What’s the one thing that is most important to you over the next 20 years?
That’s what we asked baby boomers in our area and we received many answers. But why are we asking this question?
Craft & Communicate is collecting answers directly from the next senior living generation so we can ensure we are marketing to them and their needs. If your marketing agency isn’t doing this already, they are falling behind.
Next Up: Baby Boomers
Baby boomers are entering retirement sooner than we think – in fact, within the next five years’ type of soon.
Even as they age, baby boomers continue to be entrepreneurs and providers. They are working more than their previous generation, whether it is out of necessity, passion or both. They are also under the belief that retirement doesn’t start at 65 – it starts at 74. Many also say they don’t have enough money saved for retirement, which could correlate with their need to continue working even as they become older.
They are becoming a part of the digital world every day with tons of baby boomers using Facebook and YouTube now. 84 percent of responders from a survey even say it improves their lives! And while they continue to remain steadfast in their traditions, baby boomers are more accepting of social changes compared to those older than them.
So, what did baby boomers directly say to us about their lives?
What We Found Out
Faith. Family. Friendship. Freedom.
We received nearly 60 responses, a few shares, and more than a dozen likes on our temporary ad and web forms. Baby boomers tend to focus on their loved ones, their religion/spirituality and their health, wanting consistency and stability on the things that make up the foundation of their lives. Not only that, but they are looking forward to living longer, happier lives than the previous generation with the world of healthcare continuously making vast improvements.
Most answers we received were simply this, however: living.
Even though they are aging, baby boomers expect to continue to live life. Gone are the days where sitting around is what defined senior living to the general public. Senior living communities need to maintain their sense of community, access to family, and specialized healthcare that’s unique to each person and their needs.
One example is that many baby boomers wish to receive visits from their grandchildren frequently and watch them grow up. Intergenerational programming and family-friendly events will remedy this concern for future residents through fun and interactive opportunities.
Most of all, however, we need to convey why a community presents the opportunity for them to live life.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
What does all this mean to us? It means change. It means shifting the way we think about the next generation of senior living. And it is safe to say that this generation will redefine aging and our industry with their expectations, living situations, and care.
At Craft & Communicate, we are always looking forward. That means keeping a steady eye on our next senior living generation and what their needs will look like in our communities. It could be more technology. It could be more customized amenities.
Whatever it may be, we will continue gathering more information and answers to learn directly from them, and properly assist our future senior living clients. Needless to say, we are fascinated by the stories that are being told.
We will have more to come! Check back on our blog for more information and insights on the next senior living generation. Contact us if you’d like to chat senior living!
