As 2016 winds to a close, many of us are already looking toward the coming year. If you or a loved one is considering the move to a retirement community in the new year, here are some trends you may encounter:
More choices. As Boomers begin to retire, increased demand has resulted in more organizations getting into the retirement community space. While this does result in more choices for consumers, it also means that there will be a lot of inexperienced communities out there. Retirement communities like Bethany Village offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing your community has decades of experience in hosting residents. Beware of “fly by night” operations that may not last you through your retirement years. Invest in a community that will last.
Differentiation. With stiffer competition comes the need to stand out from the crowd. That means that in 2017 more and more retirement communities will be opening for those with niche interests, such as retired artists, sports enthusiasts, and others who may want to form a community around shared interests or beliefs. It will be easier than ever to find a community that’s just the right fit for your lifestyle.
Focus on independent living. Many retirement communities will start to focus more on independent living communities, shifting from a “needs” focus to a “choice” focus. This means that there will be a greater investment in amenities, activities, and on-site care to encourage seniors under 80 to jump into community living. Lifelong learning and complete health and wellness centers with nutritional advice, spa services, and personal trainers will be offered for seniors who may not have otherwise considered a retirement community.
Whatever the political and social climate of 2017, we will continue to see more and more older adults reaching retirement age as the Boomer generation leaves the workforce. Retirement communities are responding to this shift in a big way, so be sure and take the time to find the right one for you.
