American Citizens: Getting Older, Wanting Better Choices

Today’s senior communities will not be tomorrow’s! Aging Baby Boomers, accustomed to being a driving societal and market force, will demand unprecedented levels of service and access to conveniences. Future residents will want more dynamic neighborhoods that are seamlessly integrated into the community-at-large and in close proximity to where the action is. Advanced technology, carefree lifestyle and a wealth of amenities will be expected.

Future communities must emphasize “five star” services and a “we can do that for you” attitude. Tomorrow’s residents will demand on-call services and will need to be not only served by a wide and complex variety of consumer choices, but will also exhibit an ever-increasing appetite for technological advances brought into everyday life.

Demographic Trends*

Population Aged 65 and Over: 2000-2050
(In Millions)

Note: The reference population for these data is the resident population.
Sources: 2000, U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 to 2050, U.S. Census Bureau, 2004.

• 147 percent - The projected percentage that the 65+ senior population will increase between 2000 and 2050.
• 86.7 million - Projected number of people who will be 65 or older in the year 2050.
• 3.8 million - Number of people 65 and older living in California on July 1, 2004 - this is the highest total of any state.
• Between 2007 and 2015, the number of Americans ages 85 and older is expected to increase by 40 percent.
• Among people turning 65 today, 69 percent will need some form of long-term care, whether in the community or in a residential care facility.
• In 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term care.
• 40 percent - Percentage of seniors 65 and older who have a computer at home.
  According to Mature Marketing & Research, baby boomers control more than half of the nation's discretionary income and three-quarters of the country's financial wealth.
  * U.S. Census Bureau