The other day, someone joked, “Sixty-five is the new forty-five.” We both laughed, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how true that statement is. With people working longer and advances in healthcare, the lines between middle age and later years are definitely blurring.

But what does this have to do with real estate?

As our population ages, we’re seeing more marketing aimed at the “senior” demographic. You’ve probably come across real estate agents claiming to specialize in this area. But here’s the thing—seniors aren’t all the same.

Labeling anyone as a “senior” can be tricky because it lumps everyone into one category, even when their needs and life stages are vastly different. When it comes to real estate, there are three main types of moves seniors might make, and they’re not necessarily based on age. More often, these moves are driven by life circumstances.

Move #1: Amenity-Based Moves

These folks are all about lifestyle. They’re looking for a home that fits into a bigger picture, like moving closer to family or finding a place with better weather. They might be downsizing, moving to be near an airport, or finding a spot where the whole family can enjoy visiting. The key here is social connections—being close to loved ones is a big factor in these decisions.

Move #2: Planning for the Future

As we get older, our health or our partner’s health might start to change. When that happens, the current home might not cut it anymore. People in this stage are looking to simplify life—maybe finding a place with less maintenance, easier accessibility, and close to good healthcare. Family members often play a big role in these decisions, making sure the new place is just right for the future.

Move #3: Needs-Based Relocation

Most people want to stay independent for as long as possible, but sometimes health issues make it hard to stay in their current home. When that time comes, they might need to move to a senior living community or closer to family for more support. These moves can be emotionally tough and require a lot of empathy, along with real estate know-how. Timing and the level of care needed are major factors here.

As you can see, not all seniors have the same housing needs or goals. Specializing in the 55+ market can be appealing, but within this group, there are many different needs and niches to explore. Whether or not you focus on mature clients, it’s important to understand these different types of moves so you can offer the best service possible. After all, with so many home sellers being over 65, chances are you’ll be working with older adults at some point in your real estate career.