After location and price, the most important consideration for a residence is technology, according to a new survey of multi-dwelling unit residents by Xfinity Communities, part of Philadelphia-based telecommunications company Comcast.
In fact, although adults aged 65 or more years reported that they are slowest to embrace new technology, they rated available technology in their prospective residences as being more important than did all other age groups. Fifty percent of those 65 or older ranked it as important, compared with 41% of those aged 55 to 64, 39% of those aged 36 to 54, and 42% of those aged 26 to 35, according to numbers crunched by Xfinity Communities for McKnight’s Senior Living.
The survey was conducted Oct. 25 to 31 and had 791 multi-dwelling unit respondents. Residents of single-family and commercial units were excluded.
Fast internet speed is the most important amenity that a property can offer, according to survey results, but those aged 65 or more years rated available internet speeds as one of their top two priorities, higher than other age groups. Eighty-six percent of those aged 65 or more years rated it as one of their top two priorities, compared with 82% of those aged 55 to 64, 85% of those aged 36 to 54, and 79% of those aged 26 to 35.
Wi-Fi also was deemed important by older survey respondents.
Xfinity Communities shared the results in a report titled “Product & Amenities Research,” intended to be a resource for those looking to enhance their technology and amenity offerings.
“Real estate developers, building owners and property managers need to prepare for the impending demands on their network and provide robust technology and amenities solutions throughout their properties,” said Adrian Adriano, vice president of strategic initiatives at Xfinity Communities.
Ninety-three percent of respondents aged 65 or more years said they anticipated not moving within the next 12 months.
