Senior Living Communities Play a Vital Role in Overcoming Social Isolation and Loneliness

Humans are innately wired for social connection, yet shrinking social networks and increased risk of physical and cognitive impairment leave older adults vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. A new study suggests that senior living communities play a unique role in promoting social connection among older adults.

The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), with support from ATI Advisory (ATI), prepared a report to explore the negative impact social isolation has on older adults and the role senior living communities can play in promoting social connection among seniors.

The report gathers the latest scientific research on senior isolation and examines the results of ATI’s survey of 290 senior living communities across 35 states to identify specific ways senior living communities support senior socialization and promote well-being. The findings detailed in the report include:

• Research from recent studies linking senior isolation to poor health outcomes, such as greater susceptibility to disease, increased risk of mortality and higher rates of hospitalization.
• The unique potential for socialization in senior living communities where structured and unstructured opportunities foster social connection while honoring residents’ autonomy.
• The variety of approaches to socialization employed by survey respondents, such as offering diverse activities, using technology, creating communal spaces, and fostering connection among residents, staff and the greater community.
• Findings from case studies of three senior living communities examining their approach to creating a cohesive social environment, even during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Find out more about the role senior living communities play in preventing senior isolation by downloading our free Special Issue Brief: Senior Living Communities: Uniquely Positioned to Reduce Social Isolation and Promote Social Connection in Older Adults.

Download the Special Issue Brief