Wireless Solutions Shaping the Future of Senior Housing Communities

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The world’s population of senior citizens is growing at a rapid pace. According to a
United Nations report, there were 570 million people 65 years or older worldwide
in 2013 and more than 56,000 individuals will turn age 65 or older each day until
2025. By 2050, 1 in four Chinese and 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 years or older.
1
This
seismic demographic shi presents a huge opportunity for senior housing owners and
operators as longevity continues to increase. However, industry operators will need
to adjust services and facilities to attract today’s more knowledgeable and educated
residents. This next generation of tech-savvy residents will expect to use their
smartphones, tablets, and e-readers for shopping, reading, and staying connected with
their family and friends. In addition, senior housing communities will be compelled to
upgrade their networks in order to support wireless-enabled solutions that improve
patient care and increase eciency such as electronic medical records (EMRs),
electronic point of care, and remote monitoring.
Although senior housing communities have been slower to adopt enterprise-class
wireless technology than other industries, almost all new senior construction plans
include WiFi deployments. Competition for residents will increase as seniors have
an expanding variety of accommodations, lifestyles, and care options from which to
choose. With the growing importance of mobile devices and applications, WiFi will
become a key technology for attracting and retaining residents in senior housing
communities. Given limited IT budgets and resources, understanding how to deploy
a cost ecient, reliable, and secure wireless network is critical. This white paper is intended to help senior housing owners and
operators understand the benefits, challenges, and best practices for deploying WiFi.
TRENDS IMPACTING THE SENIOR HOUSING COMMUNITY
In 2047, the size of the senior citizen population will be larger than the number of children on the planet.
2
Due to continued
advances in healthcare and medicine, life expectancy in developing countries has increased from 65 years for people born in 1950
to 78 years for those born today.
3
In 2013, there were 570 million people aged 65 or older and by mid-century the 85 year and
older population is expected to increase to 216 million worldwide. With life expectancy continuing to increase, the burgeoning
population of older adults will have to decide where and how they want to spend their remaining twenty or more years. This
demographic shi presents a significant opportunity for developers, owners, and operators in the senior housing industry.
4
Figure 1: Population Ages 65+ by Region
North
America
50M
Europe
Asia
Africa
Latin America
& Carribean
Oceania
45M
125M
38M
308M
4M
By 2050,
1 in 5
Americans
will be over
age 65,
equal to where
Japan, Italy,
and Germany
are today.
Source: United Nations