5 Key Factors to Choose the Right Retirement Location

featured 113271

You’ve likely heard that when it comes to real estate, the three most important factors are location, location, location. That saying applies to buying a home and it’s just as relevant when deciding where to spend your retirement years. Where do you picture yourself living as you get older — by the ocean, in the … Read more

How CCRC Finances Affect Occupancy and Resident Outcomes

featured 112937

If you reviewed the results of our recent consumer survey of more than 420 prospective residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or “life plan communities”), you already know one of the primary reasons people delay a move: concern about the community’s financial management. In the survey, worry about finances scored 32 percent higher than … Read more

Senior Wellness Programs That Boost CCRC Resident Health and ROI

featured 111620

“Wellness” is a term often used in senior living, and its meaning can vary by context. In continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, wellness typically describes services and amenities that enhance residents’ quality of life. CCRCs also deliver wellness through nursing and medical care when residents need support. CCRCs are … Read more

I’m Not Ready Yet Part 1: What Belongs in the Keep Pile?

featured 114787

In the “I’m Not Ready Yet” blog series, we take an in-depth look at common reasons people delay a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or other senior living community. There are many reasons people postpone a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community) or another senior living … Read more

Senior Suicide: Understanding Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention

featured 115059

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a yearly observance dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and recognizing warning signs. Suicide remains a significant public health problem in the United States, and older adults are disproportionately affected. Trigger warnings: suicide, self-harm An epidemic among the aging CDC figures show the overall U.S. suicide rate … Read more

What Is an Active Adult Community? A Clear Guide for Homebuyers

featured 116024

You have likely seen advertisements for 55-plus communities labeled as “active adult” living, but what does that phrase really mean? With many senior living providers using the term in marketing and on websites, it can be confusing. What exactly is an active adult community, and how does it differ from other age-restricted senior living options? … Read more

Senior Cohousing: A Social Living Solution to Combat Loneliness

featured 114640

We have previously discussed how widespread loneliness is among older adults in the United States. A 2018 AARP Foundation study found that 35 percent of Americans over age 45 report feeling lonely — more than one in three. The rate is even higher among lower-income groups (household income under $25,000), where roughly half report loneliness. … Read more

How CCRCs and Universities Can Build Mutually Beneficial Partnerships

featured 114413

You’ve likely noticed “help wanted” signs at businesses nationwide. Many industries are competing for workers and exploring new incentives beyond higher starting wages. One growing benefit is tuition reimbursement—recent high-profile examples include programs from major employers such as Walmart and McDonald’s. Staffing and retention have long been challenges in senior living and senior care. The … Read more

How AI Affects Older Adults: What It Is and Why It Matters

featured 118355

Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating a lot of attention these days — literally and figuratively. Headlines range from dramatic warnings about AI’s impact to analyses of market trends, but what exactly is AI, and why should older adults understand what it can and cannot do? What is AI? AI describes computer systems that recognize patterns, … Read more