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When you think “trendy,” older people might not be the first thing you think of.  Yet, Thomas P. Montgomery, Vice President for GLMV Architecture and a specialist in designing environments for the elderly, can tell you that old age today is not what it used to be.

As the baby boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) closes in on retirement, the United States will experience the largest elderly population it has ever seen. Currently, one in four Americans is part of this demographic group, and boomers are expected to make as large an impact on long-term retirement living as they have made on nearly every other aspect of our society.

What does Montgomery think will be a primary change boomers will demand of their retirement living?  “Technology without question will be required,” he says.  “Baby boomers are technologically savvy.  They’ve worked and lived with laptops, iPads and smart phones.  They use them to stay in touch with their families and communities.”

Since the “new generation” of retirees isn’t likely to part with their technology, new long-term residence designs must embrace it.  Among other technologies, Montgomery advocates incorporating interactive “smart boards,” which would allow homebound residents virtual participation in weddings or other events involving family and friends.

He also foresees a day when residents are free of the stigma that results when they require an increased level of care.  “My idea of the ideal environment is when you can’t tell the difference between assisted living and skilled care,” says Montgomery.  Current regulatory requirements pose one of the obstacles to achieving this goal.  “But part of it is just being the first to try it,” he adds. “The challenge with boomers will be to create an environment that is so appealing they don’t mind being there.”

Thomas P. Montgomery and GLMV Architecture appear to be poised to do just that.