When we talk about residents of senior living in 2023, we’re referring to members of the baby boomer and Gen X generations. Baby boomers are much more technologically adept than their counterparts from a few decades ago. In fact, a recent Pew study found that 40 percent of seniors now own smartphones. In fact, a recent Pew study found that 61 percent of seniors now own smartphones. Let’s explore the topic more thoroughly.
Guest needs are not the only priority for property managers and owners; maintaining a safe environment for staff is another critical challenge to address. Industry-wide mandates ensure that hospitality properties of all sizes remain focused on developing a safe environment for all staff. Staff safety in Hospitality is an issue: A 2022 study found that more than 60% of respondents experienced sexual harassment, verbal and psychological bullying or racial abuse, while more than 70% witnessed these behaviors.
The baby boomer generation is changing the way senior living properties operate. Not only are these individuals more independent and tech-savvy then their historical counterparts, but they’re also living longer. The life expectancy for the world in 2022 was 72.98 years.
Most anyone could look at student housing, which is being occupied now by digital natives in Gen Z, and state that obviously technology is going to continue to grow and impact this market. But technology just for the sake of technology isn’t advantageous to student housing operators, nor is it particularly attractive to today’s student residents. After all, if it was, you’d be seeing each lease come with an Internet connected crockpot or toaster. It’s the technology products that truly impact “the way we interact with our world” that will have the largest effect on student housing.
In the event one of your tech systems has an outage or simply isn’t working properly, do you have the resources on hand to rectify the problem internally? Or would you need to call in a hired hand?
When you think about the latest technology in the Hospitality industry, usually things like high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi, over-the-top content, video, IPTV, and other similar technologies pop into your mind.
If you've ever searched for a managed Wi-Fi, video, or voice provider for a senior living community, you're probably aware that there are many options available to provide these services to residents and staff. Considering that these systems are a significant investment for your property, it's in your best interest to do your due diligence and research the available solutions, as well as find a provider that can customize and support a solution to meet the unique needs of your community and residents, now and in the future.
Senior living communities have changed significantly over the last several years. Not only are seniors living longer—the current life expectancy in the US is 79 years old—but today’s seniors are also much more technologically proficient than their counterparts were a decade ago. More seniors are moving into communities with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless gadgets, and the number of devices will only increase as time goes on.
In the digital age, the Hospitality industry is becoming more competitive than ever before. Guests’ expectations are constantly changing, and to grow your business, you need to stand out from the competition. It can be valuable to meet and exceed expectations by offering exemplary experiences in every interaction, and this includes technology.
Investing in any kind of technology is a big, often expensive decision. By performing due diligence, assessing options, and taking your time, you can find the right solution for your hotel.