RETIREMENT HOUSING TRENDS & EVOLVING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS
According to Statistics Canada, there are now more Canadians over the age of 65 than children aged 15 and under - the first ever occurrence of such findings. In fact, the growth of the senior population is continuing at such a steady pace that it is impacting a range of housing trends from single floor plans, to right-sizing to retirement living. According to Maxime Camerlain, Vice President of Marketing at Chartwell, Canada’s largest retirement home operator, the demographic wave is already upon us with the senior of today looking for a modern retirement residence to act as a backdrop to their goal of maintaining an active lifestyle. “We are seeing more and more retirees make the choice proactively to seek out a living environment that offers a naturally occurring social-synergy whether from casual interactions in the bistro to innovative lifestyle programs that might include a chef visiting the demonstration kitchen for a tasting event or a local art centre hosting a class on site.”
The rate of cognitive decline drops by an average of 70% in seniors who are socially active frequently, compared to seniors who are not.
Frequent socialization is also thought to boost cognitive functioning with demonstrated links between participating in activities with others and strong mental health. A recent study in the Journal of Neuropsychological Society found that the rate of cognitive decline dropped by an average of 70 per cent in seniors who were frequently socially active, compared to others who weren’t. “It is actually the senior living alone that is contrary to natural pattern of humans as social beings,” adds Mr. Camerlain. “We are wired to seek out interaction and engagement and retirement living is truly an interactive community.”
This movement towards both an independent as well as interdependent lifestyle in retirement mirrors the social patterns we create throughout our lives, from spending time with family, to working with colleagues to joining activity or sporting groups. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, research shows that the greater number of frequent social activities that a senior participates in, the higher the odds of them reporting positive, self-perceived wellness, and the lower the odds of reporting themselves lonely or dissatisfied with life. “You get the benefits of having the privacy and comfort of your individual suite but with the choice to meet up with friends for a fitness class or to attend an activity in the community or just to catch up at the end of the day over dinner and a glass of wine. It is having choices that really defines today’s retirement living experience,” he adds.
As the seniors population expands, Chartwell is responding with a growth strategy aimed at developing retirement homes with modern amenities and topquality services in active urban centres. “We’re trying new things to respond to our customer’s evolving expectations,” adds Mr. Camerlain. “Our new Chartwell Carlton Retirement Residence in Burnaby will have a rooftop garden, a games lounge as well as an activity room and library and maître-d’ dining in additional to a casual bistro. At Chartwell, we’re here to be the backdrop to our residents lives, but also to make their lives better. We do that by doing what we do best, offering them an exceptional service experience in a place they are proud to call home.”
If you are interested in learning more about Chartwell Carlton Retirement Residence or to learn more about their service offering visit chartwell.com
Older adults who take part in social activities on a daily or weekly basis have a 40% less chance of developing dementia.
80% of Canadian seniors participate in one or more social activities on a frequent basis (at least monthly)