Senior Living Communities Are More Essential Than Ever

The pandemic has changed the way each of us thinks about the essential elements of life. What matters most to us? How do we fill our lives with more of the things that provide meaning and joy and reduce or eliminate those aspects of life that are burdensome? To me, an optimum life has six essential elements: purpose, emotional connection, physical fitness, social engagement, spiritual meaning, and intellectual stimulation. Sometimes maintaining the essential elements of life is more challenging than others.

The effects of the pandemic impacted everyone but were acutely felt by our elders. More than two years ago, with no solution in sight, life as we knew it drastically changed. Suddenly, individuals around the world began to shelter in place and society was forced to determine what was “essential.” During a period of uncertainty and unprecedented societal changes, the senior living industry would prove just how essential its services are.

When you consider the role of senior living communities, their purpose is to help some of the most beloved members of our society with the challenges of aging and to help improve their lives by creating the opportunity to live well among a community of friends. These cherished individuals served by senior living communities represent the family matriarchs and patriarchs, accomplished professionals and academics, friends, mentors, doctors, farmers, merchants, and military veterans among others. We want the best possible life for them—senior living communities strive to provide just that.

Combating Loneliness

Arguably one of the most devastating impacts of the pandemic beyond the physical toll it took on those who contracted the illness was the isolation it caused throughout society. Human beings need socialization and the pandemic made us realize just how much we need each other. As the world is returning to a new normal and most of us are interacting with others in person more frequently, loneliness remains a pervasive concern for seniors. Loneliness is known to have significant, adverse impacts on health and well-being. Seniors suffering from loneliness have a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. For seniors, loneliness is not only a matter of mental health but also a serious physical health issue with potentially devastating consequences. 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.

Providing Continued Opportunities for Meaningful Relationships

It’s important to consider what personal connections seniors experience each day as they get older. In many cases, social interactions can become more difficult, and there may be fewer opportunities to connect with others. Conversely, senior living offers an assortment of social opportunities and resident engagement selections. Our communities are focused on connecting seniors with like-minded interests and similar backgrounds. These individuals are embarking on a new phase of meaningful relationships and interactions. At Brookdale, this is a driving aspect of our mission: for our associates to maintain a strong connection to our residents and each other. Our associates, residents, and their loved ones may form relationships like an extended family. Our residents typically truly feel the support of meaningful relationships fostered between themselves and their caregivers.

A Sense of Stability and Customization When It’s Needed Most

Demand for senior living is increasing as baby boomers enter their seventies and many look to be freed from the burdens of home ownership and meal preparation. At the same time, many sons and daughters want to exchange the time that they are spending as caregivers for quality time as parent and child. If there is one thing that the pandemic taught us is that life is precious, and now is the time to ensure we are living to our fullest potential.

As the needs of an aging population are growing, there are fewer families and friends able to care for them. This trend is expected to accelerate, as a significant drop in the ratio of unpaid caregivers (family members willing and/or able to work for free) to seniors is expected to occur in the next decade—further fueling the demand for senior living options.

Senior living provides stability and predictability, while providing services that are uniquely tailored to what residents need or want. For most communities, seniors can customize their care. From independent to assisted living and memory care, there are many options.

Senior living communities can truly enrich the lives of those looking for opportunities to connect with others, benefit from a stress-free and predictable living situation, and who need varying degrees of care. 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.