Wellness: the next big thing in senior living

The latest clickbait articles may promise 60 is the new 30 if you purchase the latest magical fix, but in truth, aging has an entirely new look and feel these days. That image of spending your golden years in a rocking chair? Consider it gone. Aging gracefully these days comes with staying physically active and taking part in wellness activities — and this presents an opportunity for those in the senior housing industry.

Building the future of senior housing means constructing senior housing communities that meet the unique needs and demands of the incoming generations. This allows senior living facilities to remain relevant and competitive. From a demographics standpoint, we know today's retirees want much more than that rocking chair — they want a sense of community and connectedness, access to facilities that will keep them moving and learning and nutritious food available. They are also aware of the importance of whole-person wellness, including spiritual wellness and lifelong learning.

Owners and developers of senior living facilities who take these preferences into account can differentiate themselves in the marketplace. And they can do it while delivering value to their residents that improves quality of life, enriches social interaction, empowers independence and builds emotional and cognitive health.

Simply put, wellness is the next big thing in senior housing, and enterprising owners/developers are incorporating strategies and tactics now to attract and retain seniors. Here are some wellness features and programs that are getting attention in the senior housing market today.

1. Educational offerings.

From wellness to opportunities to learn new skills, educational offerings are a draw for today's seniors. This may include courses related to arts and crafts, writing and photography or classes on history, cultural understanding and much more. In addition, wellness-focused classes are in demand, including offerings on healthy aging.

2. Social activities.

From hobbies to group gatherings and events, many seniors relish the opportunity to connect with others, improve their skills or enjoy activities in the community. Social outings that include transportation can be especially fun, allowing your residents to connect and enjoy shows at the theatre, concerts, dinners out on the town, a night at the casino or a day at local wineries. Programs can even be created for residents with particular health concerns, including those in need of memory care or other needs.

3. Fitness programming.

Today's seniors know the importance of staying fit. Fitness facilities with swimming pools, exercise equipment, trainers and even classes such as yoga can appeal to potential residents. In addition, outdoor spaces that are safe and suitable for hiking, walking, jogging or other group activities can add to the aesthetics of the environment and help your facility rise above the crowd.

4. Nutritious meals.

Living a long and healthy life is largely dependent upon a nutritious diet in addition to other aspects of wellness. Enterprising facilities can help seniors who wish to pursue a healthy diet by providing menus that meet a wide variety of dietary needs while also delivering well-balanced, delicious options. Working with nutrition experts and those who specialize in particular dietary needs such as low salt, low cholesterol, diabetes control, etc., can ensure you are cooking up exactly what your residents want and need to live their best lives.

5. The chance to give back.

As we age, feeling connected to our community remains an essential aspect of finding meaning in our lives. Providing your residents with an opportunity to give back to the community allows them to experience that fulfillment. Your organization can offer volunteer opportunities, the chance to mentor others and additional ways to give back to your region and community.

6. Spiritual and emotional wellness.

Whole-person wellness comprises many components, and spiritual and emotional wellness are arguably as important as staying active and connected. Providing facilities and opportunities to practice their faith traditions may be important to prospective seniors. In addition to that, you may want to consider programming that supports emotional wellness, such as mindfulness offerings and even pet therapy.

Meeting demand for these programs, services and offerings can be simplified when you partner with the right contractor for the job. With the design-build construction model, you reap the benefits of working with a single entity from the project's inception through completion. That means everyone on the team shares your vision and works toward it in a collaborative environment. The result: your project is far more likely to stay on the timeline and within your budget, and costly change orders are virtually eliminated.

At DBS Group, we work with senior living developers and operators to ensure they remain competitive in this ever-changing environment. Our expertise allows us to provide insights into your options for supporting the wellness of your residents. Together we can build the future of senior housing, so you can provide your residents with the wellness programs and offerings that will support healthy aging — and your healthy bottom line.?