Meeting the Silver Tsunami: Why the Need for Senior Living Is Exploding—and How CiminoCare Consulting Is Helping Bridge the Gap
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for senior housing and care is entering a phase of unprecedented growth. Developers, operators, and policymakers must confront not only the scale of that demand but also the diversity of preferences among older adults. CiminoCare Consulting believes in crafting affordable, person-centered, high-quality senior living solutions—especially in the middle-market and low-income segments—to help ensure that no one is left behind. 
The Demographic Imperative
- The first wave of Baby Boomers is hitting 80 this year, and the “oldest old” cohort is projected to grow from roughly 4 million in 2000 to 21 million by 2050.
- According to NIC MAP data, to maintain current penetration rates among the 80+ age group, the U.S. will need 156,000 additional senior housing units by 2025, 549,000 more by 2028, and 806,000 more by 2030.
- The “age wave” is already underway: by 2035, the population aged 80+ is projected to grow from 14.7 million to nearly 23 million—a more than 55% increase in just one decade.
- Meanwhile, occupancy in senior housing is rebounding strongly. In Q1 2025, senior housing occupancy reached 87.4%, and absorption (move-ins minus move-outs) outpaced new inventory growth for the 15th straight quarter.
These trends reflect not just growing numbers, but increasingly urgent needs for care, supportive living, and accessible services. Scott Eckstein, CiminoCare Strategist and Consultant, states the importance of partnering with industry experts “Operators and investors are acutely aware that senior living is significantly more complex than a traditional real estate investment. The need for expertise in operations, risk mitigation, workforce culture and strategy and program innovations is a must.”
It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All: The Diversity of Senior Living Demand
As demand surges, one of the most important realities is that older adults do not all want—or need—the same kind of options. Some individuals will prefer:
- Independent living with minimal support
- Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) or life plan models
- Assisted living or supportive services – in California licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE’s) range in size for 6 beds to over 200 units.
- Memory care or dementia-focused programming – stand alone or part of a larger community
- Affordable or subsidized housing with aging in place services – housing with outside wrap around, coordinated services
- Shared or multigenerational models, co-housing, or smaller “village” concepts
This variety means operators and developers must offer a spectrum of living options—not just luxury or high-fee models, but well-run, scalable, sustainable middle-market and lower-cost solutions.
CiminoCare Consulting’s Role: Serving the Middle Ground
Many consulting firms focus on high-end or luxury senior living. CiminoCare Consulting’s mission is different. We specialize in middle-market and lower-income models—helping providers:
- Launch new communities designed for affordability, dignity, and quality
- Reposition existing properties to better meet evolving needs and market gaps
- Optimize operations to maintain high standards of care at lower cost
- Integrate person-centered care principles, ensuring residents retain agency, choice, and meaningful daily life
While skilled nursing care plays a critical role in post-acute recovery and complex medical support, many older adults today are seeking more home-like, empowering alternatives. The perception of traditional nursing homes as institutional, clinical, and restrictive environments often discourages residents and families. And now, California, through its Reimagining Medical initiatives, the CalAIM program, and Assisted Living Waiver Programs, older adults on MediCal may qualify for financial support to live in licensed assisted living communities avoiding unnecessary skilled nursing stay. People want choice, autonomy, and dignity—qualities sometimes lost in medicalized settings. This shift underscores the need for a wider range of senior living options that feel less like facilities and more like communities built around purpose, engagement, and belonging.
We believe in the critical need to increase access to excellent senior care at all price points. Through thoughtful design, efficient management, advocacy, and innovation, it is possible to deliver high-value communities in more price brackets. At CiminoCare Consulting, we are committed to being part of that solution. We partner with developers, non-profits, local governments, and care operators who share our vision: that every older adult deserves a home of dignity, care, and connection, regardless of means.
Resources:
https://www.prb.org/resources/u-s-growing-bigger-older-and-more-diverse/
https://www.nicmap.com/blog/the-impending-age-wave-navigating-the-urgent-need-for-senior-housing
https://www.multihousingnews.com/2025-senior-housing-market-updates/
