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.
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.
Technology has disrupted many industries over the last decade. Amazon, eBay, and many other online retailers have experienced tremendous growth in the use of e-commerce, leading to the reduction of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Uber and Lyft have dominated market share over the traditional taxi cab industry. Airbnb and VRBO are changing how vacations and reservations are booked, and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have uprooted the video rental industry.
The addition of Wi-Fi services to senior living properties is now a standard amenity and less of a diamond-in-the-rough offering. Many Healthcare properties offer Wi-Fi to their residents, either to drive competitive advantage or as an opportunity to upsell them on additional services.
Guests at Hospitality properties and residents at Senior Living communities increasingly expect up-to-date technology experiences. In an increasingly digitally connected world, people rely on their devices to carry out everyday tasks.
The last few years have taken all of us for quite a wild ride. America has been through other pandemics, terrorist attacks, and recent wars, but nothing has completely shifted our way of life like COVID-19 in recent history. The worldwide pandemic brought our country to a near halt and put immense pressure on our nation’s healthcare system, and our readiness for this situation.
Even a decade 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. COVID-19 emphasized the necessity of keeping residents connected. Residences are seeing more move-ins from Baby Boomers and members of Generation X—and these groups are much more technologically inclined.
