--- title: The Hidden Costs of Waiting Too Long to Plan for Senior Living description: By 2030, the youngest members of the Baby Boomer generation will turn 65. At that point, 20% of Americans, or 1 in 5, will be 65 or older. image: https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/Blog-600x400_resident_flowers.png --- - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) Search [![kendal_collington-crop](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/New%20Brand/kendal_collington-crop.jpg)](https://collington.kendal.org/) Search - Community Life - [Independent Living](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) - [Lifecare](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifecare/) - [Community Overview](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/overview/) - [Gallery & Videos](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/gallery-videos/) - [Wellness](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/wellness-center/) - [Dining](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/dining/) - [Things To Do In Collington](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/local-attractions/) - [Lifelong Learning](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifelong-learning/) - [Resident Stories](https://collington.kendal.org/topic/residentstories/) - Care Services - [Assisted Living](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/assisted-living-personal-care/) - [Memory Support](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/memory-support/) - [Short-Stay Respite](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/short-stay-respite/) - Values - [Mission & Quaker Info](https://collington.kendal.org/values/mission/) - [Welcoming Diversity](https://collington.kendal.org/values/welcoming-diversity/) - [Sustainability](https://collington.kendal.org/values/sustainability/) - Planning - [Plan a Visit](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/) - [Campus](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/campus/) - [Floor Plans](https://collington.kendal.org/floor-plans/) - [Pricing Information](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/pricing-information/) - [Resources](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/resources/) - News & Events - [News](https://collington.kendal.org/news/) - [Events](https://collington.kendal.org/events/) - [Blog](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - About - [Leadership Team](https://collington.kendal.org/about/leadership-team/) - [Board of Directors](https://collington.kendal.org/about/board-of-directors/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [FAQ](https://collington.kendal.org/about/faq/) - [Financial Information & Compliance](https://collington.kendal.org/about/financial-information-compliance/) - [Contact](https://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) - [Home](https://collington.kendal.org/) - [Transforming the experience of aging](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - The Hidden Costs of Waiting Too Long to Plan for Senior Living # The Hidden Costs of Waiting Too Long to Plan for Senior Living --- By 2030, the youngest members of the Baby Boomer generation will turn 65. At that point, one in five Americans, or [20% of the population](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2024/11/1-in-5-americans-to-be-65-years-old-or-older-by-2030-86270288), will be age 65 or older. Even more significant, this demographic is projected to continue growing at the fastest rate of any age group, [outnumbering even children.](https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/census-baby-boomers-fd/) To be sure, this is encouraging news. Americans are [living longer than ever](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/u-s-life-expectancy-hits-all-time-high/) before, and healthy aging is increasingly becoming the norm. Advances in medicine and public health, improved nutrition and healthier lifestyle choices, among other factors, are helping more people live well into their 90s and even beyond 100. But what does this unprecedented [age wave](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-age-wave/) mean for senior living communities? What happens when more older adults are seeking the same thing at the same time? **Limited Availability** ![Collington Cottage surrounded by trees](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BLONDEPHOTO_220616_516_0797.jpg?width=483&height=322&name=BLONDEPHOTO_220616_516_0797.jpg)Wait lists at many communities can stretch [five years or longer](https://mylifesite.net/blog/post/waitlist-realities-and-the-future-of-senior-living), especially for the most desirable residences and [floor plans](https://collington.kendal.org/floor-plans/). According to the [National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care](https://www.nic.org/blog/how-much-future-senior-housing-inventory-is-needed-to-meet-demographic-demand/?_gl=1*1glh38u*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjAyNzcwNjc5My4xNzQxMjk2NDYx*_ga_1VBMJ1TKQ1*MTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4xLjAuMTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4wLjAuMA..*_ga_5M0MSYW9LR*MTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4xLjAuMTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4wLjAuMA..*_ga_F9QSMQ40K1*MTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4xLjAuMTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4wLjAuMA..*_ga_G6FYWY1MVZ*MTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4xLjAuMTc0MTI5NjQ2MC4wLjAuMA), approximately 549,000 additional senior housing units may be needed by 2028, with demand projected to rise to more than 800,000 units by 2030. By 2040, the current pace of investment in senior housing is expected to meet only a fraction of the anticipated need. Despite these projections, planning ahead is not about rushing a decision. It is about preserving future choices and opportunities. **Crisis Constraints** Too often, the decision to move to a senior living community is made only after a devastating fall or other emergency. At that point, the move is no longer a proactive choice, but a reactive necessity. Waiting until a crisis occurs dramatically [limits options](https://www.aarp.org/home-living/future-housing-needs-discussion-with-older-adults/), leaving older adults and their families with fewer opportunities to thoughtfully explore the right fit. As a result, families may feel forced to accept a community they would not otherwise have chosen, a location farther from loved ones, temporary accommodations or significantly higher costs due to urgency. In these situations, there is little opportunity to focus on lifestyle, social engagement, comfort or long-term happiness. Making major decisions during an already stressful time can add unnecessary emotional and financial pressure for everyone involved. **The Burden on Adult Children** When a crisis occurs, adult children often [bear the brunt of the burden](https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/articles/senior-living-benefits-providing-respite-for-adult-children). Almost overnight, they can find themselves acting as caregivers, researchers and planners. The pressure to quickly secure care for a parent can create stress for families already balancing career, children and other responsibilities. Planning ahead, *before* an emergency arises, is one of the greatest gifts older parents can give to both their children and themselves. **Planning is Empowering** ![Residents smiling with binoculars ](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WINDON-20251022-625-8162.jpg?width=356&height=237&name=WINDON-20251022-625-8162.jpg)Quality senior living communities like Collington offer far more than care alone. From beautiful [independent residences](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) and inviting [outdoor spaces](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/walking-trails-lead-to-peace-and-possibility) to exceptional [dining](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/dining/), [genuine friendships](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/forming-friendships-not-cliques-in-senior-living), [lifelong learning](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifelong-learning/) and [enriching activities](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/local-attractions/), today’s senior communities are designed to be fully experienced and enjoyed. That is why planning ahead matters so much. Residents who move earlier often have the energy, independence and peace of mind to build relationships, participate in activities and establish healthy routines long before higher levels of support may be needed. And remember, exploring senior communities early does not mean committing immediately. It simply means learning about options[, understanding costs](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/pricing-information/) and creating a plan. The earlier the conversation starts, the more choices everyone has. **Independence is Gained** One of the biggest misconceptions about senior communities is that moving means losing independence. But quite often, just the opposite is true. Many older adults discover a renewed [sense of freedom](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) once the onus of homeownership and daily maintenance are lifted. Arduous tasks that once consumed time and energy are traded for things people truly enjoy. What’s more, instead of worrying about future “what ifs,” residents gain the confidence of knowing that [support is available](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/assisted-living-personal-care/) if and when they need it, without having to uproot their lives later should things change. That peace of mind empowers people to stay active, social and engaged for longer, while maintaining greater control over how they spend their time each day. **Collington is Prepared** ![Resident planting flowers](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WINDON-20251022-124-5676.jpg?width=350&height=233&name=WINDON-20251022-124-5676.jpg)At Collington, we’re getting ready for the influx of older adults seeking new experiences in senior living. Our [Collington 2030 expansion](https://collington.kendal.org/expansion/) is adding new villas, cottages, apartments, a brand-new health center, dining venue and main street pavilion. [Take a look](https://bbemaildelivery.com/bbext/?p=video_land&id=e5e284c1-1301-4598-8991-2ca5480fc951) at our exciting upcoming changes! Interest in senior living continues to grow, making it more important than ever to begin exploring options early. The best time to plan is before you need to make a decision quickly.   ### We invite you to experience Collington for yourself. [Contact us](https://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) to learn more or schedule a visit. 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