Skip to content 
A powerful demographic shift called the “senior tsunami” is underway. As Baby Boomers continue to age, demand for senior housing is accelerating faster than supply, creating a senior living crunch that will intensify over the next decade.
For older adults and their families, this moment highlights the importance of planning ahead. For senior living providers like Capri Communities, it demands innovation, flexibility and a deep understanding of how the senior living landscape is changing.
Baby Boomers Boost Demand
Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, make up over 20% of the U.S. population. All Boomers will be aged 65 or older by 2030.
The most significant growth is occurring among adults aged 80 and older, a population increasing at an annual rate of roughly 4% to 6%. This age group is most likely to need Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care. Yet, new senior housing development hasn’t kept pace with these demands.
Capri President and CFO Kristin Ferge explains, “There’s been a significant curtail in new development industry-wide because of high construction costs and interest rates.”
As a result, operators are being forced to rethink how they meet rising demand, focusing on expanding existing developments and strategically repositioning assets to better serve evolving resident needs. Sometimes, this means reconfiguring apartment layouts, such as combining two studio apartments into a single one-bedroom, reflecting shifts in what today’s seniors actually want.
Memory care and advanced care offerings are also in high demand.
Boomers are living longer, healthier lives. But with longevity comes a higher likelihood of chronic conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Around 6.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s, and that number is projected to nearly double by 2050, making specialized memory care more critical than ever.
The Case Against Delayed Moves
One defining trend in senior living is delayed move-ins. While the average age of residents in senior housing is mid-80s, the average move-in age is in the low 80s.
“The average move in age for independent living used to be the mid-70s. Now it’s rare if somebody is under 80,” Ferge states.
She explains that many older adults now prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible. In fact, over 90% of older adults say they want to age in place, even as home maintenance, accessibility upgrades and in-home care become increasingly expensive.
But waiting too long can lead to crisis-driven decisions—after a fall, major health event or loss of a spouse. Deciding in a crisis can also limit options. Most senior communities have long wait lists, meaning that seniors with immediate needs may struggle to get into their preferred residence.
For older adults, postponing moves also limits their social interaction. “They are often stuck at home in front of a TV,” Ferge says. “When they finally make the move, we often hear that they wish they’d done it sooner.”
Capri Prepares for Tomorrow, Today
Rather than waiting for demand to peak, Capri is actively adapting its communities to meet today’s realities. That includes repurposing existing buildings, expanding campuses where possible, and rethinking apartment layouts to align with modern preferences.
Ferge explains the organization tracks demand constantly. “We’re looking at demand daily,” she says. “We track how long a certain asset type is on the market, unfilled or unoccupied.”
This real-time data helps Capri understand unit demand, which informs pricing and availability changes.
Capri also seeks to fully understand what today’s aging adults want in an Independent Living community.
“Baby Boomers have different expectations than their parents,” Ferge explains. “They definitely want more of a focus on wellness. But wellness can mean different things to different people. It can mean health and exercise, spirituality and intellect. People want to live on a campus that offers these alternatives. It’s more than just room and board. They also want programming.”
Capri polls and surveys residents regularly to understand the programming they desire. “Each community has its own personality,” she explains. “And we want to tailor our offerings to the needs of the residents.”
This has allowed each community to emphasize active aging through social, intellectual and spiritual well-being through Capri’s Enjoy Life philosophy, which includes:
- Vibrant lifestyle programming tailored to each community
- The Enjoy Life Adventure Series and On the Road with Capri exciting group travel opportunities
- Lifelong learning opportunities and guest speakers
- Technology support through Capri’s Tech Genie program
Tech support is a newer initiative that is becoming increasingly important. “Having people as a resource to help with things that can become overwhelming for Boomers who want to embrace technology but just don’t have that background is essential,” she says.
For residents with cognitive decline, Capri’s Blu Grotto signature dementia programming ensures memory care communities are staffed with trained experts focused on engagement, safety and quality of life.
How Seniors and Families Can Prepare
While not a reason to panic, the senior tsunami underlines the importance of planning.
Capri encourages older adults and their families to explore options early, even if a move feels years away. Do your research, talk to staff and residents, narrow down preferred locations, and discuss pricing to get a better understanding of what you can afford.
Then, Ferge advises, “Put your name on the waitlist. That doesn’t mean you have to move in; but get your name on the list.”
Looking Ahead
The senior living crunch is real, but so is the opportunity to rethink how and where we age.
Exploring senior living early gives you more choices, more peace of mind and the ability to decide on your own terms before life forces them.
Whether you’re planning for the future or simply curious about what today’s senior living can offer, taking the first step now can make a difference. Schedule a visit to a Capri community near you and experience firsthand how we enjoy life at Capri!