Bathrooms also have changed. They now feature tile walk-in showers instead of plastic tubs, while continuing to offer safety features like grab bars and seats. However, Gordon says, careful detail is paid to blending these features in so that the items fit in and there is a less of an institutional feel. (Have you heard about the big 2% problem in today's housing market?)

On average, seniors spend more than a quarter of their time on leisure activities. More than half of that time is spent watching TV. Seniors in the US spend more time reading than younger groups, devoting about 14% of their time to it, or roughly an hour a day. About a third of seniors only drive in the daytime due to a health or physical problem. 19% don't drive at all.

“Like their kids and grandchildren, today's seniors are technologically savvy—older adults are becoming the fastest-growing demographic on social media—which requires IT integration,” Gordon says. “Communities are incorporating USB ports and Wi-Fi throughout.”

ATLANTA—Senior housing designed has changed and is changing dramatically. Unlike senior living communities of yesterday, new designs are based on choice patterns and social needs instead of just financial-driven criteria.

So says Huntly Gordon, president of New South Construction. In fact, he says even residents' quarters are nicer as designers are installing a multitude of designer palettes.

“There's been a change in the furniture, fixtures and equipment, including residential-grade stainless appliances, granite countertops and attractive cabinets,” Gordon tells GlobeSt.com. “One community in Brunswick, Georgia installed Restoration Hardware furniture in its facility. Additionally, keyless entry rooms are now standard.”

Consider these statistics from SeniorAdvisor.com: Life expectancies have increased across the board. On average, people who live to 65 can expect to live about 20 more years. In spite of common health issues, seniors feel pretty good about their health in general. Seventy-eight percent of people over 65 rated their health as good, very good, or excellent.

Bathrooms also have changed. They now feature tile walk-in showers instead of plastic tubs, while continuing to offer safety features like grab bars and seats. However, Gordon says, careful detail is paid to blending these features in so that the items fit in and there is a less of an institutional feel. (Have you heard about the big 2% problem in today's housing market?)

On average, seniors spend more than a quarter of their time on leisure activities. More than half of that time is spent watching TV. Seniors in the US spend more time reading than younger groups, devoting about 14% of their time to it, or roughly an hour a day. About a third of seniors only drive in the daytime due to a health or physical problem. 19% don't drive at all.

“Like their kids and grandchildren, today's seniors are technologically savvy—older adults are becoming the fastest-growing demographic on social media—which requires IT integration,” Gordon says. “Communities are incorporating USB ports and Wi-Fi throughout.”