Michael Dobbs
Submitted photo
By Michael Dobbs | Sagewood Senior Living
Like many industries, senior living looks significantly different than it did 15 years ago. This unique industry is constantly changing due to medical innovations, new technologies, design trends and most importantly, the needs of residents.
By analyzing some of the largest shifts in senior living over the past decades, we are able to better understand the current needs and predict where the industry is headed in the future.
Changes in senior lifestyle
Fifteen years ago, retirement and senior living were perceived and marketed as a time to rest, recover and relax. Today, it’s seen as a time for aging adults to connect with new friends, try new things and participate in more activities than ever.
Many senior living communities have modified their offerings to meet the demands of the newest generation of retirees. They offer more experiences, classes, lifelong learning opportunities, resident-lead interest groups, musical entertainment and elevated culinary exploration to name a few.
These lifestyle changes have been proven to support resident socialization, decrease loneliness and isolation, improve cognitive health, enhance emotional well-being and reduce stress.
Incorporating all aspects of senior care
One of the biggest shifts in the industry is in the area of senior care. Health care professionals and senior living experts are taking a more holistic, well-rounded approach to resident care. The focus is no longer on treating ailments as they come to light, but creating a lifestyle to help residents live longer, healthier and more independent lives.
Senior living communities are providing access to healthy, nutritious meals and opportunities to meet with registered dietitians. They are also creating comprehensive fitness experiences for residents.
Many offer dozens of fitness experiences to choose from, including daily group fitness classes, access to state-of-the-art onsite gyms, multiple personal trainers and even resident-led athletic groups like a hiking club. There are many ways to get active in retirement and options for all different skill levels.
Healthy diet and exercise are not the only approaches to ensuring residents live longer, healthier lives. There are also more socialization opportunities to ensure emotional well-being, learning opportunities to keep the mind sharp, access to the arts and mental health practitioners available, in addition to 24/7 access to medical professionals. All this works in tandem to foster a positive, balanced senior living experience.
Trending toward continuous care
In the last 15 years, continuing care retirement communities have increased by 20%. The U.S currently has more than 2,000 CCRCs in operation, according to the National Continuing Care Residents Association. This number is projected to steadily increase as more baby boomers retire and seek out a long-term living option.
CCRCs are a type of senior living community that incorporate all levels of care so as residents age in place and need more support, they do not have to leave their homes, friends and familiarity to get the care needed. Most CCRCs have independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and long-term/short-term rehabilitation.
They have high satisfaction ratings from residents and loved ones, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care.
This is a trend that will be here to stay for many years to come, continue to grow to meet the demands of an aging population and increase in popularity as new individuals explore senior living options.
What will senior living look like in the next 15 years?
As the senior living industry continues to evolve, there are a few things we expect to see for the benefit of residents and the industry as a whole.
More residents will opt for an age-in-place model of senior living. This means more people will gravitate toward communities that cater to a long-term commitment.
There also will be more incorporation of technology in senior living. Many communities have already started to add smart home technology in resident homes, streamlined medical care through virtual platforms and upgraded dining spaces with digital technology.
Care plans will also continue to become more tailored to the individual needs of residents. This is a shift we are already seeing and expect it will become the standard model for senior living in 10 to 15 years. Customized care plans are ultimately what is best for each resident and it will become a requirement as individuals select their future homes.
Editor’s note Michael Dobbs is director of marketing and sales at Sagewood Senior Living in Phoenix. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
