As older adults bring new expectations for health, housing, technology, wellness, and lifestyle, the senior living industry must explore how it serves them.
That’s why the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) has launched Reimagining the Future of Senior Living, a three-year collaboration with the MIT AgeLab, to reshape how the industry understands and engages its future consumers.
“Generational differences emerging over the next several decades will meaningfully redefine consumer wants, needs, and expectations, putting the senior living industry at a defining crossroads,” said Ray Braun, president and CEO of NIC. “The senior living sector must rethink its offerings now so that future generations have real access and choice in communities they are proud to call home.”
Building on AgeLab’s expertise and mixed-methods research approach, the initiative will draw on perspectives from financial services, healthcare, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, retail, and technology sectors, so the senior living sector can adapt to systems and offerings that customers already prefer and trust.
Announced in July, the project aims to generate practical insights that help senior living providers design communities, services, and experiences that align with the preferences of older adults.
Reimagining the Future of Senior Living will incorporate views from both consumers and industry leaders. Findings will be shared publicly in research publications, at NIC conferences, and through other channels.
The collaboration is funded by NIC, with support from senior housing organizations, including Benchmark Senior Living, HumanGood, National Church Residences, Parker Health Group, Franciscan Ministries, Front Porch, Masonicare Corp., Merrill Gardens, Presbyterian Homes & Services, Senior Living Transformation Co./Centered Care, and The Springs Living.