Redefining Senior Housing the boomer-fication of the 55+ housing market
By Anne Adams Lang

Here’s a one-phrase verbal Rorschach test for you: “Senior Housing.”

What pops into your head? An anaerobic old-age home? A nondescript apartment complex with a common room, a rarely used ping-pong table and a perpetual bingo game?

If that’s the case, it’s time to regroove. “Senior Housing” isn’t what it used to be.

Thanks to the millions of aging baby boomers and longer life expectancies, the housing market is being transformed. The Baby Boom generation, notorious for rewriting the rules about sex, love, marriage, work and play are doing the same for the “golden years.”

In growing numbers they’re jettisoning sedentary retirement for second careers, adventure travel, x-treme sports and on-going social, cultural and intellectual activism. If you ask them, they’re not “seniors.” They’re “active adults.” And for those “older seniors,” living longer often means different living space whether out of choice or necessity, as health and agility issues impact what constitutes comfortable housing.

Active adults are demanding housing options as diverse as they are. Gone are the days when the only choice was a Sun Belt n’Golf retirement development. The leading edge of Boomers — more than 30 million of the 67 million over-55 Americans — want homes in communities that reflect their myriad of interests and lifestyles. That could be anything from urbane urban apartments to desert communes, from eco-centric co-housing to “lifelong learning”-based communities linked with colleges and universities.

“The Boomers’ influence is already very present in the business,” says David Schless, president of the non-profit American Senior Housing Association, an organization of owners and managers of an estimated 500,000 senior housing units in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Over the last 15 years, he noted, the market has responded to the accelerating demand for increasingly diverse housing, payment and service options. “There’s a lot more to choose from in the U.S. than there ever was. That trend will continue as the Boomers exert even more influence.”

Staying Rooted
It’s important to put all this in context. Most people over 55 want to stay exactly where they are, in their own homes, experts say. According to AARP’s recent study, “The State of 50+America,” 69.9% of those polled said they strongly agreed with the statement, “What I would really like to do is remain in my local community for as long as possible.” In the same study, 79.4% strongly agreed with, “I would like to remain in my home for as long as possible.”

AARP’s Census analysis showed that fewer than 10% of the 60-plus population move from their homes and half of that 10%, if they do leave, move within the same community. Indeed, some determined seniors are modifying their homes, anticipating that at some point they might need features like wider doorways with no sills, outlets placed higher on the wall, and lighting that works for changing eyesight. Others want new homes with either one-floor living or a first-floor bedroom. Developers and architects are incorporating such design elements into new apartments, houses and developments, according to Jeff Jenkins, assistant director of National Association of Home Builders 50+ Housing Council.

Buying a lifestyle
Still, the planned community concept does appeal to a small but rapidly growing segment of the 55-or-older population. Approximately 3% to 4% are shifting into active adult communities, reports The National Association of Home Builders Senior Housing Council.

For those folks, it’s about lifestyle, says Senior Housing Council Assistant Director Jeff Jenkins. “If people find a product that’s well designed and meets their needs, especially if they find a lifestyle in a new home they wouldn’t find in their current one, they’ll move,” he says.

Among the draws are proximity to cultural centers, low or no maintenance, and niche-based communities that attract people with a common interest such as boating, travel or the arts. People want amenities, walking trails, golf courses, yoga/wellness/fitness facilities and waterfront access among them. The apartments or houses, which are often large to accommodate friends and family, run from basic to designer luxe and are priced accordingly.

Barbara Krueger, founder of Seniorresource, a web site providing information for seniors and their adult children, says, “Some people want to get away from neighbors’ little kids, or to move closer to their children.” For others, particularly women on their own for the first time, a gated community or large building may offer a greater sense of security.

Remember, active adult communities are geared toward the healthy, independent post-55er. They have specific restrictions about those under 55 living in the community and usually do not offer assisted living or nursing care.

Facilities may be nearby, but check before you buy to make sure that the community can accommodate your changing needs. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging web sitemay also help you decide what kinds of housing options will best suit your needs.

Going back to school
One of the latest trends is housing tied to a college community. Experts estimate that there are about 50 retirement communities linked to university or college campuses. Students and retirees benefit. For older adult residents the benefits may include free classes, access to cultural and sporting events, and convenient transportation.

They are particularly well-suited for those who are lifelong learners, interested in expanding their horizons, but not necessarily previously affiliated with the college or university. Entrance fees and monthly pricing vary widely.

You say you want choices, options in life. Well, when it comes to housing, you've got them. Living arrangements for the 55-plus population have never been so varied or enticing.

Your Own Home: Stay put is the housing option the majority of people want. And it's true, there's no place like home. But you'll want to make sure your home meets your needs, now and in the future. Consider:

• Is there adequate ventilation? Will you be warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer?
• If your home has more than one level, can you comfortably live on one floor with access to kitchen and bathroom in case you are physically compromised?
• Are kitchen and bathroom fixtures and faucets user-friendly and easy to operate? Can you easily get in and out of the bathtub? Are appliances and electrical outlets placed at easy-to-reach levels that minimize bending and stretching?
• Is there access to adequate transportation? Will you be able to get to supermarkets, movies, friends, family?
• How will you handle routine maintenance such as cleaning and lawn mowing? Anticipate the services you might need and fi gure out if you can pay for them. Who will manage your home and help if you are temporarily out of commission?
• Is your community senior-friendly? About 27% of the 55-and-over population lives in a “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community” - a neighborhood of residents who are growing older along with friends and neighbors, and may band together to access services.

For more information about staying in your home (“aging in place”) visit www.hud.govand www.aoa.dhhs.gov, both federal government sites.

Retirement and Adult Communities: These communities fall into two categories: 55+ and 62+. The former require that one person over 55 live in 80% of the units; other residents must be over 18. The latter require all residents to be at least 62. Adult communities span the spectrum from sedate to active, from modest to luxurious, from smaller townhouses to sprawling multi-bedroom/bathroom affairs, and they're priced accordingly. Some provide health services on premises. All offer amenities that range with price, such as tennis, pool, spa facilities, common rooms and walking paths. Some have programs tailored to common interests such as lifelong learning, fine or performing arts, sailing or x-treme sports. Residents may buy or rent in adult communities. The price generally covers basics such as exterior building maintenance, landscaping, utilities and security. Each community association has its own fees and rules, so check the details carefully.

More information: www.seniorresource.org, and www.hud.gov (click on 'senior citizens') for senior housing guidelines.

Seniors-Only Apartments: For people looking to free up some equity, selling a home and moving to an apartment may be a good choice. Whether buying or renting, it's a way to downsize without necessarily downscaling. Other benefits include ease of socializing with peers living in the same complex, a greater sense of security and the liberation from homeowner's maintenance chores. These rentals come in different financial flavors:

• Market rate. You pay what you might in a non-age restricted building. These apartments may come with services geared toward an older population.
• Luxury rentals. For those who want and can afford top-of-the line amenities in a building without children.
• Affordable. No more than 30% of your income is spent for rent and utilities. Affordable housing, generated by federal, state and local governments, is in big demand but short supply. Be advised that what one community considers affordable housing, may not be in the next. Check local housing and aging agencies or senior centers to find out about programs that apply in your area

Congregate Housing: Essentially the same as other age-restricted apartments, but tends to offer a higher level of service to accommodate the more frail but still independent. Some will even offer personal care, nursing and Alzheimer's care that can blur the boundaries between this arrangement and assisted living.

More information: www.seniorhousing.net, www.seniorresource.org.

Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO): These are living units/apartments with a separate entrance on another family's lot. Often they qualify as affordable housing. The owner of the lot may be a senior, or the renter(s) may be seniors. Frequently these are intra-family arrangements allowing grown sons and daughters to live near their parents.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are right for those who cherish their independent lifestyle but want to make sure they're covered for anticipated and unforeseen life changes. These communities provide an escalating level of service, from active adult amenities to assisted living dining, all the way to on-site nursing home care, as the need arises. Expect to sign a contract with the CCRC stipulating the type of home, services, amenities and healthcare you will get for your entrance fee. Contracts often vary from extensive coverage for lifetime access to healthcare without a monthly fee bump-up, to an a la carte, fee-for-service contract. As always, read the fine print.

More information: continuing care accreditation commission, www.ccaconline.org.

Assisted Living. Also known as Residential Care for the Elderly. From the privacy of individual living units, people who need non-medical support can get help with everything from social activities and transportation to medical appointments, medication reminders, meals, dressing and bathing. Ideally there's room for residents to be as independent as they can so look for a residence that offers services as you need them. Most states require licensing, so make sure the residence you're considering is registered.

More information: assisted living federation of america, www.alfa.org., and www.seniorliving.net.

Skilled Nursing Facilities are what you turn to when care means medical procedures and acts of assistance that require a nurse, like changing bandages on deep wounds or turning patients in bed. Nursing home facilities are often on-premises in Assisted Living, CCRC and Congregate Living complexes or are separate entities that have arrangements with over-55 communities. Nursing homes offer acute care on a short-term basis as well as intermediate and long-term care for more chronic conditions. Although these facilities are licensed by each state and accept Medicare and Medicaid, the quality of care varies. Check your state's regulations, nursing home ratings and complaints on www.nursinghomereport.comand www.carescout.com.

For more ideas and resources for all of your housing options, check out www.seniorhousing.organd www.nahb.org/seniors.

Copyright 2006 Longevity Alliance, Inc.