In the US, there are three generations that form the aging population and are residents in senior and assisted living facilities. Each of these generations has its own characteristics and needs that the existing healthcare system should be prepared for. Understanding these generations and their needs is the key to being able to provide for them.
The Greatest Generation
This generation refers to anyone born between 1901 and 1925. They grew up during the Great Depression and many even served during World War II. The racial and ethnic minorities from this generation suffered a lot of abuse and prejudice due to institutionalized segregation.
However, due to the experiences the Greatest Generation had, it is characterized by courageousness and ability to keep trying and persevering even in adversity. Above all, this generation cherishes traditional values and has thrifty spending habits.
The Silent Generation
This generation was born between 1926 and 1944. Some of the people belonging to this generation actually grew up during the Great Depression but did not serve during the Second World War, as they were too young to be enlisted. However, they were old enough to fight during the Korean War. The African Americans of this generation were responsible for starting the fight to make America an egalitarian nation.
Members of this generation are hardworking, loyal and logical. They can differentiate right from wrong and have a traditional outlook on life. Nonetheless, the Silent Generation is known to be a conformist generation.
The Baby Boomers
The Baby Boomers were born between 1945 and 1964. This was a crucial generation as it was instrumental for the Civil Rights Movement and it witnessed the desegregation of the American society. Many Baby Boomers were drafted for the Vietnam War and this led to them passionately participating in the anti-war movement that engulfed the US. This generation is considered socially liberal and more permissive in their outlook.
This generation is considered to be independent and competitive. Their social values are more liberal compared to the previous two generations, and they give a lot of importance to health and wellness.
8 Predictions About The Future Of Senior Care
Research shows that a majority of the residents in senior and assisted living facilities is from the Greatest and Silent generations. The Baby Boomers still have not made it into assisted living facilities, which are now getting ready to cater to a flood of Baby Boomers.
Based on this, here are a few predictions about the future of senior care:
1. Senior care is shifting away from nursing home care and will focus on other options, like home care, memory care, and independent living. This trend will accelerate as the cost specialized nurses are driving up nursing home costs couple with cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.
2. Technology will become an important part of senior care. Already, personal care robots have entered the market and it is anticipated more technology-enabled senior care options will become the norm to improve quality of life and health of seniors.
3. Trends show that seniors who cannot afford or don’t want to relocate to a senior care facility are keen on multi-generational housing, which will see different generations of a family living under the same roof.
4. Many seniors are still working and contributing to the economy and there are others who have limited mobility. This will force the community planners to ensure towns and cities become more senior-friendly and cater to their needs.
5. Active seniors may shift toward senior co-housing where each resident has their independent home, but enjoy shared spaces like gardens and recreation facilities.
6. To become more attractive, traditional senior housing facilities will begin to offer more amenities as well as lifestyle perks to residents.
7. Being eco-friendly means being economical. Hence, senior housing has already started offer green buildings and infrastructure to help seniors do their bit for the environment and also reduce their costs.
8. Today, retirees and seniors want to live in their homes as long as possible. This trend will become the norm and as a result, the healthcare industry catering to seniors will flourish and thrive.
