Not too long ago, Wi-Fi in senior living communities was an “odd one out” amenity. Since residents were mostly about in-person interactions and traditional activities like playing board games, Wi-Fi was something they’d only use occasionally, if it were available at all.
Now, technology is everywhere! And with the Baby Boomers and Gen X taking over communities after the Builders, expectations are shifting rapidly. Both generations are familiar with tech and demand connectivity in all aspects of their lives, making Wi-Fi for senior living not just a nice-to-have but a must-have.
How does Wi-Fi contribute to the quality of life in a senior living facility?
Wi-Fi Isn’t Just for Fun — It’s Foundational
Wi-Fi is an invisible thread that connects everything. By simply plugging in and tapping a few buttons, the world opens up, and we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. Unsurprisingly, the global economic value of Wi-Fi is set to grow to nearly $5 trillion by 2025!
For senior living communities, Wi-Fi is central to a well-rounded lifestyle that keeps residents safe and happy. Think about it. Without Wi-Fi, everything from communication to healthcare would be a struggle.
How would Mark from down the hall video chat with his children? How would Mrs. Smith attend her telehealth appointment? And how would the old neighbors know what happens next to the characters in their favorite drama?
When Wi-Fi fails or isn’t strong enough, it impacts residents’ satisfaction. Wi-Fi supports residents’ daily lives and overall well-being, making it a fundamental necessity.
Use Cases That Enhance Daily Life
Family Calls That Keep Everyone Close, Even When Far Apart
- Telegram
- Snapchat
Whether sending a quick text or hopping on a video call, Wi-Fi lets everyone stay connected.
Streaming Entertainment at Our Fingertips
The younger generation knows there’s nothing like curling up in front of the TV on a weekend night or blasting an artist’s new single right when they drop it. With connectivity, seniors can now say the same!
Wi-Fi for senior living brings endless entertainment options that engage residents, especially during downtime. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Spotify enable seniors to watch their favorite content and listen to their favorite music. They can even discover new shows with personalized recommendations.
Movie nights and virtual concerts are possible with Wi-Fi. Without buffering, slow speeds, or connectivity issues disrupting the experience, resident satisfaction is guaranteed.
Telehealth for Access to Medical Care Without Leaving Home
The telehealth market is booming. In fact, experts say it’ll grow from $186.41 billion in 2025 to $791.04 billion by 2032! And behind the easy scheduling of appointments, monitoring of chronic conditions, and receiving follow-up care, there’s Wi-Fi.
Residents can get specialist advice from the safety of their community. Wi-Fi activates the most recommended telehealth apps, such as the following:
- GoodRx Care
- K Health
- Doctor on Demand
- Teladoc
- MDLive
Medication management apps work when the Wi-Fi is on, too. Residents relying on Medisafe, Dosecast, or Mango Health stay on track with their prescriptions, ensuring they get the correct dose at the right time.
Hobbies and Learning for Mentally Active Seniors
With Wi-Fi for senior living, residents can access online classes and virtual clubs that interest them. This could be art classes, cooking demonstrations, or book club meetings; learning and personal growth don’t stop just because you’ve retired!
Moreover, a report by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) showed that 73% of gamers aged 50 years and older in the country use mobile devices, which naturally require Wi-Fi. Whether it’s online chess with an opponent from the other side of the world or virtual Scrabble with friends and family, there are endless opportunities for fun.
Real-Life Scenario: “A Day in the Life” With Seamless Connectivity
To truly understand the role of Wi-Fi in connected senior communities, it is essential to experience a day in the life of the residents themselves.
Each day begins differently for each resident. Some are early risers, while others savor well-deserved sleep-ins. When they wake up, caregivers may help with bathing, dressing, and administering medications.
Soon, the dining room buzzes with the clink of coffee cups and friendly chatter as everyone gathers for breakfast. Some people go for a walk afterward, while others prefer to read the newspaper or engage in low-impact exercises.
The concierge desk welcomes residents swinging by to book transportation for doctor’s appointments, schedule shopping trips, or RSVP for the afternoon museum outing. By lunchtime, chef-prepared meals make it to the tables, ready to fuel residents for the rest of the day’s activities.
In the afternoon, some head back to their apartments for a nap, while others follow their plans that could involve painting, gardening, or anything else under the sun. And as the sun dips, appetites return. Dinner is served, and everyone gets to enjoy the golden hour with a cup of tea or casual conversations in the lounge.
So, where’s Wi-Fi in all these affairs? It’s in everything!
In the morning, one resident might start the day with a video call to their grandchild, who is eager to tell them about their college application. After breakfast, they may open their tablet for a telehealth check-in with their primary care provider. In the afternoon, they might watch a tutorial on a new knitting pattern while a neighbor checks in with their virtual book club for new releases.
A Wi-Fi connection supports it all quietly and consistently. In connected senior communities, residents live life fully!
Technology as a Tool for Independence, Not Isolation
There’s a common fear that technology can lead to isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened this fear when people turned to technology to navigate the “new normal.” We Face-Timed with family, hosted Zoom happy hours with friends, and had work meetings over video, sometimes in our pajamas.
As the world began to reopen, finding a healthy balance between digital interaction and in-person connection became a hurdle.
Many people still feel hesitant about large gatherings or venturing out too far, scared of getting sick, or unwilling to change their routines. Now, the trap of endless scrolling, overuse of devices, and trading face-to-face relationships for screen time is a new kind of pandemic.
How could Wi-Fi for senior living be a good thing, then?
Instead of isolating residents, technology is thoughtfully woven into daily life to promote autonomy, not dependency.
For example, the facility offers group fitness classes led by a virtual instructor, allowing residents to RSVP online. There are many types of events seniors can attend, and they can also stay up to date with neighborhood happenings via digital bulletin boards, fostering a sense of belonging.
Far from isolating, technology empowers residents to get involved on their own terms. At the end of the day, it’s not about the devices but what they make possible.
Explore Allbridge’s Connectivity Solutions
At Allbridge, connected senior communities are our specialty. We redefine connectivity by delivering property-wide Wi-Fi to senior living facilities! With us, you enhance resident satisfaction, provide seamless experiences, and offer peace of mind to families and staff.
Our team is ready to demonstrate the value of our Senior Living Proptech solutions. Contact Allbridge today for a consultation!
