The Evolving Landscape of Senior Communities

The more common types of living arrangements for seniors are well-known: independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Less well-known are alternative and affinity—or niche— communities and the growth of sustainable housing for seniors.  Many seniors wish to age in place or stay independent for as long as possible. Doing so can necessitate extra support, and two alternative senior community models are designed to help. The “villages” model provides support from neighbors near the home where the senior currently lives. While “cohousing”—also relying on members of the community for support—is purpose-built, independent living designed to provide for the common needs of senior residents.

Niche retirement communities have been around since the late 1980s. Among the earliest to open was Air Force Village West, a retirement community for retired U.S. military officers, opened in Riverside, California, in 1989. At that time, it was the third-largest senior living community in the country. However, shifts in the population makeup of Southern California eventually led to financial troubles, and in 2015, it was forced to abandon its affinity model.

While that community faced challenges, hundreds of others have sprung up, creating unique offerings that take advantage of seniors’ varied interests and differentiate them from more common offerings.

Fueled by factors such as energy efficiency, cost savings, increased environmental awareness and positive health impacts, green senior living communities are experiencing significant growth. The evolving landscape of green housing is being transformed by technology, allowing homeowners and developers to reduce their environmental footprint while creating comfortable and modern living spaces.

Fast Facts:

NUMBER OF RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES in 2013:  16,565
TODAY: 19,000+

56 OF THE 200 LARGEST CONTINUING-CARE COMMUNITIES are faith-based affinity communities

If you are thinking about making a move and not sure where to start, call me for a free consultation and we can evaluate what is right for you.  (267) 387-6291.