The senior living industry is bracing for a transformative shift as baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, begin to move into senior living communities. With the typical age of incoming independent living residents ranging between 75 and 84, the eldest boomers, now 78, are already entering these communities.
Operators not only face the challenge of scaling operations to accommodate an unprecedented influx of residents, they must also adapt to their residents’ unique expectations. Baby boomers bring a distinct set of values and priorities shaped by their life experiences. They seek active, purposeful lives, valuing personalized, flexible, and tech-enabled experiences that align with their lifestyles.
Meeting these elevated expectations requires operators to make strategic investments in scalable technology solutions that enhance resident experiences, streamline operations, and redefine industry standards. Here, we explore key strategies for exceeding the expectations of baby boomer residents.
Older adults are embracing technology at historic rates; 61% of people aged 65 or older own smartphones. They’re coming into communities with their own smartphones, fostering the expectation to be able to access community information and communication portals. To meet this need, communities must offer mobile-friendly platforms that provide seamless access to essential resources like activity calendars, dining menus, and communication tools.
A resident portal empowers individuals to stay informed and engaged while fostering independence. With intuitive, customizable technology, residents of varying tech proficiency can easily access the information they need. These solutions not only enhance the resident experience but also reduce the burden on staff by streamlining communication and self-service options.
Personalization is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. The senior living personalization process starts at intake, where resident interviews and preference data are collected and stored digitally. This information forms the foundation of tailored community experiences, informing everything from meal planning to activity programming.
With resident preference information easily accessible everywhere, staff are better able to create personalized experiences. For instance, activity planning software that takes resident preferences into consideration when suggesting activities can help staff create activity programming that speaks to resident preferences. Additionally, tracking attendance data allows staff to identify trends, refine offerings, and address potential concerns proactively. For example, if a resident’s participation in activities declines, staff can quickly intervene to provide support.
Leveraging technology in this way can make human interactions more meaningful, empowering staff with the tools and information they need to deliver personalized interactions that help residents feel seen.
For baby boomers, senior living isn’t just about physical care—it’s about holistic wellness. Nearly two-thirds of older adults rate their health as “good” or “excellent,” and they seek communities that support their mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.
To address this, operators should offer diverse programming that caters to varying interests and personality types. Activities should range from social gatherings to introspective opportunities, ensuring both extroverted and introverted residents feel fulfilled.
Technology can support these initiatives by providing staff with access to a library of engagement content, from lifelong learning resources to interactive wellness activities. Communication tools can also help staff connect residents with shared interests, fostering deeper social connections. By emphasizing holistic wellness, operators can create vibrant communities where residents thrive in all areas.
Baby boomers aren’t the only stakeholders senior living operators must consider. Family members, particularly the “sandwich generation” (adults aged 45 to 60 juggling care for both children and aging parents), play a significant role in the decision-making process.
To ease their burden, communities should offer dedicated family portals where loved ones can stay informed. These portals can include visibility into activity calendars, meal plans, participation data, and communication tools for sending messages or photos. By providing transparency and easy access to information, communities can build trust and peace of mind for families.
Baby boomers’ entry into senior living communities marks a turning point for the industry. Operators who proactively align their offerings with this generation’s expectations will not only increase resident satisfaction and length of stay, but also empower staff to provide consistent, high-quality experiences across multiple locations. By prioritizing personalization, flexibility, and convenience, communities can help residents feel truly seen and set a new standard for creating exceptional senior living experiences for current and future generations.