Ep 116: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis welcome Jenna Biehn, Senior Sales Director at Dirigo Pines, to dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of senior living. Jenna shares her path into the industry and the powerful lessons she’s learned helping families make decisions about retirement living. From the growing shortage of units and caregivers to the risks of waiting until a crisis strikes, she explains why early planning and open family conversations are essential to preserving independence and choice.

Jenna offers a candid look at the innovations and advocacy needed to prepare for the baby boomer wave, while sharing her own vision for retirement success. This episode delivers both practical guidance and a broader view of where senior living is headed in the years ahead.

Chapters:

Jenna’s transition into senior living and what makes the work meaningful [03:07–04:32]

The lack of planning and why families often make decisions in crisis [04:45–05:59]

The looming supply-demand gap in senior living and workforce shortages [09:18–12:44]

How lifestyle expectations are reshaping communities (socialization, enrichment, fitness) [22:21–26:26]

Why planning early preserves choice and independence [27:17–32:10]

Innovative models and advocacy needed to meet future demand [34:35–45:38]

Jenna’s personal vision of retirement success [51:23–54:27]