Housing for Active Seniors

nph asked:


What are some tax- saving bonds and funds where senior citizens(60 years) can invest? What financial instruments can they purchase so that their annual income doesn’t come in the taxable bracket? Thanks!

Rebecca Beckett asked:


As we all know, Baby Boomers are the new seniors. According to research, by 2030, the amount of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double, from just over 30 million to more than 70 million—and represent more than 20 percent of the population. For that reason, new senior apartments are on the minds of builders- but there is one problem. No senior over 65 wants to consider themselves as “old,” and most of them are not disabled.  Seniors are living longer, staying active and staying healthier than ever. Because of this, senior housing needs to reflect a diverse range of senior dwellers.

Seniors, looking to retire are looking for eye-catching senior apartments that feel like home with lots of green space as well as attractive amenities, like swimming pools, golf courses and other on-site services. Seniors also want their apartments to be built in intimate communities and created with privacy in mind. Seniors today want to make the most of their retirement- meaning they are looking for a place to live out their golden years, not watch them slowly fade away.

Location and Privacy

For many, setting ranks high on the list of must-haves for senior housing today. Where senior apartments are located is a huge priority and builders are paying attention. Whether it is overlooking a pond or lake, in the mountains, or even in a high rise in a bustling city, location is key.

Sustainability and Quality

Going green is important to many people, including seniors and in their search for senior apartments, aging Baby Boomers opt for facilities that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Hi-Tech

Besides necessary wi-fi, technology in other parts of new senior apartments can offer life-saving benefits, helping seniors stay independent even longer.

•    Health monitors to measure vital signs

•    Community announcements

•    Temperature controls

•    Intercoms and automated cameras and monitors

Modern/Upgraded Furnishings

Just like anyone else looking for homes, oftentimes senior apartments come already furnished. Seniors are looking for attractive homes. Apartments with fashionable stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops and modern bamboo hardwood floors outshine the institutional looking senior homes that still exist today. Modern senior apartments are also combining hotel hospitality- seniors can live in new senior apartments with room service, maid service and personal chefs.

Approachable, Comfortable and Community

Because modern seniors are active and living longer, senior communities are offering educational and active resources to engage seniors of all ages. From college courses to golf lessons or wine tasting, senior communities are keeping seniors mobile, social and active far into their golden years.

Baby Boomers have spoken! Their not in a rush to grow old- so why should their homes reflect that? New senior apartments that are built with sustainability, privacy and offer community education and gathering places are quickly snatched up once they go the market.

Rebecca Beckett asked:


As we all know, Baby Boomers are the new seniors. According to research, by 2030, the amount of Americans over the age of 65 will more than double, from just over 30 million to more than 70 million—and represent more than 20 percent of the population. For that reason, new senior apartments are on the minds of builders- but there is one problem. No senior over 65 wants to consider themselves as “old,” and most of them are not disabled.  Seniors are living longer, staying active and staying healthier than ever. Because of this, senior housing needs to reflect a diverse range of senior dwellers.

Seniors, looking to retire are looking for eye-catching senior apartments that feel like home with lots of green space as well as attractive amenities, like swimming pools, golf courses and other on-site services. Seniors also want their apartments to be built in intimate communities and created with privacy in mind. Seniors today want to make the most of their retirement- meaning they are looking for a place to live out their golden years, not watch them slowly fade away.

Location and Privacy

For many, setting ranks high on the list of must-haves for senior housing today. Where senior apartments are located is a huge priority and builders are paying attention. Whether it is overlooking a pond or lake, in the mountains, or even in a high rise in a bustling city, location is key.

Sustainability and Quality

Going green is important to many people, including seniors and in their search for senior apartments, aging Baby Boomers opt for facilities that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Hi-Tech

Besides necessary wi-fi, technology in other parts of new senior apartments can offer life-saving benefits, helping seniors stay independent even longer.

•    Health monitors to measure vital signs

•    Community announcements

•    Temperature controls

•    Intercoms and automated cameras and monitors

Modern/Upgraded Furnishings

Just like anyone else looking for homes, oftentimes senior apartments come already furnished. Seniors are looking for attractive homes. Apartments with fashionable stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops and modern bamboo hardwood floors outshine the institutional looking senior homes that still exist today. Modern senior apartments are also combining hotel hospitality- seniors can live in new senior apartments with room service, maid service and personal chefs.

Approachable, Comfortable and Community

Because modern seniors are active and living longer, senior communities are offering educational and active resources to engage seniors of all ages. From college courses to golf lessons or wine tasting, senior communities are keeping seniors mobile, social and active far into their golden years.

Baby Boomers have spoken! Their not in a rush to grow old- so why should their homes reflect that? New senior apartments that are built with sustainability, privacy and offer community education and gathering places are quickly snatched up once they go the market.

Randalynn Kaye asked:


Everyone makes their decisions about senior housing lifestyles differently, and each situation is unique. However, senior housing professionals have come to recognize 4 main types of consumer.

#1 –> The Advance Planner

This is the person who starts their research early, taking their time to become an educated consumer and exploring all the options that are available. Usually this type of person is not afraid of the tough questions, willing to discuss end-of-life issues and engage in deep, meaningful conversations with loved ones. The advanced planner is the one who makes a move before they have to and stays in control of the process.

#2 –> The Reluctant Consumer

This person is somewhat reluctantly pulled into the research process by their spouse or adult children. They really don’t want to have to face the idea of making changes in their lives, but grudgingly participate in the process.

#3 –> The Wake-Up Call

This is the person who finally concedes to make a move after a near crisis: when the health challenge cannot be denied any longer and a change must happen. If the person is fortunate, they may still be capable of functioning in an independent living community.

#4 –> The Scrambler

This is the person who suffers a more serious health challenge that necessitates an immediate move. It usually involves family making all the choices because the older adult can no longer handle processing the options or changes. Most times it involves moving directly into assisted living or skilled nursing care.

Unfortunately I sometimes experience seniors that choose to put their head in the sand and play ostrich about their aging process, thinking they are staying in control of their lives, when the reality is just the opposite. Then, when a serious crisis occurs, someone else will have to scramble around and make the decisions for them as to where they will live and who will care for them.

The wonderful thing is we are all “at choice” in life and each person can choose how they want to approach this aspect of their journey. So the question to ask yourself or your loved ones is… How will you decide?

Randalynn Kaye asked:


Everyone makes their decisions about senior housing lifestyles differently, and each situation is unique. However, senior housing professionals have come to recognize 4 main types of consumer.

#1 –> The Advance Planner

This is the person who starts their research early, taking their time to become an educated consumer and exploring all the options that are available. Usually this type of person is not afraid of the tough questions, willing to discuss end-of-life issues and engage in deep, meaningful conversations with loved ones. The advanced planner is the one who makes a move before they have to and stays in control of the process.

#2 –> The Reluctant Consumer

This person is somewhat reluctantly pulled into the research process by their spouse or adult children. They really don’t want to have to face the idea of making changes in their lives, but grudgingly participate in the process.

#3 –> The Wake-Up Call

This is the person who finally concedes to make a move after a near crisis: when the health challenge cannot be denied any longer and a change must happen. If the person is fortunate, they may still be capable of functioning in an independent living community.

#4 –> The Scrambler

This is the person who suffers a more serious health challenge that necessitates an immediate move. It usually involves family making all the choices because the older adult can no longer handle processing the options or changes. Most times it involves moving directly into assisted living or skilled nursing care.

Unfortunately I sometimes experience seniors that choose to put their head in the sand and play ostrich about their aging process, thinking they are staying in control of their lives, when the reality is just the opposite. Then, when a serious crisis occurs, someone else will have to scramble around and make the decisions for them as to where they will live and who will care for them.

The wonderful thing is we are all “at choice” in life and each person can choose how they want to approach this aspect of their journey. So the question to ask yourself or your loved ones is… How will you decide?