Boomer Retirees:
How They're Changing Senior Living Communities

Boomers are retiring in droves and many are choosing to divest themselves of the large residence they no longer need and ditch the expense and effort of maintaining a single-family home for a more carefree lifestyle. They are right-sizing and seeking a new place to plant roots. What they are not willing to sacrifice is comfort and lifestyle. What they demand are choices.

So what trends are Boomers creating in their wake? If you're a senior housing professional, you already know that facility features available to seniors even just 10 years ago don't necessarily appeal to today's active retirees. What do they want?

• Age in Place — Continuum of care facilities that allow seniors to stay put through each life stage hold huge appeal. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing facilities within a single community means relocation to another facility to obtain the care they require is unnecessary.
• All the Comforts of Home — Spartan living units and facilities are a thing of the past. Today's seniors expect walk-in closets, spacious bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens and in-unit laundry. They are looking for well-designed facilities with architectural interest and beauty, fully landscaped grounds, welcoming lobbies and sunlit community and activity rooms. Downsizing no longer means sacrificing conveniences or aesthetics.
• Wellness Center and Alternative Therapies — Exercise classes and fitness centers, wellness programs, visiting health professionals, hydro-therapy pools, reminiscence therapy in memory care units and similar options attract today's retirees.
• Connectivity and Sense of Community — Boomers bring an increased emphasis on socialization, thus organized group activities and events, escorted outings, life-long learning and internet cafés have broad appeal. An on-site hair salon, 24/7 quick market, coffee shop, atrium, courtyard and spaces for socializing are not only convenient, but help create a sense of community by providing places for residents to intermingle regularly.
• Senior-Friendly Technology — Smart systems that track meds and vital signs, wireless networks that provide mobile support, phones and tablets with larger screens and fonts and similar technology that enhances quality of life are being embraced by Boomers.
• Green Community — As eco-consciousness grows, seniors are evaluating their choices with a Green mindset. Not only do residents feel good about their housing decision, but going Green provides efficiencies for the facility that can lower operating costs.
• Pet-Friendly — Growing older shouldn't mean surrendering your “fur baby.” Loving and caring for an animal companion has proven health benefits and more seniors are choosing facilities where pets are welcome.
• Place for Faith — An on-site chapel or group transportation to nearby churches allows community residents to practice their faith regularly and communally.
• Intergenerational Connections — Seniors and youngsters both gain from sharing space and time together. Some cutting edge senior communities are incorporating intergenerational programs and even including daycare facilities and K-3 schools with senior mentor programs within the facility to encourage a mixing of the ages.

Having an architect on your team that understands these trends and your challenges in creating a successful, sought-after facility can help ensure your senior living community thrives and your investment pays dividends.

Talk to ADCI's senior living facility experts Bill Ryan or Meg Roback about your next project.