Tag: NIC

Occupancy is rising, development remains constrained and the first wave of baby boomers is turning 80 — forces that are quietly redefining senior living’s trajectory. The real story isn’t just momentum, it’s what the data reveals about where the market is headed next. 

On Varsity’s weekly Roundtable, Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), translated NIC’s latest research into clear signals for operators and marketers. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

DEMAND FOR SENIOR LIVING OUTPACING SUPPLY GROWTH – Occupancy isn’t rising because we suddenly cracked the marketing code. It’s rising because inventory growth is at historic lows while the 80+ population accelerates. The supply-demand gap is doing heavy lifting.

90% IS THE NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL MILE MARKER

With national occupancy nearing 90 percent and record occupied units for 13–14 straight quarters, the industry is regaining confidence. Crossing that threshold signals strength — even if 91.7 percent remains the ultimate benchmark.

PENETRATION IS COMPLEX, NOT DEMOGRAPHIC

Age and income alone don’t determine market success. Cultural norms, policy, labor dynamics, ADLs and local economics all influence penetration. A one percent gain nationally would be massive — but it requires nuance, not shortcuts.

VALUE MUST BE PROVEN, NOT PRESUMED

Feeling impactful isn’t enough. Claims-based research shows residents live longer, have lower mortality and fewer hospitalizations than peers — data that strengthens positioning with payers and prospects alike.

ER VISITS TELL A STORY

Senior housing residents visit the emergency department more often, but are hospitalized less. That tension reveals both opportunity and operational blind spots — and points to the next frontier of improvement.

DEVELOPMENT IS A SLOW SWITCH

Even if capital loosens and construction starts rebound in 15–18 months, extended development timelines mean new supply won’t arrive quickly. Today’s drought could shape market dynamics for years.

DATA IS THE BRIDGE

From value-based care toolkits to expanded market coverage, NIC’s role isn’t just reporting numbers, it’s connecting silos, informing strategy and helping a small but essential sector prepare for a very big future.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

QUOTES

“Ageism is prejudice against our future selves.” (Bob)

“At age 75, it’s too late for me to change society’s attitudes that are going to affect my aging well. It’s not too late for you.” (Bob)

“We really now have a new stage of life which increased longevity has made possible.” (Bob)

“The largest untapped workforce in America are older adults 55 to 80.” (Bob)

“The age group with the highest incidence reported of loneliness are young people 18 to 29, far greater than those over 75.” (Bob)

“Will (our efforts) eliminate ageism? No, it won’t. But will it change some attitudes? Yes.” (Bob)

“We have to think in a longevity economy, how do we turn increased longevity into a bonus for the individuals and for our society at large?” (Bob)

“Necessity and opportunity both give me hope.” (Bob)

NOTES

Bob Kramer is a nationally recognized expert in aging and senior living, co-founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), and founder of Nexus Insights. He is renowned for his innovative approaches to transforming the perception and care of aging populations.

Nexus Insights is a think tank dedicated to advancing bold ideas and disruptive models that support aging well. The organization focuses on integrating diverse perspectives to address the challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity and aging services.

Bob Kramer has been a pivotal figure in reshaping the senior housing landscape, advocating for a shift from an ageist narrative to one that sees aging as a period of contribution and value. His work has greatly influenced investment in senior housing and care, and he remains a key thought leader in the field through his continued advocacy for innovative, person-centered aging services.

Bob emphasizes the need to challenge the negative and fearful perceptions of aging, highlighting that ageism is essentially prejudice against our future selves.

He encourages young people to shift their views on aging by illustrating that statistically, many will live to be 100, making it crucial to combat ageist stereotypes early.

Bob discusses the untapped potential of older adults as a vital workforce segment, especially in addressing challenges like healthcare where their involvement could be transformative.

He notes that loneliness is more prevalent among younger age groups and suggests intergenerational programs as an effective solution to this issue.

Bob critiques terms like “silver tsunami” for their negative implications, arguing instead for a perspective that sees increased longevity as a societal bonus rather than a curse.

Technology and data are seen as crucial for future aging services, enabling more efficient and preventative healthcare where actionable data drives better quality of life.

He stresses the importance of redefining senior living environments to focus on life engagement and growth rather than decline and dependency.

Nexus Insights was founded to foster innovation in aging services, bringing together diverse viewpoints to drive effective and compassionate transformations in how society approaches longevity and elder care.