The next generation of residents entering senior living communities is more digitally native than ever before. Many have embraced mobile devices, smart technology and digital streaming, and they expect the same convenience and technology in their seniors housing environments.
According to a recent AARP survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents say technology enriches their lives by making daily life and aging easier. They’re increasingly using digital services to manage their finances, social lives and health and wellness. AARP research also found that among adults aged 50 and over, 91 percent own smartphones and 78 percent own smart TVs.
For operators, this shift highlights the strategic importance of tech investments that can deliver measurable value across senior living communities. Operators that are tuning in to the expectations of residents recognize the strategic value that bulk TV can deliver in elevating the resident experience, creating a competitive sales differentiator and generating additional revenue.
Today’s residents are accustomed to on-demand access to their favorite shows, movies and even virtual wellness programs. “As the demand for these features grows, operators need to meet the expectations of tech-savvy seniors who are used to controlling their entertainment experience at the touch of a button,” says Peter Feeney, vice president, DISH Business.
“For years, entertainment in senior living was built around what the Silent Generation appreciated: routine, simplicity and scheduled group activities. But Baby Boomers want Spotify, TED Talks and choice,” adds Matt Catlin, general manager, DISH Business. “They’re beginning to enter these settings with very different expectations from previous generations.”
Healthy Connections
When residents move to senior living communities, maintaining a sense of connection and healthy routines is key to their well-being. According to a University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, one in three older adults reportedly experiences loneliness and isolation.
TV is one of the most-used amenities in senior living, with residents watching an average of four hours per day. “For seniors, TV is more than entertainment—it’s a connection to the world and a source of familiarity and comfort,” says Feeney.
DISH Business designed OnStream for senior living with an intentional focus on simplicity, accessibility and affordability. Some of the key features aimed at enhancing the experience for seniors include 40 percent larger on-screen text, an interactive channel guide with clear channel numbers and familiar logos, programming tailored to senior preferences and an integrated community channel.
Residents can also customize their home pages with apps from the Google Play store. This means seniors have instant access to relevant apps, such as Independa and other resident engagement services. These features allow seamless access to wellness resources directly from their TV and help integrate new or existing digital programs directly into residents’ daily routines without adding technical barriers.
On-screen notifications and community channels that highlight activities, mealtimes and wellness tips help residents stay on track with their routines. In addition, the community channel can stream live events happening around the community directly to their rooms. Streaming content options plus the ability to cast content from smartphones or computers to their TVs lets tech-wise seniors and their family members expand their entertainment options even further.
“Video entertainment plays a real role in emotional and social well-being. It helps residents feel connected to the world and more comfortable in their environment,” says Catlin.
Value-Add Amenity
Bundling TV service into resident fees or rent offers seniors housing operators a way to generate additional revenue without increasing out-of-pocket costs for residents. Instead of residents purchasing individual TV packages or managing multiple accounts, bulk TV offers a consistent entertainment experience across the entire community at a lower collective cost.
Senior living communities can also partner with local businesses to create advertising spaces on community-dedicated channels, such as promoting local events or special discounts for seniors. According to Feeney, these partnerships not only connect residents with experiences beyond the community walls but also create ancillary revenue streams for operators.
Providing a user-friendly, consistent entertainment solution across the entire community also reduces staff time spent assisting residents with TV-related issues. “The simplicity of a bulk TV solution improves staff efficiency, as staff only need to support one system. This approach makes it easier to troubleshoot and maintain consistency across all units,” says Feeney. OnStream, for example, works with the TVs that residents bring from home. So, the resident is already familiar with the TV technology, and the staff is already familiar with the system running on the TV, which can further reduce the learning curve, he adds.
A key challenge for operators is market differentiation. How do you make your properties more attractive to potential residents?
Premium entertainment can be a differentiator that both enhances the overall resident experience and generates added revenue. OnStream works on existing TVs and infrastructure, minimizing capital expenditure and downtime. And this ease makes moving in and learning a new system as seamless as possible for seniors.
“In a competitive market where resident satisfaction and family perception are everything, it’s not just about meeting expectations anymore. It’s about standing out,” says Catlin. “Families are evaluating communities not only based on care quality, but on how well they support connection, autonomy and daily joy.”
— By Beth Mattson-Teig. This sponsored content was written in conjunction with DISH, a content partner of Seniors Housing Business.