By 2030 the number of United States adults age 50 and older will grow to 132 million.  This is up 70% from 2000!!!! This rise is due to the massive baby boomer generation climbing in age AND a greater longevity among older Americans.

Younger boomers who are now in their 50's are of special concern, since they are less financially secure than generations past - Thanks in part to the Great Recession.  

More affordable, and suitable rental housing is needed to address the needs of the aging population.  Communities need to explore efficient ways to support aging Americans.  Services also include transportation systems and rezoning for accommodation of residents who may want to downsize but stay in their town.  

We need to address our future senior housing needs!

Demand for apartment rentals was up 21% in 2012 according to an ASID report.  Rental market is high in demand and will continue for the next 5-10 years.
Several points of interest in this market are:
  

• Location - Especially seen in urban growth
• Modern amenities such as stainless appliances, granite countertops
• Stylish kitchens and bathrooms
• More storage in the unit
• Added "pops" of color accents in wall paints in new colors such as raspberry, yellow, blue gray
• Young adult market is willing to pay pet rent - $25-$50 per month (major selling point!)
• There is a new appeal of renting vs. owning because of no growth in real estate over the past 10 years.
• Interest in sustainability:  Bike parking, plug ins for electric cars, efficiency in utilities and appliances, green materials such as adhesives, paints and flooring.
• Gen Y are the new market to appeal to

There is a caution of overbuilding and oversupply in this market and it appears to possibly overpriced.

Our growing priority of interior design in healthcare and senior living facilities it to create comfortable environments.  They feel more home like than institutional. 

I use color for way finding in all of my senior facilities.  It is so much easier ( for any of us!) to find a location by associating a color.  For example, first floor is blue accent paint, blue furniture in the living room, blue paint on the stairwell door wall.  This alerts you to the floor you are on and it is also convenient for guests.

Another good use of color is to make transitions in hallways - from one part of the clinic to another or from assisted living to healthcare.

Finally my favorite way to use color in senior facilities is in the restrooms.  Who doesn't want to look at a splash of color in their public restrooms?  Too often they are boring white or beige.

Have fun with color - and know that seniors like color too!