Medical studies have revealed that there are increased efforts to promote an active lifestyle in senior communities across America. This may include considerations such as developing more space for recreation beyond the predictable gym within a senior housing development. Maybe a rock-climbing wall may prove unnecessary, but a yoga studio for meditation programs or gentle classes may be an added touch that provides the facility with a competitive advantage. Furthermore, communal, outdoor spaces with landscaping reminiscent of parks can provide for a more well-rounded lifestyle for residents and offer more space for reading or visitation with loved ones.
To illustrate, the National Institute of Health reports that “Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. There are four main types and each type is different. Doing them all will give you more benefits.
“Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase breathing and heart rate. Brisk walking or jogging, dancing, swimming, and biking are examples. Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. Lifting weights or using a resistance band can build strength.”
Balancing Exercises Prevent Falls
It’s no secret that flexibility exercises stretch muscles and can help your body stay limber. But while physical activity in senior populations may unnecessarily contain the belief that the exercise should be limited to physical therapy, the prudent investor recognizes that the aging populations are increasingly health- conscious and will likely seek to exercise and try yoga as leisure activities. Developers should strive to design an open space for workout equipment and dispel any notions that physical activity should be limited to physical training where therapists must be trolling the grounds.
Senior housing residents may maintain enjoyment in their golden years through the use of low-liability, ergonomically-designed equipment built with concerns of senior citizen safety. A number of providers sell exercise equipment designed specifically for use by seniors.
When working out is not available, there are other activities including games, puzzles, exercise equipment, and other goods that may keep residents fascinated and happy, but the smart development does not dilute communal spaces with board games that make the premises look dated. Technology should not be forgotten, and ports for laptops and tablets should also be contemplated.
Further, the wealth of sales data is an indication of what the growing market wants. For example major retailers such as Amazon specifically sell products under the category of “senior citizen”: “At Amazon.com, we not only have a large collection of senior citizen products, but also a comprehensive set of reviews from our customers. Below we’ve selected a subset of senior citizen products and the corresponding reviews to help you do better research, and choose the product that best suits your needs.”
Using Available Public Data to Design an Attractive Facility
Using both private retailer data and government studies helps the smartest of development teams design senior housing that is most appealing to future residents. Let Cambridge Capital Realty discuss your future development today.
