"Baby boomers have substantial influence on the sector. By proxy they are placing their expectations on those who provide care for their parents. They want their parents treated the way they'd like to be treated."
- Gord White, CEO, Ontario Retirement Communities Association
- High-end luxury residences and communities offering a vast choice of amenities, including spas and state-of-the-art fitness clubs, bowling alleys and putting greens, beauty salons, art studios, Internet lounges and gourmet dining
- Increased demand for more varied recreational and social activities
- More retirement residence suites equipped with kitchenettes
- Industry's mantra: "customer-centric"
- Ownership being viewed as an option to rental facilities, with growing interest in retirement condo ownership and life lease options
- Active seniors joining retirement communities at a younger age
- Meeting the needs of active seniors as well as those needing more care, allowing residents greater opportunity to age in place
- Broader range of health services with more health-care support than in the past
- Customized health care, support and housekeeping services as needed
- Developers are planning and building retirement residences and communities today, anticipating the amenities and services retiring boomers will expect within the next 10 to 15 years
What the experts see for the future
- Destination retirement communities, with people from across the country gravitating to these purpose-built, expansive communities where residents can age in place
- More choices, including condominiums, townhouses, bungalows, arranged in small and large settings to cater to increasing consumer expectation and market demands
- Larger suites in retirement residences
- More varied and lavish amenities and services, e.g., home theatre in every suite
- Higher levels of health-care services supporting aging in place
