The McKinsey Health Institute: Are We Giving Older Adults What They Want
A recent report from the McKinsey Health Institute confirms what we’ve been saying about aging and the need to create and reposition senior communities to appeal to this growing population. Findings from a survey of more than 21,000 older adults (those aged 55 and older) showed that these individuals prioritize having a purpose, managing stress, enjoying meaningful connections with others, and maintaining independence.
Among the survey results:
Technology adoption is common among older adults; they are eager to embrace tech, especially smartphones. While older adults in higher income brackets have greater access to the resources to maintain physical and mental health and well-being, they aren’t necessarily thriving more than their middle- and lower-income counterparts.
While about 20% of higher-income older adults say they would like to work into old age, few are currently working. They report lower levels of societal participation than their lower-income counterparts. Fewer than 60% of higher-income respondents report engagement in societal participation.
Key factors associated with self-perceived health include having a purpose, managing stress, physical activity, lifelong learning, and interacting with others. Interestingly, higher-income older adults prioritize financial security and stress management, while lower-income individuals cite the importance of sleep and exercise.
While self-perceived health status declines as people age, spiritual health often becomes more important. However, at the same time, higher-income older adults report an increase in health across all dimensions – physical, mental, spiritual, and social – from age 55 to about 79. Longer lives don’t necessarily mean better perceived health. However, those individuals with chronic conditions don’t necessarily self-report poor health. Survey findings suggest that health is more than “the absence or presence of disease and consists of multiple dimensions.
Feeling respected and valued by their community makes people feel better about their health across income levels.
Nearly half (44%) of respondents say they would like to engage in a new type of activity. At the same time, people who report working, volunteering, or participating in education or community activities are more likely to say that their overall health is good. While poor health can be a barrier to societal participation, the survey authors say it isn’t a deal breaker and that even older adults in less-than-perfect health express a desire for engagement. More than one-fifth of survey respondents in poor health say they still work.
More than two-thirds of adults aged 55-65 say they want to work but can not find a job.
Most survey respondents report wanting to age in place, i.e., stay in their homes, despite the challenges and risks they may face. While using external supports and technology can be useful, lower-income older adults, in particular, may not have access to these supports.
This data supports the need for senior living communities that serve active adults while enabling residents easy access to health and wellness amenities and interventions. If communities are to attract residents today and in the coming years, communities will need to balance these two priorities. Whether they are building new communities or repositioning existing ones, this means:
Multipurpose spaces that enable a wide variety of activities. For instance, an acoustically sound room could include a portable or folding stage for performances or a screen for movies and educational presentations.
Business services and amenities. Consider a hotel-style business center, onsite tech support, pop-up computer or business supply stores, and one or more conference rooms that can be booked for meetings. A nook or room for a home office in units will be attractive for residents who want to continue working. Reliable high-speed internet throughout the building and conveniences such as charging stations.
Outdoor spaces that offer more than pools and picnics. Consider amenities such as a putting green, pickleball court, outdoor gourmet kitchens, hiking/biking trails, dog parks, therapeutic gardens, and more.
Partnerships with area colleges and universities that enable virtual or onsite classes and lectures are key to enabling lifelong learning.
Health care services without an institutional look. Older adults don’t want to be reminded about their aging and health issues. Amenities such as exam rooms, telehealth suites, and physical therapy services, are key. However, these should be separate from living and activity areas and align with the aesthetics of the rest of the building. Devices such as rails and grab bars to increase safety are designed to blend in with the look and feel of the building.
Work opportunities. For instance, consider the possibility of gardens where residents can grow fruits, vegetables, and plants and sell them at an area farmer’s market.
Intergenerational opportunities. Older adults may want to downsize but still entertain families. Amenities like guest apartments, larger units with a guest room, a child-friendly game room, and a grab-and-go dining area with a children’s menu may appeal to residents.
Dining variety. Increasingly, multipurpose dining spaces are essential. For instance, a space that is a coffee shop in the morning, a bar in the afternoon, and a karaoke club at night. Amenities like onsite microbreweries or micro-distilleries also are showing promise.
Places for pets. More than 50% of seniors report having one or more pets, and most describe these as members of their family. Dog parks, pet wish/groom stations, and amenities such as onsite petsitting services, grooming, and vet services will be attractive to pet parents.
The survey data confirms from we have learned from our interactions with senior living residents, and we are proud to design and reposition buildings and communities that meet the needs and desires of our older adults. It is essential to create spaces that appeal to residents’ needs and interests, give them a sense of purpose, enable meaningful interactions, and ensure that they can live and work in ways that bring value, respect, and joy
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