Senior Spotlight: The Oldest Baby Boomers Are Turning 80 In 2026

Happy December!  As the end of 2025 draws near, many economists, analysts, financial professionals and consumers are wondering what 2026 may bring. For the senior housing market, 2026 means that the oldest of the Baby Boomers are turning 80 years old!

Below we have listed a few of the major trends tied to this milestone, based on an article published by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). We encourage you to read all the details here: “A New Driving Force Arrives: Baby Boomers Turn 80 in 2026” (A Senior Housing Outlook : Emerging Trends In Real Estate 2026). 

In Summary:

- The demand for senior housing has hit record levels, but inventory has grown only 1%. This means that occupancy rates in senior communities are now at records highs.

- No one senior housing solution or development will be a fit for every market; local market fundamentals and demographics will be the ultimate driving force in each location. 

- The population of older adults aged 75+ is expected to grow by over 4 million people by 2030, this means demand is only going to increase. (Did you know approximately 8,000 individuals turn 75 every day?!)

- There is a marked increase in older adults who are renting and those who are living alone (translating to fewer caregiver safety nets and less support systems). 

- More than half of the metro areas analyzed for senior housing growth had a single development project in the pipeline. 

- With older adults living longer and entering senior living in good health, there is a need for active adult 55+ communities and hybrid communities (which offer active living and independent living 'lite' in addition to continuum of care models). 

- Though Boomers are a generation with significant wealth, middle income seniors will comprise over 40% of older adult households by 2033. Senior living models need to account for various income levels, some luxury, others allowing purchase of only needed amenities and services. 

- Other exciting shifts are models embracing wellness, more proactive care, lifestyle and social engagement as priorities, more dog parks (yay!) and increasing use of technology adapted to residents’ needs and preferences. 

2026 will be a dynamic and defining shift in senior housing demand and ideally – positive transformation.  May we hope the best health and happiness is yet to come for those who embrace the diverse senior living models. 

Cheers to possibilities,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com

NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/