How Communities Foster Senior Socialization in Assisted Living

Having a community and close group of friends and family is an essential part of aging. Meaningful connections contribute to life satisfaction, longevity, and mental health. Older adults who stay social can reap the benefits of socialization, including having a support system during challenging times, enjoying new experiences, making memories, and more. 

Because a solid community is so important to a healthy aging process and cognitive health, assisted living communities are designed to make connecting with others effortless—even for residents who aren’t social butterflies. Here’s how senior socialization in assisted living is prioritized within communities and why it’s so important to encourage socialization in older adults.

Why Social Circles Matter for Seniors

Research on social connections and healthy socialization has shown that staying social is critical to helping maintain mental health, prevent problems, and help with recovery from mental health conditions. Here’s what we are learning from scientists and senior aging professionals.

How many seniors are struggling with isolation?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults report feeling lonely, and one-fourth report not having adequate emotional and social support. 

What’s the difference between isolation and loneliness?

Isolation is when someone doesn’t have contact with others and has little or no social support. Even if someone doesn’t feel lonely, isolation can still be a risk to their health. Loneliness is when someone feels alone and like they don’t have meaningful relationships or a feeling of belonging. Even if someone has a lot of friends, they can feel lonely.

What are the risks of social isolation for seniors?

People who are feeling isolated or lonely can experience a weakened immune system and increased risk of:

• Cognitive decline
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

Why does social isolation happen to seniors?

It’s common for social circles to shrink. This often begins during retirement because work colleagues are no longer points of contact during a normal workday. Additionally, friends or family members may move away, or friends may pass away. 

Older adults can also experience isolation due to transportation challenges, which can lead to fewer opportunities to connect with friends and family throughout the week.

Senior Socialization in Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities make connecting with friends and neighbors much easier through the variety of experiences they offer, the availability of shared spaces, and the ability to have a good conversation over a delicious meal. Here are a few ways that senior socialization in assisted living is prioritized:

Shared social spaces increase connections.

Shared social spaces, such as game rooms, movie theaters, and hobby rooms, encourage connections between neighbors who have similar interests. For instance, residents who love the outdoors can connect while walking the pathways within the community, relaxing with coffee or tea on the patio, or exploring the gardens. The community restaurants, fitness center, and salon are also places where neighbors congregate and naturally begin conversations throughout the day.

Common experiences build friendships.

Beyond the community design, assisted living communities also foster connections by giving residents the opportunity to share an experience with friends. At Cedarhurst, our life enrichment programs, events, and trips are the perfect way to meet up with neighbors or make new friends. Residents can strike up a conversation over a shared experience, such as an outdoor concert, a trip to the new restaurant in town, or a yoga or other group fitness class.

Engage in a social club, hobby, or interest group.

Having similar interests is an easy way to meet new friends and strengthen existing relationships. Many assisted living communities offer a full calendar of social club gatherings, such as a gardening club, book club, classes, board or card games, and more. These events can introduce residents to potential friends, broaden their horizons to a new hobby, and pursue their passions.

Bring your beloved pet.

Many communities are recognizing that pets are just as important to a family as the people in it, so they allow residents to bring their beloved cats or dogs. Having a pet may improve health in many ways, such as by reducing stress and improving heart health. Pets can also decrease feelings of loneliness by offering companionship and making it easier to strike up a conversation with a neighbor. It’s common for residents to chat about their pets and get to know each other, making these furry friends effective icebreakers.

Bond over a meal.

Assisted living communities create opportunities for connection during dining experiences. At Cedarhurst, our teams recognize that a meal is more than good food. It’s also a social experience that connects residents every time they pull up a seat at the table. 

Settling in and making friends at Cedarhurst is easy.

It can be common for new residents to worry about how they will make friends and fit into an assisted living community. But senior living communities aren’t just for social butterflies. Any resident can find a new friend when dining, enjoying a group movie night, or attending an art class. Additionally, many Cedarhurst communities offer welcome programs for new residents, and team members connect residents based on shared interests.

At Cedarhurst, we make the transition to community life easier with our Pair to Prepare™ program. New residents are welcome to invite a family member to stay with them for their first few days and nights, giving everyone confidence during the resident’s first few days in the community.

The Impact of Community on Senior Socialization

Assisted living communities are designed around engaging events and connections with ample opportunities for residents to make new friends while participating in activities they enjoy. This daily socialization is just the wellness boost that residents need to feel supported and healthy. 

Discover the impact of senior socialization in assisted living by downloading our guide, Everything You Need to Know About Social Health in Senior Living.

This post was originally published in June 2022 and updated in March 2025.