The baby boomer population is expected to double between 2020 and 2040. This means there could be more people than the senior care facilities can handle. And with more 65-plus residents comes a great need for elderly healthcare services and providers.
That’s why serious planning should take place on how services are financed, organized, and delivered. Innovations and technology are already reshaping the sector.
1. Remote health monitoring
There are already several wearable devices that help track your health. For instance, activity trackers, the digital pill, blood pressure monitor, among others. Soon you will see things like smart socks that can alert diabetes and catch an ulcer forming. This type of technology will assist the elderly to keep track of their health and communicate with the doctor almost instantly. Additionally, it will save on transport costs on doctor’s visits. Inventors of these technologies will make it easy for older people to use, and soon it will become the norm.
2. Construction of senior-friendly cities and communities
While cities are changing to accommodate smart cars, some are also doing the same to assist senior citizens. Older people have issues with mobility, the vision, among others. With their generation growing as fast as it is, there can no longer be uneven sidewalks or steep stairs. Another reason why cities are becoming more senior-friendly is because of their spending power.
Not all older people can drive, so making the transport system more accessible to baby boomers will benefit businesses. Older people are also banding together to fight for these changes. Additionally, seniors are using the Beacon Hill model to transform their neighborhoods to be more retirement friendly. Assisted care facilities today are changing their systems to become more community-based. Research shows that about 11 million seniors live in isolation. Living isolation can have some adverse effects on their mental health.
3. Specialized assisted living options
Studies show that 65 % of the senior population is taken care of by family and friends at their home. Even so, a growing senior community means that the assisted living industry will grow. New facilities coming up will have to stand out from the competition. You are likely to see senior homes for artists or some built within universities and more. Facilities will also offer more classy amenities like fine dining and a big improvement in the services provided. Such changes will encourage seniors to be more open to assisted care. In the future, there will be more effort in creating an innovative senior living. When it comes to senior care, you want your loved one to be comfortable and receive the best care available. Above are just a few examples of how the senior housing industry is changing. More age-friendly innovations are coming, and both senior housing and senior care will be better.
Discover more insights on Spicy Chat.
