Active Adult Communities Face An Occupancy Dip. Better Tech Could Help Them Stand Out

Senior housing is quickly becoming one of the hottest property classes in the U.S.

In the last year, senior housing was the second-most-active property asset class for investors, behind only data centers, and rents are on the rise. 

But while the demand for housing for those in the 85-and-older range is skyrocketing, a different trend is emerging in the active senior space. Active adult communities — age-restricted, lifestyle-focused multifamily rental properties — have seen a moderate occupancy decline of 0.7 percentage points from Q4 2025. As compared to their less active counterparts, this population may be seeking more from their housing, from wellness amenities to community activities and more. 

For communities that are looking to attract the 65+ population, one thing they need to do is prioritize technology, said Mary-Ethel Bartausky, Connected Communities sales executive for AT&T. 

“Active seniors are using technology for everything from video-chatting with their loved ones to programming smart devices so they don’t have to worry about whether they locked the door or turned off the stove,” Bartausky said. “They need a strong internet connection.” 

Research from the Stanford Center on Longevity found that two-thirds of adults 65 and over now use the internet, and an estimated three-fourths of that population use it daily. 

Bartausky has worked with builders and developers on many housing developments designed to help older adults transition to a community that will suit their lifestyles for years to come, before it becomes an immediate necessity to have easier mobility ramps and access and modern living technology conveniences. She said a fiber internet connection is ideal for these properties because it has the bandwidth and the upload and download speeds they need to get that peace of mind. 

“Every community is unique, so a tailored internet solution is important,” Bartausky said. “I meet with developers and go over what the top priorities are for their target residents and then walk them through all of the options we have that can meet their needs so they know they are making the right choice for their asset, while setting themselves apart from other communities targeting the same demographic.” 

Along with prioritizing a powerful, reliable fiber internet connection, there are a few other ways developers can set up their properties in a way that will attract an active senior demographic, Bartausky said. 

The first is to include a finished basement, she said. Many seniors have adult children or grandchildren that they care for often, or who live with them, and having a second living space with a separate entrance and amenities is very important to them. 

The second recommended strategy is to offer to handle services that many seniors are hesitant to do themselves, including yard work, snow removal, and other maintenance tasks that can be harder for people as they age. 

Finally, Bartausky said that older adult communities need to prepare for the future and think about things that their residents might need down the line, when they are less active, in order to stay comfortable in their homes. This includes making it simple for ramps, railings and other mobility aids to be installed throughout a property whenever needed. 

“People want to stay in their communities long-term and stay connected to their families,” she said. “These features, paired with a strong fiber internet connection, will help them do that.” 

Check out these related resources:

• With Demand For Housing For First-Time Renters And Active-Adult Seniors Skyrocketing, What Do These Developments Need To Succeed?
• Build-To-Rent Communities Are On The Rise. How Can The Right Internet Provider Help BTR Developers Stand Out?
• Resident experience drives investment gains in multifamily properties

A version of this story was originally published on Bisnow.com and was produced in collaboration between Quantum Fiber from AT&T and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.