How To Help Seniors Aging in Place?

An estimate shows by 2050, a third of the U.S. population will be 65 and older. The growing number of senior communities and improved healthcare technology gives us a reason to rethink the housing products for seniors and our neighborhoods.

Generally, there are two housing products for seniors. One is without care, and the other provides mixed levels of preventative, rehabilitative, or nursing care services. See the different classifications summarized below:

This article will focus on the first type: senior housing without assistant care.

This kind of senior housing is also called “independent living,” They are housing designed exclusively for aging-well seniors. These housings only offer to a group age 55 and up, known as an “age-restricted community.” Their products such as retirement homes or senior apartments appeal to people between the age of 65–75.

When the earlier baby boomers first became empty nesters, they were ready to downsize all their belongings and give up their front door, porch, and garden to move to a more convenient and centralized downtown location. Yet, in recent years the land cost has become high, and those seniors are not interested in housing with a smaller footprint. So more of the senior housing and homes stay in suburban areas where those elder residents used to live.

The coming retirement generation was born between 1955 and 1964 and is currently in its 60s. They are seen as the second half of the Baby Boomer generation. Those born in 1955 were probably familiar with the impact of an outbreak, as that was the year Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was declared safe and effective.

They are known for being less frugal, enjoying life experiences, and valuing a lot of independence. This generation also have more people with higher education. Therefore, what they are looking for in their retirement home differs from those born in 1928–1949 (during their retirement age).

For example:

So how do our housing products meet their need? Good planning should focus on these attributes:

Twenty years ago, builders built senior living communities in areas that were quiet and out of the way. But now, more and more senior housing has grown into a larger community and interacts with different generations in the community. They often are located in family-oriented neighborhoods. This mixed-generation lifestyle is considered a way to improve their overall wellness.

Inside the senior housing, the management team often offers residents supporting programs to help their minds and bodies. Their program evolved to focus not only on fitness options but also on healthier food. Some management providers also partner with the medical system to give residents access to better care.

Regarding their outdoor environment, they prefer a high-quality nature environment, whether it is a public park or an outdoor amenity. Lia Marshall, a Ph.D. from UCLA, found that the old groups she studies share “an enjoyment of natural beauty with an appreciation for tranquility, plants and fresh air.”

Those activities such as Tai Chi, folk dance, group photography, or chess games in the park also lead to more friendship and exercise.

However, it is not crucial for them to live close to the parks. According to the 2021 NRPA survey, only 60% of baby boomers currently have walkable access to a park, while access to parks for Gen Z and Millennials is far more common.

Ellen Langer once did a “counterclockwise” experiment back in 1981. She invited eight men in their 70s to a monastery in New Hampshire. She stuffs all the props in the monastery and designs the setting to conjure 1959. After five days of living together as if these older men were in their 40s again, they left with several outperformed measurements, such as improved sight, posture, or grip strength. Professor Langer thought that was all because their body went with their mind. Put their minds in an earlier time, and their bodies will go along the ride.

Her experiment shows not only the effectiveness of “priming” (to be young) but also a common issue of “retirement migration.” Many people pursue their retirement dreams by moving to places they always wanted to live. But only to find out they are more isolated from family and friends, which leads to a less wellness condition.

Lastly, double-checking with industry standards and local codes is a fundamental way to consider a project seriously.

Like other building types, senior housing must follow the local zoning and state general building code. Since each state has its regulation, I am highlighting a few basics to conclude this discussion.

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