Senior living communities are growing in popularity as America’s population ages. As that happens, the design principles that guide those communities are also changing. This article will focus on what people can expect from the near future of assisted living for seniors.
A Brief History of Senior Living Communities
Communities designed for senior living in Burbank were not always the stylish, dignified spaces they are today. When assisted living was initially conceptualized, the buildings were utilitarian, and the services offered were rudimentary, covering only residents’ basic needs. Thankfully, people’s attitudes toward aging have been changing, and with an increased understanding of what it means to grow older with purpose comes alterations in how senior living communities are designed.
The Baby Boomers Enter Retirement
As the Baby Boomers enter retirement, their preferences have been driving shifts in how senior living communities are set up. As a generation defined by economic prosperity and social change, the Baby Boomers expect vibrant, engaging communities that provide more than just adequate support for an aging population.
Coupled with technological advancements, social shifts in how people think about aging have created more exciting opportunities for those who want to enter assisted living. Good senior living communities offer opportunities to engage actively with others and pursue new interests. They offer communal indoor and outdoor spaces and use design principles to create peaceful, joyful environments.
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The Future of Senior Living: What to Expect
Many of the trends we’re already seeing in senior living spaces can be expected to continue unabated. Assisted living communities will likely continue to focus on providing an engaging lifestyle for residents that allows them to maintain independence while simultaneously receiving the help they need with daily activities.
Experts also believe that we will see a shift in the level of personalization of space afforded to residents in senior living communities. Operable windows and adjustable lighting levels weren’t the norm until recently, and they’re now being joined by customizable finishes that allow residents to create more personalized environments. This trend will likely continue with the full weight of modern technology behind it, offering increasing opportunities for customizing living spaces.
Another important trend to note is the increased integration of senior communities within the larger neighborhoods with greater levels of intergenerational interaction. Residents in urban communities may have opportunities in the future to share spaces with the public in cafes, fitness centers, and other common areas, providing opportunities for local organizations as well.
Finally, the trend toward increased sustainability that we have been seeing across society, at large, will likely continue to play a role in how senior living communities are designed. Assisted living communities are increasingly adopting more energy-efficient systems like geothermal heat and solar panels, reducing carbon emissions through improved construction processes, and implementing passive design strategies. Modern technology also makes it possible to track usage and promote more sustainable practices.
Current Trends Bode Well for Seniors’ Futures
The current trends that we see in assisted living communities include an increased focus on personalization of space and the maintenance of independence, integration within larger communities, and a push toward greater sustainability. These trends bode well for the future of senior living. People will continue to get greater access to the resources they need to live fulfilling lives well into retirement.
