The Baby Boomer population is aging. An increasing number of consumers in the industry—now estimated at 10,000 boomers hitting 65 daily according to a recent study—means that they can demand a wider variety of choices.
Today’s senior living communities must provide a high level of amenities and improved interior designs, or they risk having unhappy residents and lost business. There are plenty of evolving or emerging trends to watch out for in 2016.
Hospitality Design Concepts
Many senior living facilities are opting for a hospitality-style design similar to what you would find in a hotel. Rehab facilities are designed in a resort-style manner. Rehab after an injury is serious business, and having the amenities necessary to focus on that process allows many seniors to recover in peace, putting all of their energy into regaining the ground they’ve lost.
55+ Restricted Housing
Most age-restricted communities require that at least one member of every household be over the age of 55 in order to qualify for residence. In some cases, additional requirements are added: that every member of the household must be over a certain age, or that visits from grandchildren are restricted to a specific length of time. These restrictions are designed to provide peace and quiet, as well as a sense of community among older community members.
Homelike Settings
Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities are moving far away from an institutionalized feel. Baby boomers aren’t content to move into a place that feels like a hospital. Instead, they’re asking for homelike settings that maximize resident privacy and dignity. Rooms are more like miniature apartments than hospital rooms.
Integrated Technology Use
Technology has made an incredible number of advances possible for aging baby boomers.
From wearable devices that can alert emergency personnel or private contacts in the event of a fall to GPS-equipped devices that help individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia remain within a set geographic area, improvements in technology have made it possible for seniors to age with more grace and dignity than ever.
All of these innovations and more have also helped make home care a more viable option for many seniors. Senior Planning Services, a tri-state area Medicaid planning firm, cites a recent AARP study which estimates that nearly 90% of people over age 65 now want to remain in their home for as long as possible.
Rebranding CCRCs
Continuing Care Retirement Communities previously focused on the later stages of care, when many seniors require medical or personal assistance. Now, however, they’re rebranding themselves as Life Plan Communities. In these communities, the focus is on helping seniors to live a full and active life for as long as possible. Often, the communities include activities that are designed to appeal to seniors who are past retirement age, yet still living life fully.
Expanding Urban Options
Location matters! Many senior care facilities are now moving into urban areas. These centers need to be near areas that appeal to seniors—and being located near shopping malls or outlet centers just aren’t going to cut it anymore.
Flexibility and the Future
Today’s seniors can’t predict how long they’re going to live or what assistance they’ll need in their later years. Medical technology is changing rapidly, and many seniors are outliving their initial estimates. As a result, facilities are designed with flexibility and the future in mind. They provide for a senior’s needs in the present while still offering what they will need as their health deteriorates.
Attractions for the Local Community
Elder-friendly housing is designed with all the features of private homes, but with advantages that many seniors will appreciate as everyday living becomes more difficult. It’s not just that the private homes have elder-friendly designs like low sinks, a lack of stairs, and grab bars in the bathroom. They also offer a community kitchen, rec room, and other facilities for easy, convenient social interaction.
Emphasis on Wellness
Seniors aren’t just waiting for age to take them anymore. Instead, they’re living full and active lives for just as long as possible. As part of that, they’re placing a heavier emphasis on wellness programs that include healthy eating, exercise, and other strategies to keep seniors living to their full potential.
Green Living
Baby boomers are aware of the need for sustainable living features, and they’re choosing retirement communities that reflect it. There’s a strong use of biophilic design and colors that stem from nature. Not only that, energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and other green building techniques are encouraged across the community.
Senior living design is never static. Resident preferences are constantly evolving, and senior care facilities must adapt in order to meet the changing needs of many seniors. Senior living options have come a long way from the clinical living options of old. Today’s seniors have an expanding number of options that reflect the personalities and requirements of the baby boomer generation.
This guest post is written by Benny Lamm, a communication specialist and blogger. He enjoys playing the guitar, spending time with family and social networking.
