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The social opportunities ingrained within senior living settings uniquely position communities to reduce isolation and promote connection among older adults, according to a new report.

The American Seniors Housing Association and ATI Advisory examined how senior living communities overcome the adverse effects of social isolation by promoting critical social connections that contribute to overall quality of life. Their report cited one analysis that found that social isolation increased the risk of mortality by 29% and loneliness increased that risk by 26%.

The report’s findings show that senior living communities improve quality of life through cohesive social environments and encouragement of residents to participate in social activities. Residents, the study found, were more likely to have greater social, physical and intellectual wellness than their counterparts living in the greater community.

Effect is tangible

ASHA President and CEO David Schless noted that “senior living communities offer older adults a home where they can strengthen social connections,” providing a tangible, positive effect on residents’ lives and health. 

“Tailored social programming engages residents and provides opportunities for them to connect with others through shared interests,” Schless said. “Senior living communities play an integral role in addressing social isolation and supporting the overall health, well-being and happiness of their residents.”

In a Thursday column for Forbes, Brookdale Senior Living CEO Lucinda “Cindy” Baier wrote that the senior living industry proved how essential its services were during the pandemic period of uncertainty and unprecedented societal changes.

The purpose of senior living communities, she said, is to help older adults with the challenges of aging by creating opportunities to “live well among a community of friends.”

“As seniors and their family members begin to understand what important roles socialization and belonging play in the overall well-being of seniors, the value of senior living is indisputable,” Baier wrote. “Ultimately, the pandemic highlighted senior living as an essential service provider in the modern landscape — and demonstrated the importance of our role in the healthcare continuum.”

How they do it

Senior living communities support social connections through “buddy” systems, resident-designed and -led programming, virtual event options, diverse programming tailored to resident interests, intergenerational social offerings, activities integrated into the surrounding community, and physical and mental health activities, according an ATI survey of ASHA members conducted in late 2021 for the report.

Purposeful use of physical spaces, programming and technology, and focused efforts to support relationship-building can help communities facilitate social engagement for residents, according to the report.

More than 80% of survey respondents reported having indoor common areas, outside patio seating, indoor entertainment spaces, arts and crafts studios, walking paths and/or outside gardens. Many communities also reported offering an indoor gym (75%) or outdoor activities (61%). 

The report noted that social isolation and loneliness were challenges before the pandemic that have only increased.

“When older adults do not have access to social opportunities, both physical and mental health is at risk,” the report concluded. 

For the report, ATI conducted a literature review and surveyed ASHA members in 290 senior living communities across 35 states about senior living communities’ efforts to reduce social isolation. Interviews with several senior living communities — Senior Resource Group; Juniper Village at Bucks County, a life plan community in Bensalem, PA; and Kensington Senior Living locations in Kensington, MD, and Falls Church, VA — and in-depth case studies outlined the effects of social opportunities on residents. 

Respondents represented active adult, independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities. The special issue brief is available in ASHA’s bookstore.