Agnieszka Labus participated in a panel discussion at the Senior Care conference organized by the National Chamber of Nursing Homes and the Senior Care Foundation.

The panel was about alternative living arrangements for aging, and the topic our president discussed was senior living facilities and the change in mindset when transitioning from:

1.Senior policy towards old age/longevity policy

In such a field, it is not only about changing words (although words have power), thanks to that it is possible to include the whole field of activities to prepare younger generations for aging, where education should start at a young age, preparing our environment for changes that require a longer time perspective – investment processes in cities take years – for example.For example, the investment process for building a housing estate takes about 5 years, so many activities designed exclusively for the needs of today’s seniors will become obsolete and will not meet the needs and lifestyles of future, more mature people.

2. senior housing developments to housing developments that follow the life cycle

Stigmatizing neighborhoods, housing developments, and larger urban areas has not worked in many European countries and the U.S. – senior villages, even the best designed, cannot address age homogeneity and feelings of loneliness. Diversity of housing types is the key, and housing developments that follow the life cycle are a comprehensive answer to many challenges!

3.Offer for 60+ to 40+

We need to address the needs of today’s 35-to 40-year-olds, who typically make decisions about a new place to live at this time. They are increasingly aware of their needs and expectations of the environment and place of residence, are mindful of healthy living habits, and are aware of the dangers of being lonely and the need to build community and use technology. At the same time, they have parents and even grandparents who advise them or help decide where they live!

4.Senior housing to housing that follows the life cycle

The separation of senior housing in the structure of residential buildings is a thing of the past in European countries. Let us not take a step back, but let us set up apartments that follow our life cycle, “ready for care”, adaptable if necessary, so that we have the chance to age in place, but also recover faster thanks to a supportive environment, regardless of age and illness or life situation. .

We thank the organizers Piotr Stelmaszewski and Andrzej Lejczak for the invitation!