January 2024: A Bit about the Boomers
January 8, 2024
How Baby Boomers are revolutionizing the country
The Baby Boomer generation is changing up the senior-living game. They are living longer, leading active lives and are in control of what they want out of life. Baby Boomers currently represent 20% percent of the population, making them the largest generational group in the United States. They are more educated and diverse than previous generations and currently own 52% of all wealth in the U.S.
While Baby Boomers are at the age where they are already retired or thinking about retirement options, they’re thinking much differently than previous generations.
Retiring later or not at all
Baby Boomers are waiting to retire later than any other generation and most of them are still in the workforce, making them the workforce’s fastest-growing generation. There are a few reasons why this is happening. Many people’s retirement plans took a hit from the 2008 financial crisis, some have not saved enough for retirement and others are staying in the workforce because it keeps their mind sharp and days full. According to an AARP survey, 40 percent of Baby Boomers said they plan to “work until I drop.” Out of the 3.8 million Baby Boomers turning 65 every year, only 2.2 million leave the workforce annually.
Boomers are healthier than ever
As technological advancements have improved our health and life expectancies, Baby Boomers are one of the first generations to experience a longer lifespan. Higher life expectancies mean more opportunities to be active and truly enjoy the later years in life, which is exactly what Baby Boomers are doing.
Ageism is a thing of the past
As we progress as a society, we’re becoming more inclusive with terms we associate with aging. “Elderly” and “senior citizen” are two of many dated terms the Baby Boomer generation is eschewing. Recently, there has been a push to raise awareness of ageist terms and educate why they are not appropriate for modern day.
One size does not fit all
And it shouldn’t be expected to. When it comes down to the life you want to live, what you want for yourself isn’t going to be the same as what someone else wants. Baby Boomers have helped shape the senior-living landscape by wanting customizable living options through their housing, amenities and community activities. They’re also seeking out living arrangements in likeminded communities, where it is easier to connect and make friends with the people living in the community.
Technology is a Boomers friend
Baby Boomers are the most technologically advanced retirement group to date. Currently, 68 percent of Baby Boomers own a smartphone, compared to 40 percent of the Silent Generation.
Following dreams into retirement
Retirement is the time to dive into life’s joys: hobbies, passions and making sure you have the amenities available to pursue those. Finding the right retirement community presents Baby Boomers with the accessibility and tools they need to enjoy those pursuits.
Longview Independent Living Apartments and Patio Homes
Our Longview campus is currently undergoing an exciting renovation which will provide independent living options Baby Boomers are looking for in a senior living community in Ithaca, NY. After researching the latest trends in senior living, the community is being thoughtfully refreshed and updated for active older adults looking to live life to the fullest among a close-knit community of friends and neighbors.
The community features 94 modern independent-living apartment homes and 22 patio homes. Our contemporary lifestyle offers spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. Longview represents the best of both worlds—nestled away in the beautiful South Hill area overlooking Cayuga Lake, yet close to shopping, restaurants, Finger Lakes hiking trails, wine country and adjacent to Ithaca College and Cornell University.
In addition to the updates of our existing apartments there will also be the addition of a café, themed common spaces for movies, cooking, crafting, music and gaming, as well as a reconfigured front entry that offers the feel of a community that you’ll want to be a part of. Additionally, Longview will be using sustainable practices in the renovations including a living roof at the front of the building. You’ll also be able to continue enjoying Longview’s nature trails, wellness center, pool, library and the Longview/Ithaca College partnership.
For Baby Boomers living at Longview, they get the customization, independence and community they are looking for. To learn more about Longview and all that Longview has to offer, reach out to one of our Senior Living Counselors at 607-375-6360 or through our website at www.longviewithaca.org