Health remains a top priority among senior living and care leaders, as well as community organizations serving older adults, according to the latest report from the International Council on Active Aging.
The ICAA Wellness Programs and Places Report 2024, released last week, found that over the past decade, senior living executives have recognized the need to serve not only people with physical limitations but also active adults. is made clear. In response, they developed wellness centers and upgraded community centers to offer a wider range of programs and activities.
And they aren’t finished yet.
Colin Milner, Founder and CEO of ICAA, said: McKnight’s Senior Living The study highlights a holistic approach to care and service delivery that prioritizes individual well-being through more personalized and wellness-centered services, highlighting a significant shift towards wellness-focused communities. There is. He highlighted that 71% of senior living communities that responded to the survey detailed in the report said they expect to adopt such a model by 2030, highlighting that lifestyle provision is a key priority. He added that he was aiming to do so.
This year’s findings reveal that organizations are planning to expand wellness activities and programs (76%), increase budgets (54%) and hire wellness staff (56%) at higher rates than in previous years. became.
“What’s particularly surprising is the increased investment and staffing in wellness, demonstrating a tangible commitment to this model,” Milner said. “Collectively, these developments demonstrate the continued evolution of care delivery and community provision towards a more comprehensive and technologically integrated approach.”
Overall, 519 responses from senior living communities, senior community centers, public agencies, health clubs, and medical institutions found that 74% said on-site wellness programs were a top priority; They said they plan to increase wellness programs and activities this year and next.
According to the report, 75% of the 358 senior living communities surveyed had formal, structured wellness programs, which the ICAA says are more popular among health-conscious baby boomers and Generation Xers. It is said that it will appeal to people. And senior executives say they realize the model needs to change. According to the report, to position the community for the future.
“Researchers and thought leaders indicate that meaningful activities, social connections, and support when needed influence occupancy rates and length of stay in senior living communities,” the report said. It is written in the book. “As health care providers seek partnerships with Medicare Advantage plans and hospitals, wellness staff who teach physical activity, health education, and activities that promote cognitive and intellectual health will partner to support community values and data And health insurance companies are demanding it.”
Wellness programs offered in senior living and general communities vary widely, but most include arts and self-expression (81%), social gatherings (71%), mindfulness (70%) — and physical activity, including fitness programs (84%); Social activities (71%) and spiritual programs (70%) are also popular, as are physical programs in the form of health care (68%) and environmental programs that provide outdoor activities (68%). did.
Indoor spaces have been upgraded to incorporate wellness products. Among respondents in senior living communities, 61% said they offered a cafe or juice bar, and nearly half (46%) said they had a separate wellness center.
But Milner said wellness is also moving outdoors, a trend that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. 49% of senior community participants report having access to outdoor fitness/exercise trails, 31% offer meditation gardens, and 30% have tennis or pickleball courts as amenities. Masu.
Technology is also a key component of a wellness-centric organization. Mr Milner said there was an increased focus on virtual reality for both residents and staff by providing experiences, training and social connection.
“This trend reflects the rise of voice-activated solutions in recent years,” he said.
Senior communities are also opening their doors to larger communities to maximize return on wellness investments, with 23% of respondents saying they invite non-residents into their communities as paying guests. Did. The strategy is a win-win, providing marketing to potential future residents and positioning the community as good neighbors sharing resources, according to the report.
“Wellness is the thread that unites mission, services, people, and programs,” the report says.
ICAA introduced a wellness audit tool in 2022 to help the senior housing industry identify wellness-related strengths and weaknesses.
The new report can be purchased from the ICAA website.
