1. Recreational businesses
An AARP survey found that 79 percent of people over 50 years old plan to work even after they reach traditional retirement age; some might channel one of their passions to start a business, such as a vineyard, bookstore or bed and breakfast. Potential investments include starting businesses to provide turn-key investment and job opportunities for baby boomers and buying land and/or properties that could be used for such businesses.
2. Tourism businesses
An ABC News/USA Today poll found that being able to travel during retirement is the top concern of baby boomers. As baby boomers retire and spend more time traveling, tourism businesses that cater to them, such as tour companies, restaurants and those that provide activities, education or entertainment, should do well.
3. Active and cost effective senior developments
Active adult communities are gaining in popularity around the country; a Del Webb poll found that 26 percent of baby boomers plan to move to an active adult community in retirement. Many boomers will downsize their residences and live healthy, active retirements. Many existing active adult communities are high-end; less expensive developments in the U.S. or even abroad would likely be successful in coming years.
4. Health clubs/health food businesses
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As boomers age, they will become increasingly concerned with their health and wellness. A Harris Interactive study found that 62 percent of boomers are concerned they won’t be healthy during retirement. Businesses that help them stay healthy, such as health food and nutritional supplement stores or health clubs focusing on low-impact exercises, could be in increasing demand.
5. Foreign properties
Many foreign countries featuring beaches and warm climates are cheaper to live in than the U.S. Because many baby boomers will have 20-year retirements—those who reach age 65 are expected to live to age 85, according to the National Center for Health Statistics—they will have to find ways to reduce their overhead. Easily accessible foreign property could see significant value increases as a result of aging baby boomers moving abroad.
6. Beachfront properties
Many people dream of spending their retirement on a warm, sunny beach. 45 percent of baby boomers plan to move someplace with a warmer climate, according to the Harris Interactive study. Given that there is a limited supply of beachfront property in warm climates on the planet, values of beachfront properties in or easily accessible from the U.S. will increase.
7. Senior financial planning businesses
As they approach retirement, baby boomers will be looking for creative ways to reduce their overhead and get maximum value out of their savings; they should also be thinking about end-of-life financial issues. 97 percent of baby boomers aren’t comfortable with the amount they’ve saved, according to a survey by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. There could be a demand for financial planning businesses that help baby boomers with estate planning and wealth management.
8. Vacation destination properties
Increased travel by baby boomers as they retire provides opportunities in real estate in vacation destinations. Many baby boomers might prefer to stay in a unique vacation rental home or a boutique hotel rather than at a ubiquitous hotel chain. Additionally, a National Association of Realtors study showed that 40 percent of baby boomers plan to make a seasonal or vacation property their primary residence upon retirement.
9. Assisted living facilities
The increase in life expectancy has led to a dramatic increase in medical costs; further, some prevalent diseases simply require around-the-clock care. 60 percent of Americans who reach age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives, according to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Facilities that care for ailing baby boomers will be in demand because of the medical care they provide for their residents and the relief they provide for the residents’ relatives.
10. Condominiums and townhomes
Many baby boomers will downsize to simplify their lives and focus more time, energy and resources on activities and relationships, and less on home maintenance. 49 percent of those aged 50–59 and 51 percent of those aged 60–69 plan to downsize during retirement, according to a Del Webb poll. Condos and townhomes provide lower cost housing alternatives with reduced maintenance, and many are in urban locations, within walking distance of many amenities.
