When it comes to a mix of amenities at your senior living community, providers look to offer residents a variety of unique options that set them apart from the competition. However, there is one amenity that has been elevated over the years and continues to gain prominence on campuses. It is an amenity that cannot be overlooked, as market expectations demand it and potential residents see it as a symbol of an active lifestyle. Wellness centers at senior living communities are no longer a few pieces of equipment in a leftover space in the basement; they are centers of activity and socialization. They are a symbol that residents can live life to the fullest at your community.

Developing a well-appointed wellness center has been a growing trend for the last 10-15 years in senior living communities across the country. As these areas evolved to be more than just a room with some fitness equipment, the current market expectations defined a new a standard for fitness centers. These spaces included:

  • Wide open areas (plenty of room between equipment)
  • High ceilings
  • Ample lighting
  • Orientation to the outdoors when possible
  • A palette of light and bright finishes

CURRENT EXPECTATIONS

Wellness centers in these forward-thinking communities continued to evolve to compete with local health clubs. The standard components incorporated now include:

  • An area for exercise equipment (machines and free weights)
  • Studio space for classes such as aerobics and yoga
  • Spacious, well appointed locker rooms
  • A pool

TYPICAL COMPONENTS

Design teams and community leaders have found ways to organize these spaces to create a wellness destination. But as competition between communities increases and providers anticipate the demands of the Boomers, the expectations for this wellness component continue to escalate. Now is the time to make this more than a destination, wellness centers now and in the future need to create a sense of place. Elevating this experience can include these additional components:

  • Areas for socialization (lounge seating, Wii gaming, etc.)
  • Spa elements (a beauty salon, massage area or other treatment rooms to promote “pampering” oneself)
  • Casual dining venues in close proximity (to facilitate post or pre workout socialization)

Providers looking to create a more dynamic wellness component should allot anywhere from 6,000 – 9,000-square feet at an investment of approximately $2-3 million. It is more than a commitment to square footage and financing, it is about how the details are pulled together to create a sense of place. Communities are now branding these spaces and creating a sense of arrival. The level of finish is changing again; materials are being selected to better suit the impact of the machines, the activities and the heavy traffic.  The finishes help communicate the sense of place but the functionality is important so that the materials can withstand wear and tear and maintain the desired aesthetic over time.

Commons Floor Plan – Miralea in Louisville, Kentucky

Highlighted Region From Image Above – Miralea in Louisville, Kentucky

For profit and not for profit communities alike are investing in wellness centers. And design teams are helping providers plan for efficiencies whenever possible. Even in more modest applications, designers can help identify clever ways to address multiple uses, such as allowing a rehab gym and small fitness center to share access to a pool.

For Profit Wellness Center

Efficient-Thinking Strategies

While some communities find efficient ways to provide this desirable component, other communities lead with this symbol of active, vibrant living giving it a primary position on campus immediately visible upon entering the community.

Bonita Springs Wellness Center in Bonita Springs, Florida

Wellness is a hot topic for every generation, people of all ages are finding ways to get or stay active. That desire does not change as one transitions to a senior living community. Providers understand the importance of offering a dynamic lifestyle. That is the expectation of their current and future residents. Wellness centers that offer a sense of place help elevate the senior living experience and support the desire we all have – to live life to the fullest.