New Study Highlights Senior Living Benefits

Healthy aging isn’t just about staying alive for a long time – it’s about living a full and enjoyable life as we get older.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as maintaining the ability to do the things you find important. This could be anything from taking care of yourself to pursuing hobbies and staying connected with loved ones. Healthy aging means enjoying overall well-being that encompasses physical, mental and social aspects of health.

“Healthy agers” are more likely to be independent, mobile and better able to enjoy activities they love – all contributors to quality of life and overall well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of dementia. Focusing on well-being can help you stay engaged in life and feel more positive about aging.

Since healthy habits throughout life contribute to successful aging, practicing healthy aging should ideally be a lifelong process. However, it is never too late to begin making healthy choices – and a proven healthy choice is the decision to move to a senior living community.

How Senior Living Communities Promote Healthy Aging and Overall Well-Being

Senior living communities have long been known for providing safe environments, vibrant lifestyles and support when it’s needed, all contributing to healthy aging and enhanced quality of life. New research conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago also found that older adults who move into senior living communities often experience better health outcomes compared to those who live in the greater community.
Funded by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), the NORC study is a core conclusion of a body of research highlighting the benefits of living in a retirement community. The study shows how community life improves access to safe and high-quality care for seniors. It also indicates there are distinct health and wellness advantages for those who choose senior community living compared to those who remain in their homes. Among them:

1. Decreased vulnerability

Older adults become more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes before they move into senior housing, but vulnerability levels off and declines shortly after moving in.

2. More healthcare services

People who move into senior living receive more healthcare services from care providers in their home compared to older adults who live in the community, including more primary care services and more visits from specialty providers such as podiatrists, psychiatrists, and cardiologists.

3. Have increased longevity

Those who move into senior living have a lower mortality rate than older adults who live in the community. They also receive more home healthcare days, obtain more services and-based preventative and rehabilitative services, and spend less time on antipsychotics.

4. Better health outcomes

Researchers measured common, high-cost, adverse health events for older adults that preventative or rehabilitative care can mitigate. The study indicated that overall, older adults who move into senior housing experience better health outcomes than their peers living in the community, including:

• Lower rates of inpatient admissions from the emergency department
• Lower rates of inpatient admissions due to physical injury, hip fracture, wounds, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dehydration, or urinary tract infection
• Similar rates of inpatient admissions due to falls, hypertension, community-acquired pneumonia, and uncontrolled diabetes

Helping Seniors Thrive

Beyond the important health benefits highlighted in the NORC study, there are countless other advantages to assisted living and senior living that contribute to healthy aging. From helping maintain independence to boosting social engagement, to enhancing well-being and overall quality of life, here are some of the top benefits senior community living offers:

5. Increased Social Engagement

Seniors who remain in their homes face a number of challenging issues as they try to stay connected to their community. From lack of transportation to health conditions that limit their mobility to the loss of friends and families, social isolation can be detrimental to overall health because it increases the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and is associated with higher rates of chronic illnesses, cognitive decline, and even mortality. Social connections are essential for maintaining emotional well-being and physical health in older adults – and community life ensures social connections and engagement are plentiful.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals how spending time enjoying the right leisure activities with friends and loved ones protects cognitive skills and keeps them intact longer. Community life offers daily opportunities for residents to explore new hobbies and pastimes, volunteering time with a charitable cause you believe in, embracing new challenges – all these helps keep those neurons firing. And we know a healthy brain is also key to maintaining a healthy body. Brain health is now tied to reducing severity and frequency of chronic health conditions, lowering rates of depression and increasing overall lifespan.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Healthy relationships with people who understand age-related changes foster strong interpersonal connections and help older adults maintain a positive outlook. In a senior living community, you are surrounded by peers who can empathize with your experiences and share in both the challenges and the joys of aging.

6. Personalized Support & Care = Enhanced Independence

Tailored support and care plans help residents maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need. For those who require more help with daily activities, assisted living and continuing care retirement (life plan) communities provide around-the-clock care.

7. Life Enrichment Opportunities

Senior living communities offer residents a full calendar of life enrichment activities. From cultural and educational programs that keep residents engaged and intellectually stimulated to recreational activities like games, arts and crafts and hobbies, residents have access to a robust calendar of on-campus activities and community outings designed to work around any of the residents’ physical or cognitive limitations. For those with mobility challenges, the opportunity to enjoy activities onsite helps them stay connected. Specialty programs for Alzheimer’s residents help promote self-esteem and success for adults coping with memory loss.

Opportunities for Volunteerism

Most community living offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for seniors. Whether it’s helping with book clubs, leading current event discussions, spearheading craft programs or knitting for hospitalized children, volunteerism adds joy to life by providing a sense of purpose, promoting social engagement and enhancing mental and emotional well-being by fostering connections and giving back to the community.

8. Well-balanced Meals

Good nutrition is central to a healthy lifestyle. But seniors are at increased risk for poor nutrition – even malnutrition – for many reasons. Lack of transportation to the grocery store and health conditions that make meal preparation difficult are two. In a community senior living environment, dining becomes a nourishing and social experience. Residents enjoy well-balanced, restaurant-style cuisine prepared for them and served in a variety of venues – from formal to casual – where they can interact with friends.

9. Safety and Security

A senior living benefit that brings both seniors and their families great peace of mind is the security community life offers. Most senior living communities offer safety features such as 24/7 security personnel, emergency response systems and accessible facilities designed to prevent falls and injuries, ensuring a secure environment for residents. Residents are also ensured quick access to emergency services and medical care.

10. Planned Fitness & Wellness Programs

A lack of exercise can lead to physical and mental decline, but keeping seniors active benefits muscle and bone health and reduces the likelihood of falls. Physical activity helps aging adults stay healthy longer, enhances cognitive function, and provides a valuable social outlet. From Chair Yoga and Tai Chi to strength training, fitness is a key component of the wellness programs in senior living communities, where residents can join formal and informal groups to exercise regularly with their peers.

11. Convenience and Amenities

Senior community living is designed to make life easier. Most communities provide regular housekeeping services, as well as property maintenance, reducing the burden of home upkeep (and the associated expense). Scheduled transportation for shopping, medical appointments and recreational activities is also widely available. On-site amenities such as salons, swimming pools, outdoor trails and gardens, libraries, and recreation rooms not only provide convenience, but they also enhance the quality of life.

Senior Living Benefits Everyone

“Senior housing residences can be a center for wellness and healthy aging for older adults, with positive outcomes for those who call it home,” said Ray Braun, CEO and president NIC.

Senior living benefits not only residents but also their families, who gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive professional care, support, and a safe environment, thereby reducing the worry and burden of caregiving.

Find a Community Right for You

While community life really does promote healthy aging and overall wellness, finding the option that’s best for you or a loved one is what counts. Do your research. Talk to friends. Ask your doctors for advice. And most importantly, visit communities in your desired area to discover a community that fits your needs, goals, and budget. A healthier life awaits! Find a community near you.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

_{Originally Published: December 4, 2015 – Updated On: Just 15, 2024}