**Not Your Great-Grandparents’ Senior Housing: Hospitality Amenities Reign Supreme**
*By Connect CRE*
*Pictured: Inspir Rooftop Terrace Suite — Photo Credit: Joseph Romeo*
Gone are the days when senior housing meant just a bed, basic care, and simple meals in a communal dining hall. Today’s senior living communities are evolving rapidly to meet a new wave of expectations, especially from the active and discerning baby boomer population.
“Senior housing amenities were once focused on meeting essential needs and providing basic care,” said Shane Herlet, Co-CEO of Maplewood Senior Living and Inspir. “The current trend is resort-style living.”
### Focus on Features
*Shane Herlet*
Herlet explained that properties under the Inspir brand are now designed to reflect the luxury and appeal of high-end hospitality offerings. The driving force behind this shift? Baby boomers want more than just a comfortable place to live — they want engaging, healthy, and dynamic environments.
Popular amenities now include:
– Swimming pools and fitness centers
– Spa services
– A variety of dining options with flexible meal times
– Cultural events and lifelong learning opportunities
– Customized living spaces
“Amenities that promote active lifestyles and overall well-being are increasingly important,” Herlet noted.
### The Technology Angle
Contrary to stereotypes, today’s seniors are anything but tech-phobic. “Technology is becoming increasingly important for seniors for several reasons,” said Herlet. “It enhances independence, improves safety and helps seniors stay connected with family and friends.”
Modern senior communities are incorporating:
– High-speed WiFi across the property
– Smart home features using voice-activated controls
– Telehealth platforms to meet medical needs remotely
– Wearable health-monitoring devices
– Virtual reality tools for both entertainment and cognitive stimulation
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a dual role in these advanced senior housing setups. For residents, AI supports safety and monitoring through smart surveillance and biometric access controls. For management, it enhances operational efficiency by:
– Automating maintenance requests and handling inquiries
– Providing financial analysis and performance metrics
– Streamlining hiring with resume screening and interview support
– Addressing labor shortages
“Every platform or tool that integrates AI helps enhance staff and operational efficiencies through a higher level of data analysis and in-depth insights,” Herlet said.
### Flexibility Is Key
Despite the shift toward luxury and innovation, Herlet cautioned that flexibility remains a vital piece of the puzzle. “A one-size-fits-all approach might not be effective,” he said, pointing out that populations in senior communities span multiple generations with widely varying needs.
“Communities must cater to both baby boomers and younger seniors,” Herlet added. “This drives the demand for diverse offerings.”
Ultimately, adaptability is the name of the game. As demographics shift and expectations evolve, senior living providers need to remain forward-thinking and responsive. “The industry should be adaptable and forward-thinking to meet the evolving expectations of future residents,” Herlet concluded.
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*This article first appeared on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
*Originally published by Connect CRE.*
