Don’t Mind the Gap in Intergenerational Housing–The New York Times, September 8, 2021
An excellent overview of global senior living developments now making a point of mixing age groups, because who wants to enter the golden years surrounded by only old people? It looks at everything from the rise of the “university-based retirement community”—senior apartments that immerse residents in college campus learning and life—to Singapore’s government-developed Kampung Admiralty, whose goal is to make a housing complex for older people into a thriving intergenerational hub for the whole neighborhood.
As Baby Boomers Retire, Developers Bet Urban Senior Living Will Take Off–The Wall Street Journal, April 9, 2022
There’s a surge in development of luxury senior-living communities in dense urban settings, because Boomers are shunning traditional suburban retirement communities and demanding to live where there’s lots of connection to culture and family (and more diversity in age, race, and culture). This new plethora of projects (from developers such as Related Companies., Watermark, and the Inspīr brand) typically have a strong traditional wellness component, many with rooftop pools and spa-style wellness centers. With urban pandemic vacancies, many are converting unused office buildings and hotels.
‘Magic’ Multigenerational Housing Aims to Alleviate Social Isolation– The Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2022
Co-living communities breaking ground in the US in 2022 seek to address the crises of loneliness, and a dearth of caregivers and affordable housing. More experts think we need some MAGIC: multi-ability, multigenerational, inclusive co-living–communities where young and old, families and singles, live side by side, supported by inclusive design and technology. Magic is the invention of Dr. William Thomas, who has co-founded Kallimos Communities based on Magic principles. Kallimos employs staff called “weavers,” who introduce residents to each other and plan communal meals/activities and “keepers,” staff who help residents with transportation, cleaning and cooking. Magic communities are also aimed at younger people looking for less expensive housing.
Startups at CES Showed that Elder Tech Can Help Everyone–TechCrunch, January 6, 2022
Technology is allowing people to deal with a wider range of healthcare issues within the home, enabling adults to remain independent or stay with their family into older age. The 2022 Consumer Electronics Show revealed just how fast elder-tech is growing. Labrador Systems Retriever unveiled a voice-assisted robotic cart with a retractable tray system, shelves and refrigerator that can help people with limited mobility by delivering laundry, meals, etc. Sengled’s smart light bulb takes health readings, including heart rate, temperature and sleep tracking. IoT (Internet of Things) wearables/sensors collect important real-time data, such as Nodeus Solutions’ KoKoon’s wireless sensors that can monitor older people’s behavior, anticipate risks and keep caregivers updated.
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