The Silver Tsunami: Baby Boomers Moving On Up

Baby Boomers are redefining what it means to age. While most Boomers are still below the average age of residents in senior living communities, they are already imagining what they want life to look like as they move up and into their silver years. The bottom line is that Boomers want to live well — in remarkable places that are full of fun and enrichment — with opportunities for social interaction and connectivity to the world around them.

Four Features That Add Vibrancy To Senior Living Communities

Shockey has identified four features, common among many of our industry partners, which contribute to vibrancy in today’s most exciting senior living communities:

A built-in, action-packed social life, plus lovely surroundings

Residents want all the modern conveniences, resort-style amenities, and a full, hassle-free social calendar: an exceptional co-living lifestyle. Everything residents could ever need — or want — is already there.

 

Meaningful, authentic resident engagement

Authentically vibrant programming provides real ways for people to feel intellectually stimulated, connected and engaged. Consider multi-sensory activities like swimming lessons, cooking classes, knitting workshops, dance lessons, spa visits, visiting authors, and movie nights.

 

Distinctive sense of place — built to last

Today’s communities are akin to boutique neighborhoods, supplying quality homes that are full of architectural details, careful craftsmanship, blue-chip materials and finishes, landscape design, and garden areas that provide easy access to the outdoors.

Mind & body wellness

We’re seeing a much greater emphasis on wellness and memory care, ranging from mindfulness yoga and fitness classes to subtle wayfinding interior design cues. Buildings now showcase more natural daylight and small meditative areas for rest. Many communities have their own chapels or spiritual spaces. Residents are staying healthy longer and living life more richly with design features such as extended walking trails, reading benches along paths, and gathering spots for impromptu get-togethers with friends.

 


By 2030, one out of every five U.S. citizens will be of retirement age, according to the latest projections from the U.S. Census Bureau. – Multi-Housing News


 

The population is not the only thing getting older. Facilities that house senior residents age along with their inhabitants, resulting in more renovations, expansions, and repositioning of existing facilities, along with new construction.

The Shockey team considers it a privilege to build places that people call home. We strive to build vibrant living spaces that accommodate the preferences of today’s and tomorrow’s active seniors while also making allowances for specialized needs such as assisted living and memory care. In an earlier post, we shared tips for successfully negotiating the obstacles associated with expanding and renovating occupied senior housing facilities.

With nearly two million square feet of diverse senior living projects put into place in just the last 20 years, Shockey knows how to serve the unique needs of the senior housing industry. We understand that the value of a shared vision, cohesive teamwork, and excellent communication during the busy design and construction phases are critical. Whether you are considering a new, renovated, or even a support building, we invite you to contact us today. We’re ready to put our know-how and expertise to work on your next project.