Aug 8, 2024
The landscape of senior living is set to transform dramatically in the next 20 years. With the upcoming generation of Baby Boomers moving into Assisted Living and Memory Care facilities, and GenX approaching Active Adult and Independent Living arrangements, the demands and expectations are evolving. Chipman Design Architecture explores the key trends that will predict and shape senior living communities in the next two decades, focusing on mixed-generation communities, WELL buildings, AI and tech-based care, and net-zero impact dwellings.
In 2044, senior living will be less about age segregation and more about fostering intergenerational relationships. Mixed-generation communities will become the norm, providing environments where Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and even younger generations can live, interact, and support each other. These communities will offer:
· Diverse Social Opportunities: Programs and activities designed to encourage interaction between different age groups, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
· Community-Centered Living: Designated floors for seniors, college students, artists in residence, professional interns, etc., creating a vibrant, intergenerational environment with an ample range of living arrangements from independent apartments to assisted living and memory care units.
· Inclusive Amenities: Creating amenities such as parks for families, sports fields for spectators, and essential facilities like grocery markets can attract people from outside the senior living community, fostering interaction with the general population. This approach promotes integration rather than isolating residents within an independent living community.
The WELL Building Standard, which focuses on enhancing human health and well-being through the built environment, will play a crucial role in future senior living communities. By 2044, these buildings will be designed to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of residents through:
· Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements like indoor gardens, water features, and abundant natural light to create calming and restorative spaces.
· Smart Health Monitoring: Integration of wearable health devices and in-home sensors to monitor residents' health and provide real-time data to caregivers.
· Wellness Programs: Comprehensive wellness programs including yoga, meditation, nutrition counseling, and mental health support will be readily available.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology will revolutionize the way care is delivered in senior living communities by 2044. These advancements will provide:
· Personalized Care Plans: AI algorithms will analyze health data to create personalized care plans tailored to each resident's needs and preferences.
· Virtual Assistants: Voice-activated assistants will help residents manage their daily routines, medication schedules, and communication with family and caregivers.
· AI Health Assistance: Utilizes connected in-home monitoring devices to track vital signs and health metrics of residents. Combined with these devices that provide real-time data, AI algorithms constantly analyze the data to diagnose potential health issues and deliver immediate feedback to both residents and healthcare providers.
Sustainability will be at the forefront of senior living design in 2044. Communities will strive for net-zero impact and LEEDcertification by incorporating:
· Energy-Efficient Systems: Solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy-efficient appliances will minimize energy consumption.
· Sustainable Materials: Building materials will be sourced sustainably, with an emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental health.
· Water Conservation: Advanced water management systems will reduce water waste and promote conservation through rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
· Green Spaces: Ample green spaces will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also support biodiversity and provide areas for recreation and relaxation.
The senior living communities of 2044 will be vibrant, tech-savvy, and sustainable, catering to the diverse needs of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. By fostering mixed-generation interactions, prioritizing wellness through WELL building standards, leveraging AI and technology for personalized care, and committing to sustainable practices, these communities will provide a high quality of life for all residents. As we prepare for this future, it's essential to embrace these trends and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of our aging population.
Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned senior living, retail, and hospitality, architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love collaborating, breaking boundaries, and creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago, and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm’s Principal team, led by third generation family member, and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm’s commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today’s world.
Meg Stevens directs her creative senior living interiors team with a collaborative energy that engages design possibility in every project. It is at this intersection of strategic development and inviting interiors that Meg and her team thrive. Developing a profound portfolio that spans more than a decade, Meg is recognized for her wide range of projects across the hospitality, senior living, and health + wellness sectors. The throughline in every design project Meg and her team undertake is the consideration of the guest and how they will interact with the space and how it will positively impact their lives.
At Chipman Design Architecture, Megis charged with design management with a specialty in senior living communities, taking projects from conceptualization through completion. She is adept at developing the overall interior concept and designing specifically for seniors’ needs across care levels while developing the design direction, space plan and overlaying materials and finishes. Her management skills continue through construction documents and specifications, FF+E budgeting, design presentations, project installations and all client relations. A featured speaker at Boutique Design New York (BDNY), Meg is a graduate of University of Indiana, receiving her Bachelor of Interior Design and is a LEED AP-licensed professional.
Marilyn Aiossa is known for her creativity and insights into how people respond to space. She is particularly passionate about collaboration with team members and clients to make design and FF+E choices that support a client’s mission. Her goal is to form spaces that serve as an asset to an owner’s operational goals.
Beginning with the pre-design process, she collaboratively engages client stakeholders with the Chipman Design team to build consensus around a vision for the future, developing thorough and detailed program documents to reflect a property’s unique culture and identity. Her work on both the design and management faces of projects allows her to bridge effective client communication, creative space planning and material specifications for such clients as Senior Lifestyle and Smashburger. Marilyn attended Harrington College of Design in Downtown Chicago, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Specialization in Sustainability.
