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.
Guest Wi-Fi is the number one ranked property amenity among travelers, and with the proliferation of devices and streaming demands, network expectations continue to rise. Robust and dependable connectivity has become a top priority for most hotel brands.
The exponential growth in connected devices has put an immense strain on the complex infrastructures of commercial properties in recent years, especially multifamily housing complexes and senior living communities. Add in a pandemic to accelerate the need for hybrid workspaces and virtual communication, and many properties have experienced a technological nightmare.
Innovation is happening all around us. From artificial intelligence (AI) to 3-D printing, countless breakthroughs have changed the way we live—improving efficiency in our daily routines and also in the workplace. Many industries have embraced these technologies, but what does innovation look like for the senior living industry?
Guest Wi-Fi is the number one ranked property amenity among travelers, and with the proliferation of devices and streaming demands, network expectations continue to rise. Robust and dependable connectivity has become a top priority for most hotel brands.
It’s no secret that consumer expectations continue to rise. The digital age has led the hospitality industry to become more competitive than ever, and the pandemic has only accelerated the need for modern hospitality technology.
The senior living technology boom has been a long time coming. Tech was not always a priority for older adults, but in recent years, usage has skyrocketed among seniors. 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. The shift towards connected communities has been gradual—when the pandemic hit, however, the industry was forced to jump headfirst into modern technology in order to keep residents safe and healthy while maintaining their quality of life and mental health.
Organizations across all industries are increasingly running analytics to accomplish a number of tasks, including informing decision-making, improving the customer experience, and figuring out which products to bring to market.
Many U.S. states have started to relax coronavirus restrictions, but older adults are advised to continue sheltering in place, as they are some of the most vulnerable to the virus. While some senior living communities have chosen to allow visitors, the vast majority continue with strict no-visitor rules. While this is the best way to keep residents safe, the loneliness has taken a toll on many.
Not too long ago, a high-speed Internet connection wasn’t a top priority for senior living communities. Fast-forward to today, and senior living communities are seeing reliable Internet become more important than ever. As COVID-19 continues to be a concern for seniors, staying virtually connected to loved ones is a necessity. Additionally, communities are seeing more move-ins from Baby Boomers and members of Generation X—and these groups are much more technologically inclined.