Can Moving to a Senior Living Community Prolong Your Life? It Just Might.

There are numerous healthcare companies and news outlets that claim that residential senior living communities can extend one’s life by anywhere from one to two years without citing any reputable studies.

This is for good reason. There haven’t been any comprehensive studies done to compare the longevity of seniors aging in place alongside their peers. There are signs that indicate that moving to a community can extend one’s life by as much as seven years, but until we can point to reliable research on the subject we need to stick to the facts.

And here is what we know: individuals that move into senior living communities are more physically, mentally and emotionally fit than people their same age who choose not to, or don’t have the means to, move into a community. Simple logic would lead one to deduce that if you’re not as physically, mentally or emotionally as fit as your cohorts, that moving into a community that promotes your total fitness will naturally prolong your life.

Here are key factors that senior living communities promote, which can lead to a longer life:

Mental Stimulation

Social isolation is a killer. There are numerous studies that point to social isolation leading to early mortality, including a comprehensive meta-analysis of 90 studies published in June 2023 by Nature Portfolio. They found that individuals who were socially isolated have a 32% greater risk of dying early compared to their peers who weren’t socially isolated.

Senior living communities provide the perfect setting for camaraderie and connection. Even if you’re living alone, there are opportunities every day to interact with other residents thanks to numerous events and other activities organized within the community. Additionally, meals can be shared with your peers in a communal setting, which leads us to…

Nutrition and Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is critical for anyone who wants to live a happy, long life. Sadly, many seniors are unable to maintain a well-rounded diet due to a variety of social and health determinants.  In a community, however, what can be a daily struggle for seniors living on their own, is remedied by nutritious, beautifully prepared meals provided by community chefs.

Malnutrition is a serious concern; one that can lead to weakness, decreased immune system, as well as decreased muscle and/or bone mass. In seniors, this can in turn lead to illness or injury.   These are exactly the outcomes senior living communities are working so hard to prevent.

Physical Fitness

The events and activities that many senior living communities offer not only provide a place to stave off social isolation, but they also provide residents with the exercise they need. Naturally, seniors who are more physically fit tend to have fewer health complications and as a result live longer than those who are not.

Communities, such as those owned and operated by Masonicare, offer fun activities that may not be easily accessible to seniors who live at home, such as pools and pickleball courts. Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health, people who live an active lifestyle and pursue activities they enjoy are far less likely to develop a chronic disease.

Safety and Access to Medical Care

Lastly, and most importantly, senior living communities provide a safe environment where access to medical care is readily available. Most communities provide 24/7 video surveillance, and many have dedicated security staff. Masonicare communities are part of a larger care continuum where access to specialists and primary care providers are a call away.

Do senior living communities prolong one’s life? The answer is not always black and white. However, there are key indicators that point to residents of communities living more fulfilling and engaging lives. With a supportive community, regular events and activities, healthy, prepared meals and a secure environment, one can perhaps live a longer life in a senior living community.

For more information about Masonicare’s assisted living facilities, please visit www.masonicare.org.