Peace of Mind and Care are Nice, but time for Chambers of Commerce, Local Governments, and the Senior Living Industry to focus on “Engaging Lifestyles”

In his recent blog http://www.disruptivedemographics.com/ Joseph Coughlin, Director of MIT’s AgeLab clarifies that “Sun and sea alone will not provide regional competitive advantage in light of financial limitations and evolving lifestyle demands.”

This is a show stopper.  For the longest time location, location, location was touted as the key ingredient to success for developers in senior living.

Now, with baby boomers spreading their influence throughout the country and really the world based on where and how they are choosing to live, local governments and businesses need to focus energy now to attract and retain this key constituent for the future.

How?

Ask them, challenge them, prioritize the answers, and then invest in the future.

Government and business across the United States need to engage panels of baby boomers who are able to share what they are looking for in terms of an engaging lifestyle, and then collectively develop a plan today to be delivered over the next five to ten years.

Access to on-going learning; volunteer networks that provide meaningful and long-lasting chances to help; walkable paths and exercise venues that are easily accessible; tax structures that benefit engaged citizens, and more.

Too often the focus for those eligible for AARP membership is for society to figure out:  ”Oh, how can we care for this person?”  ”How can we provide them peace of mind?”  Yes, these are important, but should be prioritized relative to the desire for people to live and engage in life!