As the Baby Boom generation transitions from adult children of older adults to senior living residents themselves — the oldest boomers are turning 78 this year — the expectations for senior living communities are evolving. Although change is inevitable, this new generation has different expectations. They want more, and are willing to pay more, for an all-inclusive lifestyle with elevated levels of personalized service and five-star amenities.
During my years of working in senior living, I have seen the need for personalized service and the desire for a strong community increase significantly. With the latest generational shift, it’s about finding the balance between the tangible and intangible factors that define luxury senior living and create engaging environments that transcend all ages, cultures and backgrounds while still ensuring that each resident receives individualized services and care.
Technology has been at the forefront of change led by the baby boomers. At The Cardinal, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that come with an increasing demand for the implementation of technology throughout the community. We have residents who still want restaurant menus, printed community newsletters and paper reminders, whereas others prefer to receive everything at their fingertips on the community’s app. It’s about finding that balance that works for all residents without stretching your resources too thin.
And when it comes to dining, baby boomers expect a culinary experience, not just a meal. From tableside service to farm-to-table ingredients to tasting menus with wine pairings, food has become cultural capital within communities, providing residents with a sense of belonging through food and social connection.
Creating an environment that goes beyond traditional senior living and actively fosters a community of knowledge seekers and intellectual exploration is expected by today’s senior living residents. As a Kisco Signature community, The Cardinal’s commitment to lifelong learning takes many forms, creating spaces where residents can engage, inspire and develop intellectually. Twice a year, we host authors, sports heroes, celebrities and historians for enriching lectures as part of our Red Carpet Speaker Series, and we offer non-credit college courses, travel and social activities through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Anticipating residents’ needs at every turn will take on a higher priority as more baby boomers move into senior living. They expect the tangibles such as valet parking, personal assistant services and club-level living, but the intangibles — peace of mind, total wellbeing and a sense of belonging — are just as important, if not more important, to them.
Senior living is in a period of transformation driven by the next generation of residents. What seems like luxury today will be the standard two or three years from now. This transition period is an opportunity for communities to create environments where residents are given the power of choice while continuing to embrace their individuality and experience a world-class lifestyle tailored to their passions and purpose.
Jaime Pacheco is the general manager at The Cardinal at North Hills, a Kisco Signature continuing care retirement community in Raleigh, NC. His 15+ year career extends across independent living, assisted living, memory care and CCRCs.
The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
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