When we hear “senior living,” we think of modest rooms, shared dining halls, and scheduled bingo nights. With communities focused on physical needs and enhancing the everyday life of older people, one could say senior living follows a standard format.
That format may have worked for residents in the past, but each generation’s needs are different.
We are entering a new era with baby boomers behind the wheel in senior living, and they are looking for something different. As they begin exploring places where their retirement and care take center stage, they look for much more than the basics.
What is this generational shift telling senior living providers? Future senior residents want personalization, convenience, and innovative technology, and you should deliver if you want them in your community.
Baby Boomer Tech Adoption
Let’s take a moment to get to know the generation taking senior living by storm. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, came of age in post-World War II’s rapid growth and optimism. As such, they have always had higher expectations for comfort, autonomy, and innovation. Some call them the “me generation.”
Of course, that mindset has not faded with age. Unlike their parents and grandparents, baby boomers are far from resisting new tech. Most of them own smartphones, use smart home devices, and rely on the internet for (almost) everything.
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the beginning of impressive senior living technology trends. Before the outbreak, only 10% of baby boomers had used telemedicine. After the outbreak, that number jumped to 48%. The use of curbside pickup at restaurants also skyrocketed by 300%. Websites, chatbots, and mobile apps usage saw a 9% increase.
A staggering 88% of baby boomers declared that technology helped them through the COVID crisis, and they plan to continue using digital tools to make life easier. Without a doubt, their generation is tech-savvy and open to learning.
5 Baby Boomer Expectations
With baby boomers as the future senior residents of retirement and assisted living communities, their reality has significant implications for providers. The current look of the buildings, the activities held, or the meals served might not make it to the top of the list as easily as they did for past generations. Here are five baby boomer expectations that could be non-negotiable.
1. Safety
This generation wants peace of mind integrated in modern tech, not just call buttons and locked doors. Smart security systems with monitoring and 24/7 emergency response services are now essential.
2. Connectivity
Baby boomers, like the younger generations after them, need reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi that supports multiple devices. These potential residents will expect to be able to FaceTime their grandchildren, stream TV, and shop online, too.
3. Wellness
Unsurprisingly, baby boomers expect proactive health support. Besides telemedicine for effortless checkups, wearables for health monitoring are taking over.
4. Entertainment
Nobody will be surfing channels on communal TVs anymore. The new standard is on-demand entertainment, customizable viewing experiences, and emerging technologies like virtual reality.
5. Engagement
Whether through community apps, virtual classes, or social events, baby boomers value lifelong learning and connection opportunities.
Why Most Facilities Are Falling Short
Based on the above senior living technology trends, it is undeniable that most communities and facilities are struggling to keep up. More baby boomers are walking out the door than signing up, and we cannot blame it just on the pricing models or competition. Here are three major hurdles for facilities:
- Outdated Infrastructure: Many senior living buildings were designed before modern technology, making upgrades difficult without substantial investment.
- Fragmented or Unreliable Tech Solutions: With different technology providers offering various solutions, finding compatible systems can be a roadblock.
- Inability to Meet Rising Resident Expectations: Without a clear strategy, especially for digital ones, facilities fail to deliver the expected personalized experiences.
Those that do not adapt risk being left behind by forward-thinking competitors. As an owner, manager, and administrator of a senior living facility, you need a partner for an efficient and effective evolution.
How Allbridge Meets the Demands of Future Senior Residents
As a trusted provider of property technology solutions, Allbridge guarantees you will be ready to serve the new generation of seniors. What do we bring to your building?
Integrated Safety and Security Solutions
In one intuitive system, we have smart safety and security solutions that combine real-time alerts, video monitoring, emergency response, and data insights.
Seamless, Property-Wide Connectivity
Our networks come with lightning-fast, dependable internet access across your entire property. Let your residents stream, video chat, or easily manage digital devices.
Partnerships for Wellness and Telehealth Tech
Allbridge has partnerships with leading healthcare and telemedicine providers, enabling you to support proactive wellness. Offer wearable technology, health monitoring systems, and virtual care platforms to your residents for a comprehensive list of benefits that make you stand out.
Personalized Entertainment Platforms
On-demand content, curated streaming, and smart TVs? We tailor entertainment to each resident. Give the interactive features, voice control, and intuitive interfaces the baby boomers deserve.
Community Engagement and Event Management Tools
Do you want to set up a virtual book club or make real-time announcements and fitness activity sign-ups? Do so with ease. At Allbridge, we have community apps and engagement tools to keep residents in the loop and actively involved.
Stay Connected and Competitive for the Tenants of Tomorrow
Future-proof your senior living community with Allbridge. Download our comprehensive guide to discover actionable strategies, technology checklists, and real-world success stories.
Stay ahead of senior living technology trends and ensure your community is the top choice for baby boomers and beyond.
Stay connected. Stay competitive. Partner with Allbridge, the technology provider for the tenants of tomorrow.
