Where and How Do Seniors Want to Live?

Aging isn’t what it used to be; today’s seniors are living longer, staying healthier, and demanding more from their living environments.

While the average life expectancy in 1950 was 68.2 years, currently it’s 79.25. Given this extension of life, where to live becomes a serious question for seniors. Thanks to this boom in the senior population, there are more choices than ever for senior living.

The Senior Living Landscape: A Demographic Shift

Technology in healthcare has done a lot to increase both life expectancy and quality of life in the later years. As a result, many people choose to keep working after hitting retirement age, and they also have higher expectations about where and how they live.

There’s a rising demand for senior housing that supports independence, health, and community. You’ve now got many more options than a nursing home! Let’s explore some of the tried-and-true living arrangements, as well as some newer options.

Aging in Place: Home Sweet Home

Aging in place refers to living independently in one's own home until one is unable to continue to do so. Naturally, we all love our homes and routines, and the idea of changing them can create anxiety for many.

Remaining in your home, especially if the home is paid off, can cost much less than the alternatives. Assisted living can run $4,000 to $8,000 a month, and nursing homes almost $10,000  a month.

You may need to make a few home modifications to your house to ensure it’s safe for you, such as installing grab bars, stairlifts, or a walk-in shower. You may also need to hire in-home care if you have some medical needs but not enough to require full-time care.

55+ and Active Adult Communities

Another option for senior living is an age-restricted community that provides social events, low-maintenance living, a fitness center, and a pool. These communities are ideal for you if you love being social and independent.

Maintenance services, such as lawn care and external maintenance, are usually included in the cost. Many are in gated communities, adding to the sense of security. Costs can vary, but expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 a month.

Assisted Living

If your health has made independent living challenging, you may benefit from assisted living, which offers certain medical services to residents. For example, a nurse can come by daily to check your vitals and administer medications. Or an assistant can come by to help you with bathing or dressing. These facilities may also offer meal service or a cafeteria, as well as housekeeping services.

Luxury Retirement Living

If you like the sound of living in a perpetual health retreat-like environment and have the funds, look into luxury retirement communities. These living centers offer high-end amenities like fine dining, spas, green spaces, and lifestyle activities like yoga.

You get what you pay for: some communities cost as much as $20,000 a month!

Mixed-Use Senior Living

If you’re ready to downsize your home but not ready to give up your access to shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and healthcare, look for mixed-use senior living options. These communities offer senior services in the heart of a community, so you have the best of both worlds.

The facilities often offer amenities like a fitness center, restaurant, pool, and shops and are located in a community easily navigable on foot or by public transportation. In terms of healthcare services, communities may offer independent or assisted living, memory care, and nursing facilities in the same complex.

Feeling like a part of the greater community can improve mental and physical health, and being able to get around without a car can be a relief for many who no longer feel confident driving.

University Retirement Communities

There’s a recent trend of seniors moving into or near college campuses. These University Retirement Communities (URCs) offer learning opportunities like lectures and cultural events as well as fitness facilities to residents. Many activities serve to connect seniors with college students. Housing options can range from small cottages to apartments and single-family homes.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

As you think about selling your home, you may be perfectly healthy and not in need of assisted living right now. However, the future is uncertain. What if you later need more medical assistance or even a full-time caregiver? Will you have to find yet another senior living option at that point?

Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer a range of living options for every need. You can start in an independent residence facility, and then, if needed, you can move to assisted living, memory care, or a nursing facility on the same campus.

Staying with one community means you’ll already be familiar with the bureaucracy and the people who live there. You’ll be in the system, so moving to another facility may be easier than if you were transferring to a completely different community. 

Living with Family

Another option for seniors is to live with their adult children and sometimes grandchildren. It’s comforting to live with people you know and love, and it gives you more time to spend together.

It’s important to discuss what this multigenerational housing situation could look like, especially as you age and become more susceptible to health issues. Are your children willing and able to care for you as those needs change?

If possible, choose a living arrangement where you have your own space, such as a “mother-in-law suite” with a separate entrance and living area.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Senior Housing 

Today’s seniors value their independence, and they want to stay connected to their community. With today’s living options, you can have both.

And technology makes it easy to ensure your health is a priority. Expect to see more tech options like remote health monitoring, virtual companionship, and smart health devices in the near future.

You can also expect more sustainable and green living communities since more seniors are eco-conscious and seek environmentally friendly buildings and services.

And finally, you may have more inclusive options in the form of  LGBT+ senior housing, culturally specific communities, and support for neurodiverse or differently abled seniors.

Seniors aren’t one size fits all, and neither should their housing options. These days, seniors have living options that offer diversity, autonomy, and community.