Multigenerational Housing and The Future of Senior Housing
"Multigenerational" is a phrase you see more and more accompanied by the phrase "senior housing." Makes one wonder if the next big thing in senior housing in America will just be housing, housing that integrates all generations.
- Ecumen and Edward Rose, a Michigan-based developer of multi-family housing are embarking on a development in Memphis, TN, called Irene Woods, which will contain housing for all generations, including seniors needing memory care and assisted living.
- AARP recently conducted a national study of Americans 45+ on home and community preferences. When asked about seven different community aspects and the level of importance they have for them, two-thirds of respondents said that being near friends and/or family and being near where one wants to go, e.g., grocery stores, doctor's offices, the library, etc. (Do you see that changing when they're older?)
- Meanwhile a 2010 Architectural Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey of 500 architectural firms highlighted the resurgence of front porches as more single-family homeowners are looking to reconnect with neighbors.
As Steve Ordahl, leader of Ecumen's new business and fund development, says: "You just don't wake up at 85 and say, 'I no longer want to be connected with people.'"
And for many people - that means people of all ages. It's going to be fascinating to see what new models become embraced by communities as aging becomes a bigger and bigger part of the housing mix in the United States. We're seeing other options coming on board, such as Mill City Commons in Minneapolis, Irene Woods above, housing on college campuses and co-housing, such as the new development OakCreek Cohousing Community in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Much more is undoubtedly to come . . . and much sooner than later . . .
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