In the latest edition of Z-News, Ziegler shared an analysis and summary of recent NIC data on construction trends, occupancy growth, and senior living unit availability projections. Generally, while construction has slowed for both for- and not-for-profit senior living organizations since 2019, occupancy and market demand continue to be strong.
The data suggest that if these trends continue, there will be a 10-12% gap in available senior living units as compared to market demand. Ziegler predicts that the field as a whole must invest $1 trillion over the next few decades to provide the housing and services that will be required by the present, burgeoning older adult population.
Despite the rising costs in capital, construction and operations, Ziegler encourages senior living organizations to revisit growth and expansion plans so as to keep pace with current and projected consumer demand.