Today’s active adults and Baby Boomers entering independent senior living communities bring expectations shaped by years of evolving home entertainment, and they’re not willing to compromise on quality or choice. So how do independent living communities compete for an increasingly discerning resident population? Entertainment as a community amenity.
Meeting the Modern Independent Living Resident Where They Are
Independent Living residents have embraced technology, with an increase in smart device ownership over the past few years. A recent survey of independent living senior residents shows that smartphone and smart TV ownership demographics are both up 7% since 2022, at 87% and 62% respectively°.
The independent living resident of 2026 is different from previous generations when it comes to the entertainment choices available to them. They’ve spent years curating their entertainment app queues, following their favorite sports teams across multiple platforms, and enjoying on-demand access to thousands of entertainment options. In fact, 61% of seniors surveyed° say it’s important to have streaming services included in their programming offering.
When these seniors transition to your independent living community, they expect that same level of choice and control.
The Business Case for Bulk Streaming Entertainment
So, what is bulk streaming entertainment for independent living? Simply put, it’s a property owner-paid service at a discounted rate when the community makes an investment in DIRECTV® service for each living unit.
Benefits for senior independent living communities include:
- No new infrastructure – streaming doesn’t require a satellite dish
Min. internet speed of 8Mbps. req’d - It can help attract and retain residents when you market DIRECTV® service as a premium property amenity
- Communities can recover some or all the monthly entertainment service in rent or service fees
DIRECTV’s bulk streaming entertainment for independent living communities enables property owners to offer a premium amenity that helps strengthen their community value proposition in competitive markets. And, as younger, more tech-forward generations approach senior living age, entertainment expectations will only intensify. Communities that invest in a robust streaming entertainment option today helps to position themselves as forward-thinking operators ready to meet evolving demands.
Ready to get started? Discover the power of entertainment in senior living communities or visit us online to learn more.
°Link-age Connect Survey conducted March – April 2024 with 599 U.S. Independent Living respondents. *
Service subject to DIRECTV terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 25Mbps recommended for optimal viewing.
Requires activation by resident of eligible property to receive DIRECTV streaming app + device. The first device (and up to four devices depending on the property contract) is paid for by the property owner, additional devices to the one(s) included by the property are available for purchase. Additional devices for well-qualified customers $5/mo. for 24 mos., otherwise $120 each. Once you’ve cancelled any upgraded programming, you can access DIRECTV streaming service through the remaining monthly period. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE package and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device(s) may need to be in billing region in order to view. Applicable taxes due at sale. Purchased Gemini may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Gemini purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details. Cancellation: DIRECTV may cancel your Service and any upgraded programming if the property-provided bulk programming Service becomes past due or terminated. If your account becomes past due, DIRECTV may remove upgrade programming from your Service. Upon move out of the property, the provided DIRECTV programming Services will be disconnected along with any resident purchased a la carte programming or upgrades. Modify or cancel at any time online or by calling MDU Bulk Property Agent Services 888-342-7288. MDU Bulk Property Tenants call 866-258-8766. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details. Taxes: State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. Limits: Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details. Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC. ©2026 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
