How Retirement Communities are Changing the Way People Age

By sdugas - April 14th 2014.

It’s no secret that the nation’s population is aging. But just want does it mean to grow old in today’s world of technological advancements and improved lifestyle opportunities?

Well, for starters “retirement housing” is no longer synonymous with “nursing home”. While traditional nursing homes still exists, they’re far from the only option available to today’s senior. In fact, maturing adults now have a plethora of retirement housing options to choose from, making the transition into old age something to look forward to rather than feared.

At Sharon Village Care Homes, we pay close attention to what seniors are looking for when it comes to a retirement community experience. From exceptional accommodations to state-of-the-art amenities, our Sharon Village Care Homes are quite literally changing the way people age.

Four Trends in Senior Living and Retirement Communities

Retirement homes aren’t what they used to be. In fact, they’re far better! To better understand how things have changed, let’s look at four of the biggest trends currently improving retirement living options for seniors.

  1. Health and Wellness
    Staying active isn’t just for youngsters. Living a healthy, active lifestyle is equally important for maturing adults looking to make the most of their golden years. As such, many retirement communities are shining a light on fitness options both within the facility and in the surrounding neighbourhood. Walking paths, health centres, group fitness classes – these are the types of services and programs that seniors expect to find when looking at different retirement communities.
  2. Technology
    Seniors and TechnologyBaby Boomers are no strangers to social media, the Internet and mobile networks. Avid Facebook-ers and email-ers, retirees expect the facilities that serve them to be just as tech-savvy as they are. (The fact that you’re reading this article right now proves that technology, online marketing and social networking has an impact on your life!) Whether it’s subscribing to an online newsletter, reviewing resources on our accessible website or communicating via email with a property manager, here at SVCH we’re doing everything we can to keep you connected.
  3. Independence
    Modern retirement communities are designed to feel like residential or condominium neighbourhoods. The reasoning behind this is simple – it’s because that’s exactly what these communities are! Equipped with dozens of high-quality amenities and open spaces, these properties help seniors maintain the independent lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to. From the physical layout of the property, to its location relative to public transportation and local amenities, retirement communities are offering residents all the comforts of home… and then some!
  4. Younger Neighbours
    Baby Boomers might be surprised to learn that many of today’s retirees are much younger than even one generation ago. Studies have show that the age of people living in adult retirement communities is slowly coming down, as younger folks “retire” in order to jump start a new career or stay in the workforce as a part-time consultant. As such, don’t be surprised if your neighbour is a youthful 55 rather than the expected 65. Retirement comes in all shapes and sizes these days, as do the retirement accommodations and options at Sharon Village Care Homes.

Growing old doesn’t mean you have to hold back. At Sharon Village Care Homes, our retirement communities have adaptive programs and amenities designed to help you make the most of your golden years. Schedule a tour of a property near you to learn more about or innovative approach to aging.