By Ted Teele, CEO of Longevity Community Consultants
In the ever-evolving landscape of 55+ and senior housing, a groundbreaking concept is
taking shape—Longevity Communities. Designed to cater specifically to the needs and
aspirations of the 55-100 age demographic, these communities aim to redefine the
traditional notions of how to support healthy aging and longevity.
The Challenge with Current Senior Living Options
Recent surveys, including one by “A Place for Mom,” have shown a stark reality: about
90% of seniors say that they never want to live in senior living. Many perceive senior
living communities as “the place you go to die” rather than as a vibrant community
where they will live healthier, happier, and longer lives. This sentiment has led to
significant financial implications for the industry, with occupancy rates in Life Plan,
Independent Living (IL) and Assisted Living (AL) communities lagging considerably
behind those of Active Adult and Multi-family Communities.
Copyright 2024
The Problem with Active Adult Communities
Surveys say that many people join Active Adult Communities because of social & recreational opportunities (i.e. Fun) plus a maintenance-free lifestyle. And, of course, golf for many people.
But do Active Adult Communities support healthy aging and longevity? Not so much. They generally are not science based, have little or no longevity supporting technology, and the programming falls far short of the full range of activities that are scientifically proven to increase avg. life expectancy.
This is particularly troubling given that many surveys highlight baby boomers’ (aged 60-78) significant concerns regarding their physical and mental well-being. And CDC data reveals that almost 70% of individuals aged 55-64 and 85% of those 65 and older have at least one chronic condition. Thus, a large segment of the population is striving to maintain a high quality of life despite chronic health issues.
To truly enhance the chances of healthy aging and longevity, it’s crucial to integrate the latest scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and programming to make it easier and more fun to live healthier, happier, and longer.
Introducing Longevity Communities
A Longevity Community will use science, technology, programming and FUN to make it easier and enjoyable for age 55+ residents & non-residents to live healthier, happier and longer lives.
Because studies show that membership in a club can increase happiness, residents & non-resident participants will together be considered “Members’ of the Longevity Club. And the “Clubhouse” will be the place where many of the longevity components will be provided to members.
The % mix between resident and non-resident members will vary based on the geographic location of the community and other factors such as pricing. In population dense areas, the % of non-resident members will likely be higher.
Longevity Communities will be divided into two categories:
- The first will cater to the 55-75 age group, competing with Active Adult communities.
- The second will cater to the 75-100 age group, competing with Life Plan and Independent Living communities.
Of course, many Active Adult and Senior Living Life Plan communities could transform themselves into Longevity Communities.
What will set Longevity Communities apart from Active
Adult Communities?
Here are four advantages of Longevity Communities compared to Active Adult Communities:
- More compelling branding
- Use of science, technology, health assessment, and comprehensive longevity enhancing programming
- Helps people who prefer to continue living at their homes. From an economic standpoint, that means more revenue sources than are typically available to Active Adult communities.
- Nationwide buzz, since Longevity Communities are new and exciting
Benefits to Senior Living providers for transforming into Longevity Communities
- Science based approach to healthy aging and longevity for residents
- Can help people who want to continue living at home
- Diverse revenue sources
- Consumer brand perception based on living healthier, happier and longer instead of being “the place you go to die”
- Nationwide buzz based on the exciting branding
Important: Becoming a Longevity Community requires more than merely
a rebranding effort for Senior Living and Active Adult Adult communities. The product offering must also dramatically change.
The sections below outline the scientific foundations and unique product offerings provided by Longevity Communities.
Scientific Foundations and Innovative Approaches
The development of Longevity Communities is deeply rooted in scientific research. The completion of the Human Genome Project and subsequent genetic discoveries have paved the way for wide ranging research to increase healthy aging and longevity.
This is called Longevity Science, and many talented scientists are researching in this area. For example, Dr. David Sinclair, a Harvard professor of genetics, concludes (based on his research) that aging is a disease that can be slowed or reversed. He calls it the “Information Theory of Aging”.
What are the Components of the Longevity Communities Support Framework?
These communities will focus on optimizing longevity through comprehensive support
frameworks that include
- Initial and regular health assessment methodologies,
- AI based coaching and personalized recommendations based on the assessments,
- Fun programming based on the latest longevity science
- Longevity technology that makes
For my recommendations for longevity science resources (podcasts, books, videos), please click here:
Assessing Members’ Health
Longevity Communities will assess health and life expectancy using a mix of blood and
imaging tests, and other tests as required. They will search for cancer and heart disease, among others, and will look for risk factors. They will evaluate your genome, gut biome, inflammation, metabolic health, cardiological risk factors, cancer risk factors, etc. All of this information will help provide personalized health recommendations, including programming suggestions.
Of course, all of these tests and the resulting lifestyle changes can’t provide any guarantees. However, coupled with the other aspects of Longevity Communities, they could increase members’ average health and life expectancy.
Personalized Recommendations
Next Step: Using AI and medical experts, Longevity Communities will provide members
with personalized recommendations to increase their health and life expectancy.
Members will be expected to discuss all recommendations, and the Longevity Community programming, with their primary care doctors and specialists. To make this simpler for interested member
Science Based and Fun Longevity Programming
There are many lifestyle changes that have been scientifically shown to increase life expectancy. While it is possible for most people to do all of these activities, Longevity Communities will make it much easier and more fun to do so.
Making it Easy: The ease comes because all of the programs will be accessible through the longevity technology, which will also track participation vs. goal- based on the personalized recommendations and each person. It will also be easier because they all will be available at or near the Longevity Community.
Making it Fun: The fun comes with having friends doing the longevity programs together. For example, while many people dread cold plunging (in spite of the major biochemical benefits), a “Polar Bear” club which gets together regularly to plunge together with some fun social engagement afterwards, would be a much more fun way to do something that increases your life expectancy.
Technology Based Support Infrastructure
Technology makes pursuing longevity easier and more fun in 5 ways.
- Gamification
- Mutual Commitment
- AI supported Longevity Coach for personalized recommendations/answers
- Easy to understand educational snippets
- Social Activities and Connection (Making it Fun)
Cross-Generational Opportunity
Longevity Communities could have cross-generational elements, something which would be compelling to many in the 55-75 and 75+ cohorts. For example, the community could offer free or subsidized housing to college students or recent graduates who, in return, would provide hands-on support and help manage the longevity support systems. This program could be similar to Disney’s, which has special programs to attract college students for a brief period of time.
This model not only enriches the community with youthful energy but also creates an environment where multiple generations can learn from and support each other, enhancing the social fabric of the community.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
As baby boomers continue to seek alternatives that align more closely with their lifestyle aspirations, Longevity Communities will offer a pioneering solution that will help reshape both the Active Adult and Senior Housing markets.
Using science, technology, and fun programming, Longevity Communities will help members live healthier, happier and longer lives. That will be compelling to a significant portion of age 55+ adults. And there certainly will be numerous business opportunities.
Copyright 2024 by Ted Teele (all images and text)