Designing for Longevity: Celebrating Active Aging Week
There was a time when “active” and “aging” weren’t commonly used in the same sentence. Older adults were often depicted sitting on porch rocking chairs or on a park bench. When they were portrayed as active, it involved engagement with traditional activities such as golf or shuffleboard. When the International Council on Active Aging initiated Active Aging Week in 2003, it spotlighted the recognition that many older adults have healthy, engaged lifestyles and prioritize wellness activities on a daily basis. The image of the older adult has evolved and continues to do so as baby boomers and Gen Xers seek to make senior living their own.
At Pi, we recognize the value of active adult communities that enable people to age in spaces that meet their ever-changing needs and interests, and we celebrate Active Aging Week. We are pleased to help create communities where people feel at home, connected to those around them, and live longer, better lives.
In active adult communities, the design must reflect the mindset of a generation that sees aging differently. These residents often view themselves as youthful, energetic, and far from retirement age in the traditional sense. As a result, the communities that appeal to them must be vibrant and full of life. That means including modern, resort-style amenities such as:
State-of-the-art fitness and wellness centers
Dog parks and walking trails
Biking paths and outdoor recreation areas
Coffee shops, pubs, and wine bars
Media lounges and theaters
Full-service spas and salons
Art studios, woodworking shops, and creative spaces for music and various performances
While some residents still want traditional amenities such as tennis courts and swimming pools, they often want these for non-traditional purposes. For instance, tennis courts are being repurposed for pickleball, and pools are more of a focus for entertaining with state-of-the-art outdoor cooking/grilling amenities, bars, and entertainment options such as large-screen TVs, charging stations, and space for dancing.
We also see a growing demand for spaces that support residents’ ongoing goals and ambitions. Increasingly, communities are offering business centers for remote work and entrepreneurship, education centers with classrooms and lectures, and maker spaces where residents can pursue hobbies or launch small businesses. In many communities, residents are starting gardens, running farmers’ markets, volunteering, and even mentoring others within the place they call home. Residents sometimes collaborate to start things like pet-sitting businesses or micro-distilleries.
Ultimately, designing for active adults means creating communities that reflect their aspirations, not just their needs. It means building places that evolve with them. Vibrant, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed environments that celebrate life at every stage. Contact us today to find out how Pi's master planning or interior refresh program can benefit your community and help you and your residents celebrate Active Aging Week every week!
Pi Architects | Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
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