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Senior living operators are preparing for the baby boomer generation by equipping communities with advanced wellness features through innovative designs and technology.
Architects and senior living operators are working on integrating wellness elements such as biophilic designs with natural materials, enhanced social features, and improved fitness centers. These enhancements aim to prioritize the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of residents.
Wellness now encompasses more than just fitness centers and nutrition programs in 2024, according to Darla Esnard of Ankrom Moison. The focus is on holistic well-being, from access to light and fresh air to creating social interactions and providing choices for residents.
Senior Resource Group (SRG) in Solana Beach incorporates wellness through biophilic designs, emphasizing natural elements like light, wood, and plants to reduce stress and create a sense of community. They are also enhancing accessibility and promoting independence for residents.
Bolstering wellness for a new generation
As new development slows down, senior living operators are revamping existing communities to cater to the needs of future customers. Liberty Senior Living updates its wellness offerings based on resident feedback, focusing on accessibility and noise reduction in amenities such as fitness centers.
SRG’s Maravilla Scottsdale community exemplifies biophilic design with natural elements and enhanced social spaces to appeal to the more active and tech-savvy baby boomers. The community also focuses on physical therapy and wellness clinics to promote overall health and well-being.
Technology is playing a vital role in enhancing wellness programs in senior living communities. Liberty utilizes high-tech exercise equipment and offers tech classes for residents to improve their skills. SRG gives residents control over their environment through an app, promoting relaxation and better sleeping habits.
Technology further enables wellness
Wearable technology and interactive fitness centers with self-guided activities are becoming popular in senior living communities. These advancements not only promote wellness but also provide residents with more choice and flexibility in their daily lives, enhancing their overall well-being.