THREE DESIGN TRENDS
Seniors Will Love
Living longer with more money to spend, Baby Boomers make up the largest demographic in the United States Learn how their key generational traits translate into the built environment practical suggestions that can apply to any property and whyitmakessensetocontinueprogrammingsimilartrendsforthenextgeneration
ByBeckyTrybusCHID,EDAC,RID,IIDASenior Living Design is now squarely focused on the already here and not yet peaked Baby Boomer generation; a generation that grew up with higher household incomes, and in a blossoming consumerbased society Health, Wealth, and Quality (of life) experiences embody this segment of our population so its no wonder why theyll expect this to continue in their later years
With so much variety in this market, depending on what type of property you have or will develop, the key indicator will be where the residents fall within this spectrum
What’s trending? Health
There is little doubt surrounding the benefits of exercise even without knowing the science behind it Our bodies are made to move; without it we decay faster But what does this mean for Senior Living Design?
looking floor finishes helps to encourage residents to ambulate safely, clearly delineate between floors and walls help those with vision impairments navigate spaces easier
SUNSHINE
Make the most of the building orientation to the sun to energize and calibrate circadian rhythm Locate fitness centers for indirect sun throughout the day and bring fitness outside - bocce, pickleball, community gardens, nature walking trails, water aerobics, stretching, etc
PROGRAMMING THAT SUPPORTS MOVEMENT
Activities such as digesting food, breathing, walking, and even thinking is considered Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) For a sedentary lifestyle, these types of activities account for about 15% of the daily energy expenditure Moving more raises this percentage and is therefore a good thing overall for health and wellness
How can the built environment help support this? It starts with programming; space planning centralized and satellite amenity spaces, including strategically placed alcoves with sturdy, right height corridors can encourage residents to get out of their units and move
COMMON AREA FINISH SPECIFICATIONS
Finishes that encourage safe passage - a shiny floor looks clean but can actually deter a resident from walking on it Using handrails and continuous natural
Wealth
Boomers and beyond will require nicer (or at least perceived) unit finishes regardless of private pay or otherwise Interior designers accomplish this by strategically working closely with the
developer, general contractor, and vendors. A few key finishes that trend most important:
CABINETRY
Slab front doors can (but not always) read as cheap
Some iterations of a Shaker style door tend to add the desired depth and dimension without high costs
SOLID SURFACE COUNTERS
Quartz is the top choice compared to basic level granite or synthetic solid surface It looks clean, updated, and easy to maintain The key is to get quantity discounting from a US vendor without sacrificing the quality Poor quality typically comes from overseas and can be full of adhesives
LIGHT FIXTURES
Usually trend more modern in style, regardless of the
finish and with diffused light - no clear glass for this can be too glaring for aging eyes
TILE
A solid surface counter and a full tile kitchen/kitchenette backsplash that runs from the back of the counter under cabinet provides a clean, modern look that’s easy to clean, protects the drywall, and feels like an updated home The same applies for tiled tub/shower surrounds
FLOORING
At least in the main living areas LVT reads as clean is easy to maintain, a natural look fitting almost any aesthetic preference, easy to change out if needed, and doesn’t need to be replaced at a high rate like carpet The 6 or 8 mil choice is best for units as it’s most cost effective
venues likeanall-inclusivecruiseship
MAINDINING
Typically a large open space to accommodate all or most residents at one time as well as staff assistance with eating This space can also include a demonstration kitchen. Non-obstructed open spaces helpstafftokeepaneyeonresidents
PRIVATEDINING
Usually, a smaller space for families to gather with their loved ones to share a meal or celebrate special occasions
BISTRO/BAR
Provides a variety for residents and families in an informal,casualsetting
Quality (of Life)
Meals provide nutrients and are life-sustaining: a key health indicator for seniors is whether they are eating or not Meals are also social and part of activities programming But dining in the same place every day can become boring, especially for once active adults who came and went as they pleased To address this, we continue to see a trend in programming multiple
MORNINGCAFE/COFFEMARKET
Offers options for residents who like to get out early, maintain their usual schedule and meet up with new friends
POP-UPFOODCARTS
Partofactivitiesprogrammingbutrequiresmorespace planning to ensure slated locations are equipped with adequate space for a cart, circulation space, seating, andelectricalrequirements
Longevity in Programming
While Baby Boomers dominate the market now, it’s important to look ahead at how these buildings will segway into the next generation
Gen Xer’s (1965-1979) have already started entering the first tier of senior living (active adult 55+) and they will still want Health, Wealth, and Quality (of life). Like Boomers, they too have grown up in a society of higher household incomes, and a blossoming consumerbased society, but if there’s one additional word to describe this generation, I believe it would be independent Brought up largely by the “silent generation”, Gen Xers , still hold the traditional values of their parents and were bred to be independent
According to a funny meme I read recently describing my generation:
“Gen Xers are built different - their families had them formally trained in something by the age of 2 they had house keys by the age of 5 could cook meals at 7 and were pretty much self-sufficient by the age of 9 They left their houses at dawn every summer morning and didn’t come back unit nightfall and survived all day on water from garden hoses, they might get a sandwich on the off-chance somebody’s parents had gone shopping, they spent three quarters of their lives by themselves with a parent checking on them twice a month, most of them evaded at least one kidnapping attempt and they know 15 ways to remove blood stains from clothing”
Comedic, but true! What’s the takeaway? Barring no serious health problems, expect Gen Xers to continue living independently, working into their retirement years, and living longer in their own homes or in this first tier of senior living Space planning/programming will stay largely the same as the Boomers, aesthetic preferences may shift, but maintaining adequate flex space is critical to the activities du jour One key change may be in amenity offerings; health and wellness services may become more commonplace in the first tier, and of course, plan now to have a totally awesome property wide sound system - long live the 70s and 80s Boom Box generation hits!
Becky Trybus CHID, EDAC, RID, IIDA, is a registered interior designer through the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design with additional certifications in healthcare design and evidence-based design Her focus at FAID is on the Senior Living Design Market and Thought Leadership