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No one knows what the future holds. It is a path blurred by ever-changing factors where the only constant is uncertainty. But it can never hurt to imagine what the future will look like. For every generation, stepping into their future is a change they must embrace.
So, when writing this article, we can only peer into what lies ahead of our future. And if we are to find ourselves in senior living communities to live out a portion of our lives, how will it look? So, let us gaze into our future regarding senior living in the US.
What we know about senior living?
Senior living is precisely what the name applies, but so much more. It is a lifestyle different from a nursing home that are catered to 55+ adults who wants a sense of community and daily assistance, but at the same time, they want to lead an everyday life, not that of a patient.
It is choosing to live in a senior living community built specifically for people looking to receive a particular type of care. This can be in the form of assisted living, independent living, or even memory care.
The history of senior living communities dates back to the 19th century, mainly when war veterans required living support. Today, senior living has grown into a massive industry, particularly for the baby boomers, and is expected to see even more growth.
How technology can assist older adults in senior living?
There are numerous ways that technology can assist older adults in senior living. First, senior living facilities can use technology to keep residents safe and secure. For example, many facilities now use electronic key cards to control access to buildings and locked areas within buildings. This can prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to areas where seniors live and help staff keep track of who is coming and going.
In addition, technology can also help to improve the quality of life for seniors living in senior facilities. For instance, many facilities now offer WiFi access, allowing residents to stay connected with family and friends via email, social media, and video chat. In addition, many senior living facilities offer a variety of recreational and educational activities that we can enjoy with the help of technology, such as computer classes, movie nights, and exercise classes.
What could our generation want?
From AI help to an automated infrastructure, the future of senior living will be shaped by technological advancements. Even as of present, we have seen modern tech gadgets already helping seniors with disabilities with great support. Here is what we can expect from the future of senior living communities.
More games and activities
Generation Z and the Millennials grew up playing games on the nostalgic Macintosh, desktop PCs run on Microsoft 98, and now smartphone tablets. Heck, games other than on digital platforms include physical ones. So any playful activity that we can reminisce about when we hit 55+ will give us the boost to enjoy senior living communities. Because as adults in senior living facilities, the one thing we would want 20 or 30 years from now is a tether that connects us to our good days.
AI assistance
AI assistance can significantly improve senior living by providing personalized care and support. That is what we want! The perks of Google Alexa or Siri are just a voice command way. Think of it as a digital lazy-boy chair. For example, AI-powered technology can be used to detect changes in behavior or movement that may indicate a potential health or safety issue. In addition, AI assistance can also be used to improve communication through voice recognition and natural language processing and automate administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments or taking care of financial needs. AI will make senior’s life easier with greater independence and control over their healthcare, lifestyle, and entertainment decisions.
An automated infrastructure
The future of senior living looks to be beaming with prospects. Currently, there are communities where applications of innovative home solutions are being implemented to make the life of seniors easier. Intelligent home solutions can give future elders far greater control over our physical living environments. Furthermore, a fully automated living solution, backed by substantial AI assistance, could save us time in undertaking and executing menial tasks. Robots could even be part of the automated infrastructure. From a fully integrated audio-visual communication infrastructure to some technological advancement that can help with daily living activities, otherwise known as ADLs, the prospects of an automated environment in the future of senior living is limitless.
Nostalgic atmosphere and activities
Every generation is birthed from a focal point of nostalgia. In other words, playing baseball in the junkyard or rollerblading in the park during childhood hits on a different level. The future of senior living facilities could be made to evoke a sense of nostalgia that would be reminiscent of present or earlier times, dating back to the late 90s. This can help Generation Z and Millennials fit in and be more active, especially when participating in specific activities that is stimulating and also fun.
Eco-friendly environment
Green is the color of the future, or it should be, with generation Z and millennials being more eco-friendly. Though everyone cares about the environment, our generation grew up with solar-powered initiatives and promotions about the usage of eco-friendly materials. Moving into the future, every senior would love to see they have a hand in saving the environment, something the grandkids and future boomers can look up to.
By creating an eco-friendly atmosphere, where we get used to unplugging electronic devices when not needed and being mindful of wasteful practices, environments like this would go a long way for senior living communities in the US. Even paper usage and switching to digital is an excellent initiative in paper waste and consumption.
At BoomersHub, we expect that by the next 20 years, paper-based reusable plates and other eco-friendly materials will become the norm of society.
A new type of retirement
Retirement can be something other than the end of the working life for a man or woman. Instead, it can be a new way to try different things. It can be expected that 40 to 50% of residents in senior living complexes in the future can be working or initiating their second or third careers. The future of senior living can be intergenerational. Senior living future could be highly progressive in terms of a ‘new retirement.
Aspiring painters who worked a 9-5 corporate job could then take up painting and sell digital art. The sky is the limit. Similarly, senior living communities can facilitate a working-lifestyle environment where older adults can work, earn money, or receive other benefits that can aid in their living.
Final thoughts
What does not set us down only makes us stronger. Senior living is not the end of the road for older adults who are looking for assistance or senior care. Instead, the transitions we are facing now will open doors to better structures of advancement in senior living for future generations.
Whether they have dementia or other medical conditions or just want to recreate their old lifestyle from eons back, the future of senior living will evolve to meet generational needs.
FAQs
What innovations could help people who are elderly?
Any type of innovation that can help with assistance, such as voice-command configured devices. Hearing aids to intelligent shower systems are also helpful in senior living communities. Who knows what future innovation could bring to really assist seniors in assisted living communities, but based on current advancements, the future tech will be highly progressive.
What are the ways robots could help the elderly?
Robots can help guide and take over simple tasks that can be time-consuming or a risk factor for underlying health conditions. They can also be used in social interaction to keep seniors from feeling lonely. At the same time, robots can help with mobility, like helping someone get out of bed or move from the bedroom to the bathroom.
What is the future of CCRC?
There is a chance that senior living communities like CCRCs will take advantage of an open floor plan that will be the epitome of the progressive senior communities’ model. Today, it has been reported that several facilities intend to benefit from multipurpose rooms where different kinds of activities can be hosted. These designs are to go full throttle in the future with better models that will help with senior care.?
