from the comfort of their own homes.
This new generation of older adults are more interested in purposeful living and socializing with like-minded people, so the old standard the senior living industry has set for them may not last much longer.
Home design
Independent future residents are looking for more individualistic housing, and the desire to age in place may result in more communities developing single-family homes, townhomes, or buildings that resemble luxury apartments instead of the old, institutional-building look. The design of those houses will also incorporate more natural light and include common areas for socialization.
Community features
Old community amenities may get an upgrade. According to Senior Housing News, 87% of senior living professionals are considering or developing features geared toward active adults. More active features and services could include swimming pools, walking or hiking trails, gardens, and more developed fitness centers. Communities will want to please both active and passive visitors and residents with outdoor features.
Wellzesta
Wellzesta’s focus on the eight dimensions of wellness allows residents to attain the purposeful living they seek. Wellzesta believes in thriving where you are and provides residents with all of the necessary resources they need to achieve this goal.
Wellzesta Life’s goal setting technology is a tool for active residents to keep track of their physical wellness at their own pace. Life also allows for residents to create groups to connect with others who share similar interests and activities.
Click here to learn more about how Wellzesta can help your community.
