We have just returned from a delightful 9 day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Sea. It is a smaller, older cruise ship that ports out of Baltimore. For Mike and I it is the just-right fit. Not too big, convenient with all the amenities we want. While onboard I was thinking of the difference between Independent Living (IL) and cruise ship living. Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. Whether you are into fitness or games, solo activities or group, casual or formal–there is a space for you. It is an enriched environment every step of the way from 7 am until 2 am. My experience with IL is that activities and even food choices are more limited though appealing. I asked myself why?
Perhaps the difference is in the design. Independent living design seems to be based on the idea of “need”. You choose to look at IL because there is some impending or eventual need. They have chefs, and activities but not the range of choice. Conversely, cruise ships are designed around your desires. They want to woo you with as many activity choices and food choices and settings as you can imagine. No one needs a cruise, but they may need to move to IL for safety or socialization or . . . .No family member suggests a cruise because they see some changes. (Note to family—suggest more cruises.)
What would the aging care industry look like if it designed for the buyers’ desire and want rather than need?
