The Suite Life of Seniors

The art of extending a happy life through socializing

Six months ago, Rosalind “Happy” Arkin never thought she’d find herself in a senior living community. The idea conjured up images of fluorescent lights, endless bingo games, and preheated meals, none of which appealed to her. But with some encouragement (and a little pressure) from her children, she agreed to check out Gables Grand Living. She signed up for a three-month trial period which the community offers potential residents. It didn’t take long, though – just a week or two – before she knew she was staying.

Looking over at her friend Linda Moser, Arkin smiles. A passerby might think the two had known each other for decades, given their easy conversation, inside jokes, and the way they shower each other with compliments. But they became fast friends only in the last few months, bonding over their love for reading. When asked what they love most about Grand Living, they look at each other and say, in unison, “the people,” as if no further explanation is needed.

For Arkin and Moser, it’s all about being social. “You never eat alone here. There’s always someone to sit with who wants to have dinner with you,” says Arkin. Moser adds, “I’m not even sure you could eat alone if you wanted to.”

Senior living communities often come with stereotypes that don’t quite capture the full picture. Places like Grand Living offer something intangible: a true sense of community and companionship. Moser compares it to living in a college dorm, where friends are always nearby and there’s never a shortage of things to do. And the added benefit? Studies show that staying socially active helps slow cognitive decline, making connection not just a comfort but a vital part of healthy aging.

Socialization Backed by Science

Socialization isn’t just about companionship and warm, fuzzy feelings – it plays a critical role in cognitive health. Research shows that staying socially engaged can help support brain function as we age. An observational study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that greater social interaction meant a 38 percent reduction in dementia risk.

“Social engagement keeps your brain busy,” says Joyce Gomes-Osman, PT, PhD, and founder of PT for Mental Sharpness. “The number and quality of social connections are associated with larger brain volume, particularly in the cerebral cortex – the area linked to memory. Additionally, social support in older adults is connected to brain networks responsible for executive functioning, which includes problem-solving, emotional regulation, and memory retention.”

Katalina Fernández McInerney, PhD, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Miami, agrees. “Social activity is an incredible preventative measure for brain health, yet we don’t talk about it enough. When we interact, we’re cognitively challenged. We have to pay attention, process what’s being said, think quickly, and respond, all of which help keep our brains sharp.”

For some seniors, the effects of more social interaction are life-changing. Hal Silberman, a 99-year-old resident at The Palace, says he feels years younger since he first moved in. “I never dreamed I’d be getting so much pleasure in my senior years… I feel smarter now than I was seven years ago just by virtue of being here every day and being stimulated,” he says. His friend and fellow resident Marie Albright nods in agreement and interjects, saying she’s rediscovered her passion for life since moving to The Palace. “There are so many stories here, people from all around the world. Hearing their experiences and sharing my own, it’s just amazing. That’s what we’re all here for.”

Josh Cabrera, executive director of The Palace, sees these transformations firsthand. “Once a resident settles in and starts getting comfortable, you notice a real difference, not just in their attitude, but in their appearance. It’s like they start to blossom and live life again.” 

But social interaction alone isn’t the only key to staying mentally sharp. Having a sense of purpose, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or engaging in meaningful activities, further strengthens cognitive resilience.

Socialization With a Purpose

While socialization is essential for brain health, research suggests that social engagement with a sense of purpose is even more powerful. In an article co-authored by Gomes-Osman and Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leon, professor of neurology at Harvard, two key principles that promote brain health and longevity stand out: “Brain Health Requires a Brain that Pursues Personally Meaningful Goals” and “Brain Health Requires a Social Brain Committed to the Service of Others.” These principles highlight that, while staying socially engaged is beneficial, when that engagement is tied to a meaningful pursuit or purpose, it becomes an even stronger safeguard against cognitive decline.

Left: Daily happy hour at Belmont Village is a chance for residents to make new friends and neighbors
Right: Belmont residents playing Rummikub, which brings people together and sharpens the mind

Gomes-Osman emphasizes the benefits of volunteering. “Scientifically speaking, volunteering is a very, very powerful brain health agent, and it’s been shown to improve mental and physical health, increase life satisfaction and happiness, decrease mortality, and roll back some cognitive impairments as well.”

Many senior living communities integrate volunteer programs into their activities, recognizing the profound impact they have on residents’ well-being. At The Contemporary, residents participate in outreach programs, including working with Kristi House, an organization dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse, and by distributing food to the homeless. “It makes the residents feel good to know that they still have a purpose,” says Zabrina Valdes, lifestyle enrichment director.

Beyond formal volunteering, many senior communities foster environments where residents can take the lead in organizing activities and sharing their expertise. At The Palace, Silberman, a retired doctor, has embraced his self-appointed role as educational director, hosting medical talks, encouraging residents to share insights from their careers, teaching chair aerobics, and writing a bi-monthly newsletter. Similarly, Moser, who taught singing for over 30 years, now leads a class called Sing for the Health of It. Communities like The Contemporary, Belmont Village, and Sunrise Senior Living also prioritize resident-led activities, ensuring individuals can stay engaged in ways that reflect their passions and interests.

For many seniors, integrating into a new community can feel daunting. But the rewards – deep social connections, a renewed sense of purpose, and meaningful engagement – are well worth it. The key is finding the right community and taking the first steps toward involvement.

Integrating Into the Community

“One of my biggest worries when I was considering moving here was, ‘Who will I sit with in the dining room? What if I walk in and there’s no one to eat with?’” says Arkin. She isn’t alone in these concerns. Many senior living directors note that adjusting to a new community takes time, and feelings of uncertainty are common even after moving in. Feeling welcomed is crucial because, as neurology professor McInerney points out, loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. “Loneliness is interesting, right? A lot of people think of it as simply lacking social interaction, but it’s actually more of a psychological construct. You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely,” she explains

To help residents build connections and truly benefit from socialization, senior communities take multiple approaches. For example, Maryann Chapman, activities and volunteer coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living, says the community relies heavily on motivational interviews to understand residents’ interests and tailor programs accordingly. “We assess each resident, what they like, what they don’t like, and communicate with family members to get a full picture of what they would enjoy doing again,” she says. At The Palace, staff use a Customer Relationship Management program to track resident interests, allowing staff to introduce individuals with common hobbies.

McInerney emphasizes that these programs are crucial, especially for introverts. “It’s about baby steps. Someone might be surrounded by people in assisted living yet still feel alone. Understanding their interests helps integrate them into the community.”

In some communities, natural camaraderie develops on its own. With around 80 residents, The Contemporary fosters a close-knit atmosphere where introductions happen organically. “Since it’s so small, everyone knows each other and checks in on one another,” says Valdes. “When a new resident arrives, there’s already someone eager to meet them and have dinner together.” Sunrise’s Chapman echoes this sentiment, noting that the smaller population allows for deeper connections.

Integration is key, but so is offering a variety of activities that cater to different personalities. Anna Morena-Nava, activity programs coordinator at Belmont Village, stresses the importance of social engagement in all forms. “Not everyone is extroverted, and that’s okay. You can’t force participation, but we make sure there are opportunities for everyone to engage in their own way,” she says. For example, she offers an anecdote about two residents who have formed a quiet but meaningful friendship over puzzles. “They don’t need to talk much while working on a puzzle, but they do it together. They share a space, they’re engaged, and at the end, they’ve created something beautiful – without needing to say a word.”

The Loneliness Epidemic

In 2018, the United Kingdom established a Ministry of Loneliness, recognizing social isolation as a pressing public health issue. Germany and Japan soon followed suit, and in May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy officially declared loneliness and social isolation a public health epidemic.

As people age, they often face life-altering events such as declining health or the loss of a spouse – circumstances that can leave them isolated and without necessary social interaction. “I didn’t realize how much of a hermit I had become or how alone I was,” says Moser, reflecting on how she withdrew following her husband’s passing.

At The Contemporary, residents Olga Piedra, Rossy Fontova, and Nancy Muxo all lost their husbands before moving in, but found comfort in one another. “When I first came in, it was difficult for me,” says Muxo. Piedra and Fontova shared similar experiences, and together, they found solace in their mutual understanding.

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling. It has significant health consequences, particularly for seniors. “If you test the blood of people experiencing chronic loneliness, you’ll see increased inflammatory markers,” says expert Gomes-Osman. “They experience more stress, and this is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and conditions like Parkinson’s disease.” According to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Belmont’s Morena-Nava believes that a strong sense of community can help slow cognitive decline and combat loneliness. “Having something to look forward to makes all the difference,” she says. “Whether it’s an activity, a friend to have lunch with, a game in the afternoon, or a small gathering, that sense of anticipation keeps people going.”

“We as human beings are designed to be social beings,” says Jose Rego, life enrichment manager at Sunrise Senior Living. “Connection is at the core of who we are. No one is an island. Even though as we age, we slow down, and the pace of our lives may change, our need for connection remains.”

For seniors, being part of a community is more than just a living arrangement – it’s a powerful tool in maintaining mental and physical well-being. A strong support system not only helps stave off the effects of dementia and cognitive decline but also provides something even more essential: a sense of belonging.