A generation characterized by strong opinions, high education, fierce independence and very active with no indication of slowing down, the baby boomers are retiring.

While the traditional retirement age is 65, many boomers plan to continue working for a few years. They want to be close to where they work or have a residence that supports working from home. They are retiring later in life, don’t want a major departure from their current active lifestyle and want more of what they already enjoy.

According to experts, this generation will increase the 65+ market by 75% to nearly 2.3 million people by 2030. Baby boomers are, rightfully so, a group of consumers who demand to be heard and should be listened to, especially by senior living communities. With an increased life expectancy, the real question is what do boomers really want when it comes to senior living?

 “We are seeing a new trend in aging care communities with this generation that focuses more on personalized options, a sense of belonging and not necessarily the cookie-cutter approach of many apartments in a single building,” said Nicole Candler, Chief Marketing Officer of Masonic Homes Kentucky. “With all this in mind, Masonic is introducing Clay, a new approach to our Active Lifestyle Communities.”

Clay offers no fewer than nine unique apartments, private outdoor spaces as well as a shared rooftop patio creating a small community within an 82-acre campus. Because boomers are still very active and involved, its location in the middle of St. Matthews and Crescent Hill make it easy to access restaurants, shopping and expressways.

Part of a remodeled historical building, each residence includes high ceilings and large windows, high-end appliances and modern finishes.“Most boomers are capable of maintaining a yard and home, that’s just not how they want to spend their time,“ said Candler. “They want maintenance-free, hassle-free residences with the ability to customize to their taste. They want dining options as well as a gourmet kitchen should they want to cook dinner for themselves or friends. They want choices and options.”

This generation, many who don’t have kids, aren’t looking for a hotel-like community with communal grand dining rooms and large group activities. Because they’ve built a social community and life that works for them, they want to live somewhere that reinforces this lifestyle.

“They want to create their own community and are not the ones you will find playing bingo. They enjoy being around others who have similar interests but also want to come and go freely from their own residence,” Candler added. “Clay was built with this lifestyle in mind. It offers an onsite wellness center, outdoor living and green space conveniently located close to all the local favorites.”

With no set retirement date, this new population may not have long-term care concerns high on their priority list either. But, if or when the time comes for a higher level of care, having access to it where you already live makes the idea of “aging in place” more appealing.“My advice to anyone shopping retirement communities is to prioritize what you want now but unless you really want to move again and possibly again, make sure it will also work with you in the future,” said Candler. “A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Masonic offers all levels of care and services at one location so residents have access to what they need if their level of care changes. In addition, Masonic’s Life Care offers estate protection, health care services at a reduced cost and guaranteed access to care through a predictable monthly fee.”

Interested in learning more about Clay or attending one of our upcoming events? Visit https://www.masonichomesky.com/independent-living/clay/.

November 28, 2023