February 19, 2020
The Baby Boomer generation is changing up the senior-living game. They are living longer, leading active lives and are in control of what they want out of life. Baby Boomers currently represent 28 percent of the population, making them the largest generational group in the United States. They are more educated and diverse than previous generations and in the next couple of years, will hold 70 percent of all U.S. disposable income.
While Baby Boomers are at the age where they are already retired or thinking about retirement options, they’re thinking much differently than previous generations.
They’re retiring later
Baby Boomers are waiting to retire later than any other generation and most of them are still in the workforce, making them the workforce’s fastest-growing generation. There are a few reasons why this is happening. Many people’s retirement plans took a hit from the 2008 financial crisis, some have not saved enough for retirement and others are staying in the workforce because it keeps their mind sharp and days full. According to an AARP survey, 40 percent of Baby Boomers said they plan to “work until I drop.” Out of the 3.8 million Baby Boomers turning 65 every year, only 2.2 million leave the workforce annually.
They’re living longer
As technological advancements have improved our health and life expectancies, Baby Boomers are one of the first generations to experience a longer lifespan. From 1950 to 2014, the average life expectancy rose steadily. Men’s life expectancy rose from 65.6 to 71.,1 and women’s rose from 76.1 to 81.1. Higher life expectancies mean more opportunities to be active and truly enjoy the later years in life, which is exactly what Baby Boomers are doing.
They’re saying goodbye to ageist terms
As we progress as a society, we’re becoming more inclusive with terms we associate with aging. “Elderly” and “senior citizen” are two of many dated terms the Baby Boomer generation is eschewing. Recently, there has been a push to raise awareness of ageist terms and educate why they are not appropriate for modern day.
They want customization
One size does not fit all, nor does it fit most. When it comes down to the life you want to live, what you want for yourself isn’t going to be the same as what someone else wants. Baby Boomers have helped shape the senior-living landscape by wanting customizable living options through their housing, amenities or community events. They’re also seeking out living arrangements in likeminded communities, where it is easier to connect and make friends with the people living in the community.
They’re tech savvy
Baby Boomers are the most technologically advanced retirement group to date. Currently, 68 percent of Baby Boomers own a smartphone, compared to 40 percent of the Silent Generation.
They want to pursue their passions
Retirement is the time to dive into life’s joys: hobbies, passions and making sure you have the amenities available to pursue those. Finding the right retirement community presents Baby Boomers with the accessibility and tools they need to enjoy those pursuits.
Clark at Keller Lake Apartment Homes
Our Keller Lake campus is currently undergoing an exciting expansion which will provide independent-living options Baby Boomers are looking for in a retirement community. After researching the latest trends in senior living, the community has been thoughtfully designed for active older adults looking to live life to the fullest among a close-knit community of friends and neighbors.
The community features 52 modern independent-living apartment homes. The contemporary apartment homes offer spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. Keller Lake represents the best of both worlds—tucked away in the beautiful Cascade area, yet close to shopping and Grand Rapids’ exciting city life.
The expansion features West Michigan’s first town-square model, forming a tight-knit 62-and-better Life Plan Community bustling with activity. Amenities include peaceful lakefront walking paths, a fully equipped wellness center, a piazza for gathering with friends, a bistro, a restaurant, and so much more.
For Baby Boomers living at Clark, they get the customization, independence and community they are looking for. To learn more about Keller Lake Apartment Homes and all that Clark has to offer, reach one of our senior living advisors at 616-278-6520 or info@clarkretirement.org.
Categories: Independent Living
Tags: Keller Lake Expansion
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FAQs
Privacy, Community and Convenience
Many Baby Boomers, having grown up and lived in the suburbs all their lives, have very clear requirements for privacy and convenience in their living arrangements.
What do baby boomers want for senior living? ›
Privacy, Community and Convenience
Many Baby Boomers, having grown up and lived in the suburbs all their lives, have very clear requirements for privacy and convenience in their living arrangements.
What are 3 ways that baby boomers changed society? ›
The consistent pattern across the history of the baby boom generation was that its scale forced American institutions to adapt. More schools were built. Teenagers were targeted as a new market. TV shows and movies were created to appeal to the generation.
What is the impact of the baby boomer generation on United States aging? ›
The aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75 percent increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring nursing home care, to about 2.3 million in 2030 from 1.3 million in 2010, the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) projects in a new report.
What effects will baby boomers have on society as they continue to retire? ›
As more baby boomers retire from the workforce, economic growth could be impacted as retirees not only produce less but also consume and spend less. The workforce will have fewer workers to contribute through taxes to the nation's social programs (such as Social Security).
What do baby boomers need the most? ›
As the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, reaches retirement age, the need for Medicare and age-related health care services will continue to rise, taking health care expenses upwards with them.
What motivates baby boomers? ›
Baby Boomers 1946 - 1964
Other motivators include, promotions, chances to lead and guide others, gaining titles and certifications.
Why are baby boomers important to society? ›
“Baby boomer” refers to a member of the generation born between the end of World War II and the mid-1960s. Because of their large numbers and the relative prosperity of the U.S. economy during their working careers, baby boomers as a group remain economically and politically influential.
What are the effects of the baby boomers on society and the economy? ›
Boomers also influenced the economy as a core marketing demographic for products tied to their age group, from toys to records. Constituting as much as 40% of the American population, baby boomers have exerted a strong pull on American culture at large, particularly during the social movements of the 1960s.
What are the core values of baby boomers? ›
As seen in the presented Table, according to the Baby Boomers generation, the main values in life were family security, tranquility, and a sense of accomplishment. However, such values as true friendship, equality, and pleasurable and leisured life were seen as rather insignificant.
And finally, if your chance of dying within the next year is 4 percent or higher, you might be considered "very old" or "elderly." The above chart shows that this threshold for men increased from about 65 in the 1920s to 76 today.
Is 65 old for a woman? ›
Most developed Western countries set the retirement age around the age of 65; this is also generally considered to mark the transition from middle to old age. Reaching this age is commonly a requirement to become eligible for senior social programs. Old age cannot be universally defined because it is context-sensitive.
What do baby boomers struggle with? ›
As baby boomers age, they must deal with the challenges of aging. That is why healthy living and regular check-ups with your doctor are more important as time goes by. Age is a risk factor for several chronic conditions, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
What are the disadvantages of baby boomers? ›
The 10 Major Disadvantages to Being an Aging Baby Boomer.
- Exorbitant cost of replacement parts.
- Sex and drugs and rock and roll and now naps.
- When acid flashbacks meet dementia. ...
- Turns out that old adage was right: the good DO die young.
As they reached young adulthood in the 1960s and '70s, their tastes in music and their hair and dress styles strongly influenced the national culture, driving the popularity of rock music, folk music, and television programming and, to some extent, changing the country's attitudes toward drug use, sexuality, and how ...
What is the retirement mistake boomers should avoid? ›
Avoid These 3 Common Boomer Financial Mistakes
- Don't put your kids' education ahead of your future.
- Don't plan to rely on Social Security too much.
- Don't underestimate the cost of paying for healthcare when you're older.
Family is incredibly important to them, and they have prioritized their children's education and upbringing. Boomers are also known for their love of material goods and for driving consumer spending. These values have left an enduring legacy and continue to influence us today.
What services do baby boomers need? ›
As this significant population grows older, individuals may require unique support that includes nursing homes, in-house care, health monitoring and assisted living services.
What do baby boomers prioritize? ›
Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964)
As a result of their economic status, this generation prioritizes job stability and the traditional view of climbing the corporate ladder.
What do baby boomers want in a home? ›
Gracing the top of the list of home features that Baby Boomers want is a laundry room, with 94% rating this dedicated space as “Essential” or “Desirable.” Energy efficiency also seems to be important to Baby Boomers, as all three ENERGYSTAR categories made the list (ENERGYSTAR windows: 91%, ENERGYSTAR appliances: 89%, ...
Our Keller Lake campus is currently undergoing an exciting expansion which will provide independent-living options Baby Boomers are looking for in a retirement community. After researching the latest trends in senior living, the community has been thoughtfully designed for active older adults looking to live life to the fullest among a close-knit community of friends and neighbors.