Live It Up and Live Longer: Why Happy Hours and Game Nights May Increase Your Lifespan

Numerous studies show that social isolation in older adults leads to declining mental health. While it may be “normal” for social circles to shrink as we grow older, it’s not inevitable. In fact, a big reason luxury senior living communities are growing in popularity is that they make it easier to stay connected to others, helping to defuse the loneliness and isolation older adults often experience.

Social isolation explained

The dangers of social isolation are well known. In the 1940s, trailblazing psychologist Abraham Maslow identified social connection as a basic human need.

The human species naturally organizes itself into social structures – and has done so for countless centuries. Indeed, the ability to form social groups has helped humanity survive and thrive for millennia. Being banished from one’s tribe has long been considered a high form of punishment.

For many older adults today, social isolation often occurs gradually due to natural life changes. Children grow up and move away. Friends and family relocate or eventually pass on. Social structures shrink as a result. Often, it’s up to the older adult’s family to act and inject a healthy dose of socialization into their routine.

Research reveals the perils of chronic social isolation. In one study, Johns Hopkins researchers found that socially isolated older adults were 28% more likely to develop dementia symptoms than their non-isolated peers. Among other recent discoveries:

• Isolation significantly increases the risk of premature death, with researchers suggesting that it may be comparable to the risks associated with smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle
• Social isolation and loneliness create a 29% greater chance of heart disease and an even higher risk of stroke
• Loneliness and depression in older adults often go hand in hand

The benefits of socialization for seniors

Maintaining an active social life offers numerous health benefits. Spending time with family and friends relieves feelings of loneliness and isolation. Even better: As a social network expands, older adults tend to become more physically active and develop a more positive outlook. Researchers noted that those with active social circles tended to be less sedentary.

Another study focused on the relationship between social engagement and cognitive decline. The 12-year study of more than 1,100 seniors found that those who regularly took part in social activities were 70% less likely to develop cognitive decline than people with more limited social activity.

Creating opportunities for socialization in luxury senior communities

Recognizing the uplifting power of even a brief conversation, caregivers at high-end senior living communities actively promote individual interaction and group engagement. Staff members maintain regular, personal contact with every resident and persistently extend invitations to events – social hours, guest speakers, musical performances, game nights, film screenings, and themed celebrations.

“We really get to make an impact on our residents’ lives. Increased socialization improves their quality of life – and gives their families peace of mind,” says Catherine Schneider, Director of Resident Well-Being Curriculum at Atria Senior Living.

Opportunities to socialize are provided for everyone – including people living with dementia.

“Socialization is very important for residents receiving memory care. We design the programs to offer more stimulation earlier in the day, with an emphasis on relaxing activities later on,” says Schneider.

Some luxury communities activate a resident’s memories with techniques like reminiscence therapy.

“We learn what our residents did in their work, or their hobbies or volunteer work, and we bring that into their day,” says Schneider. “For example, one of our residents used to be a newsman. We’ll ask him to read aloud from the community newsletter, and this simple act brings him back to his former life and helps him be present. He really comes alive, and the other residents enjoy it, too.”

Lessons learned about isolation during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the detrimental effects of social isolation, underscoring what happens when people – particularly older individuals – are deprived of connection.

More than half of people age 50 and older reported feeling isolated during the pandemic. “What we’ve learned from COVID is that isolation is everyone’s problem,” says Julianne Holt-Lunstad of Brigham Young University. “It doesn’t just happen to older adults; it happens to us all.” As the pandemic recedes, the increased awareness around loneliness and isolation may serve as a lasting reminder of the struggles older people routinely endure.

Mission togetherness: The value of community

Luxury senior living communities are designed to rekindle the innate human desire to belong to a community. To help residents establish active and connected social lives, Coterie Luxury Senior Living presents more than 50 unique, immersive engagements each week.

Coterie communities bring the world’s most discerning, influential, and driven older people together into inspiring, life-enhancing environments. From focused care and inviting amenities to stunning architecture and interior design, Coterie inspires every resident to live their best life – while offering family members confidence and peace of mind.