Longer Life Spans Have Remade Senior Living

The aging population is the fastest growing population in the US, and the demographic is dramatically changing senior living communities. Seniors, who are living longer and healthier lives, want similar high-quality amenities as a hotel or class-A apartment complex and proximity to local entertainment amenities and walkability. In Phoenix, there is a significant retirement community and a growing demand for high-end senior living communities.

“We are finding that there is an evolution in senior living. People are coming into our communities later in life and on a needs-driven basis, and they are living longer, so we need to give them more,” Alana Mann, president and owner of The Statesman Group, tells GlobeSt.com. “The biggest component that we see changing is that people are more active and they are living longer, and their needs and wants are evolving as they are aging. A 75-year-old is no longer a senior; they don’t look at themselves as seniors. People are putting a lot of emphasis on health and wellness, and they are eating well and staying active. These senior communities are becoming hotels, and they are unbelievable.”

The Statesman Group has been developing senior living communities for 25 years, and is adapting quickly to these new needs. They have outlined five emerging trends that they are incorporating in their new facilities. Facilities need independent living that allow seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle; all-inclusive residency plans that offer health and wellness services and meal plans; resort-style amenities, like a pool and spa, craft spaces, outdoor spaces and fitness centers; chef-driven dining with local farm-fresh ingredients; and close proximity to entertainment, dining and healthcare services. “We have really seen the growth take off four to five years ago, and it is not only with seniors, it is with everyone,” explains Mann. “People realize the importance of good health, and I think that people are recognize it now. People are starting to think about how they want to live and how long they want to live. It is becoming an epidemic where people are taking this mindset.”

Because of these trends, location has become integral to the senior living center. “Location is number one,” adds Mann. “We are looking for walkability where residents can walk out of their door to the best in dining, shopping and entertainment. They want connectivity. The day of seniors being behind closed doors is gone, so location is key. Where you build your senior living needs to be close to shopping and dining.”

When the developer first started, the average age of residents was 75 years old. Today, it is 89 years old, and the average resident is much more active than ever before. This population is driving more development in Phoenix, and the firm has plans to expand nationally, driven by this trend. “The aging population is the fastest growing population now,” says Mann. “By 2030, the number of Americans turning 65 is going to out number the Americans turning 25. As developers we see that there is going to become a supply and demand issue, and we need to be cognizant of that.”