A Silver Wave Meets a Shrinking Shoreline: The Senior Housing Outlook in 2025

As of 2025, more than 65 million Americans are now aged 65 or older, representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population. This dramatic demographic shift is being driven by the aging of the baby boomer generation, now between the ages of 61 and 79. These are individuals who have spent decades building wealth, growing families, and now—more than ever—are focused on how they want to live in the years ahead.

And they have the means to do so.

Boomers own 38% of homes in the U.S. and have seen their home equity swell by $19 trillion over just the past five years—averaging nearly $486,000 in increased value per household. With over 51% of the nation’s wealth in their hands, this generation is more educated, more financially savvy, and more intentional about the lifestyle choices they make.

But while demand for high-quality senior living is soaring, supply is falling critically behind.

In Q3 of 2024, senior housing occupancy rates climbed to 86.5%, marking the 13th consecutive quarter of growth. Yet, fewer than 22,000 units were under construction in Q4 2024—its lowest level since Q1 2014. The gap between the aging population and the physical communities available to serve them is widening at an alarming pace.

What today’s boomers are looking for is clear—and it’s not yesterday’s senior living model.

They value flexibility over ownership, experiences over obligation, and freedom over long-term contracts. In fact, 65% of adults aged 70–85 say flexibility is more important than owning a home or locking into lengthy agreements. They’re seeking resort-style amenities, walkable communities, vibrant social calendars, and elevated dining—packaged in a maintenance-free lifestyle that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional retirement home.

In short: they’re not looking for a place to age—they’re looking for a place to live well.

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If you or a loved one is considering senior living options, we invite you to discover Symphony Park, a luxury independent senior living community located in the heart of North Carolina.