The COVID-19 pandemic has had extensive effects on how the senior living industry is shaped and transformed. New trends have emerged and retirement communities in Mission, KS have had to adapt and rapidly accommodate to changing needs. Here are the top senior living trends in 2022 that you need to look out for.
Senior Living as a Service
The term senior living as a service refers to providing the elderly with solutions that can be customized to suit their unique needs. This trend indicates that older adults are not looking for a solution that is rigid and that personalized solutions are in higher demand. Services need to encompass healthcare, accommodation, wellness, and personal care. The evolution of senior living as a service highlights the need for retirement communities to provide residents with the flexibility of tailoring their own programs. Catering to the personal interests and retirement goals of residents allows retirement communities to stay competitive.
Affinity Communities
The growing focus on affinity communities has also been highlighted, where residents of the same interests like religion can get together as a group for a deeper sense of connection. This can help residents combat loneliness and establish a sense of belonging and community. Given the many benefits and high demand for such communities, there is a high chance of us seeing a rise in affinity communities like regenerative and wellness communities.
Power of Purpose
Retirement communities should also consider how gaining a sense of purpose can impact the life of an older adult. It has been shown that older adults are seeking that sense of purpose and they are willing to volunteer for it. Having a purpose can offer plenty of benefits for older adults that can include fewer sleep challenges, reduced pain, increased likeliness of being active, and fewer chronic diseases. Retirement communities can help residents find a purpose by thinking of ways to provide them with emotional connection, influence, and a sense of belonging. The majority of older adults want ways to put their knowledge and talents to good use to help the society. This is where retirement communities can do their part in helping to facilitate connection.
Inclusiveness
The importance of diversity was also highlighted when it comes to the world of senior care. Barriers to community inclusiveness can range from limited diversity in management to affiliations with certain ethnic groups or religions which can make a community appear to be exclusive. Most senior living providers recognize the importance of inclusiveness, but no more than 50% of senior living leaders felt that the distribution in the surrounding area is what shapes their community’s racial and ethnic distribution. There is really no quick fix to diversity but it is of utmost importance for senior living leaders to spend some time to figure out the real problem and deliver their commitment to the society by making inclusiveness a priority in their communities.
