Senior Spotlight: Forbes Outlines What Homebuyers Aged 55+ Really Want

Here are 6 home & wellness 'wants' that are driving the senior housing market of today & tomorrow.

Just yesterday, Forbes published an insightful article on the design trends that older adults are seeking in their next residence and how these desires impact what is being built & where. Not surprisingly, the generation hardest hit by the pandemic is reexamining their priorities; family members, real estate agents and senior housing developers need to take note.

1 | Don’t underestimate the power of ADUs.

Forbes reports that ‘granny flats’ are ‘gaining fans’ as a way for seniors to live affordably, independently, and close to family.

2 | Expect a surge in multigenerational living.

The CEO of BDX (parent company of top-rated websites for new home builds) has declared that areas with the hottest job and housing markets are also those attracting buyers of two and three families moving in together. You may recall we touched upon this trend of ‘Baby Chasers’ last year too.

3 | Set-up support for healthy socialization.

Social distancing and months of isolation has created a large appetite for safe senior socialization. Older adults are now asking for group fitness opportunities – even if they are outdoors and socially distanced. Examples of community offerings include small group sessions of biking, walking, yoga and golfing.

4 | Launch life outdoors.

Have you heard of ‘chill zones’? Jeff McQueen, president of Trilogy ( A Shea Homes active adult division) explains that “From the moment the pandemic hit, new outdoor amenities our residents call ‘chill zones’ were an immediate response to taking food to viewpoints throughout the community to dine outdoors safely distanced, but still with friends and neighbors.” Outdoor living space both private and communal can be enjoyed year round in sunbelt states such as California, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina.

5 | Defining a want for wellness.

While the definition of wellness is dynamic and personal, general health-focused features such as improved indoor ventilation, the installment of touchless tech, enhanced stress reduction features and living that increases connection to nature are universally appreciated.

6 | Accepting aging and assessing one’s current home.

Long-time owned multi-level homes that were great for raising a family are not so great for empty nesters. Many older adults who had planned to age in place are accepting that they may need to move to do so safely. Desirable options include building and moving into an ADU on-site, relocating to a lock and leave (and travel freely!) community or purchasing a single-level ranch style home.

While no one retirement fits all, the silver lining of last year’s pandemic cloud is a reinvigoration of what seniors want and how those around them can make it happen. The options are as endless as one’s imagination – so let’s get dreaming!

Resource Used: Six Wellness Design Trends For 55-Plus Homebuyers