Recently, we had the opportunity to gather a diverse group of senior living operators, architects, designers, industry experts and One Workplace Senior Living folks at our Seattle office. The focus was on the intentional creation of Senior Living Communities with Purpose, aiming to enrich the lives of residents and staff alike.
Perhaps not so curiously, one of the first questions the group had was "what are we calling Seniors?" Residents? Elders? There's a strong need to reinvent the terms and language used to address the huge shifts in reality and perception about our aging population, most of whom who want to live better longer.
Fostering Wellness, Well-being, and Health
Our first session centered on the holistic aspects of wellness, well-being, and health. Colin Milner, International Council on Active Aging CEO, shared insightful survey results emphasizing the significance of active aging. It is not just about physical activity but about being actively engaged in all facets of life. 71% of senior living communities that responded to the questionnaire, expect to be wellness based communities with care, as opposed to care based communities with wellness by 2030.
Milner highlighted the necessity of environments that support autonomous living, allowing residents to maintain independence and pursue their interests. "Active aging is about being actively engaged in all areas of life", and he suggested there are seven dimensions to consider:
Eric Eisenberg, IQlinary Consulting, illuminated the vital role of nutrition and dining experiences in residents' health and well-being. Dining it's a huge part of what happens in these communities, and it's often the most important part of the residents' day. He stressed the importance of flexibility and choice in dining, recognizing the varied preferences of residents. “Residents really want to be in control of what they are eating, especially now with the arrival of the "Food Network" generation.” Dannielle Sergent, HKIT Interior Design Director, shared the concept of designing multi-purpose communal spaces in communities to adapt to evolving needs for dining and other options, as well as incorporating external resources into urban community environments.
David Watkins, Aegis Laurelhurst GM, emphasized the role of architecture and design in promoting wellness. He shared the Aegis mantra, "aging is Life, we are all future older people." And the notion that community of the future is a center for discovery where residents can feel safe, secure, build their confidence and thrive.
Building Community for Residents and Staff
Transitioning into senior living communities presents significant emotional and psychological challenges for residents. A common theme in our discussions was the impact of change, which can often feel like a loss. One participant shared, "When my dad moved from his house that he knew, it was like a loss." We explored how organizations create smoother transitions and supportive environments to ease this process.
Kyle Reiter, Merrill Gardens Senior Living VP Operations said, “there are a lot of elements that make a community, definitely including the people working there. I think that the GM has a huge impact on the character of a community and clearly the other residents as well.” And David described identifying hidden talents among the Aegis staff and spotlighting those in community, like the housekeeper who plays piano for residents and guests.
Jennifer Herrmann, Providence, Director of PACE Housing, highlighted the importance of person-centered approaches. Understanding residents' identities and interests is crucial for creating engaging environments. She stated, “The mission of my team is to support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of all our residents, community, and each other.” Mutual respect between residents and staff builds solid relationships, which often are the constants in some residents lives. We had the chance to experience the atmosphere at Heritage House on our afternoon tour and experienced the true joy and connection between residents and staff.
Dannielle also observed ways design can support resident affiliation with community. “You have to figure out who the people are and build and design for that community. We did Casa de la Mision in San Francisco, a predominantly Latino population. And the use of color in the space is really important to them, more than for many seniors. So, we do a lot of advance work with each community before designing the interior.”
Sustainability emerged as a newer key concern, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness among incoming residents and their families. And while not all residents may prioritize sustainability, it is an increasingly important factor in community planning and operations.
There was also a nod to the desire many older folks have for Aging in Place, and what responsibilities planners, designers and developers of multi-family housing have to deliver increased numbers of ADA units. This requirement implies “designing for aging is a broader design competency needed today,” stated Lisa Warnock, Glow Interior Design Principal.
Embracing Technology
Our third session delved into the role of technology in senior living, focusing on its potential to enhance community connections and promote wellness. Industry analyst Laurie Orlov, founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch, guided us through current trends and innovations.
High-speed internet access was underscored as essential. Orlov noted, "Job one is to provide connectivity. Once you've done that, you can provide all kinds of things." The post-COVID era has heightened the necessity for reliable internet to support technology-driven engagement and care. Personal devices are increasingly being adopted by seniors, presenting challenges due to the lack of IT support in many communities. Training staff to assist residents with their technologies is becoming crucial. Orlov also highlighted the widespread adoption of smartphones and the mixed reactions to voice-activated technologies due to privacy concerns.
Security and scam prevention were significant topics, with Orlov pointing out that $3.4 billion was stolen from seniors in 2023 alone. Practical scam prevention techniques and technologies for cognitive health and safety were discussed, including resident training programs, in-unit sensors and interactive games for brain fitness. Perkins Eastman Managing Principal, Wolf Saar, shared some recent design solutions incorporating new technologies to support health, wellbeing, communications and resident engagement.
Robotics and Lifelong Learning
The integration of robotics, particularly in dining services, was discussed as a means to enhance staff efficiency while maintaining resident interactions. Although there was some skepticism about robots for interactive tasks, their potential in logistical support was acknowledged. Eric Eisenberg shared success stories of food delivery robots, noting residents' positive reactions.
Training and lifelong learning for both residents and staff are vital for the successful adoption of new technologies. Curated video training libraries and resources like AARP's Senior Planet were suggested as effective tools for accessible learning.
Our roundtable discussions underscored the multifaceted approach needed to build purposeful, supportive, and thriving communities for seniors. By focusing on wellness, community-building, sustainability, and technology, we can create environments where residents and staff not only live but thrive with purpose and connection. We ended the day with a visit to Pike Place with the Pike Market Foundation and the folks at Heritage House to see Purposeful Community in Action.
Great thanks to all our Senior Living Roundtable participants for their time and expertise. We're building more resources for Senior Living Communities, so stay tuned.