You may feel vibrant and independent today, but studies show that social isolation and loneliness present serious health risks to a significant portion of the older adult population. For seniors who are “solo agers” – that is, not part of a cohabitating couple – logically, the risk is higher. Today, 27% of all adults 60 and older live alone, including about half of women over the age of 65.
Is isolation the new smoking? Loneliness poses serious health risks.
Let’s start with some data. According to cdc.gov:
- Social isolation increases the risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.
- Social isolation is associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia, as one’s cognitive abilities tend to go unstimulated through lack of human interaction.
- Social isolation or loneliness is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
- Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.
- Among heart failure patients, loneliness was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
Clearly, solo aging is a risk. The good news is …
Life Plan Communities are a natural defense against isolation.
Moving to a retirement community of any kind is the opposite of choosing to age alone. Arguably the best option is a Life Plan Community, sometimes called a CCRC or continuing care retirement community (The terms are all synonymous.).
This type of community is designed for seniors looking for a lifestyle of social, intellectual and physical engagement. For instance, at La Costa Glen residents can choose from more than 200 monthly activities, social events, clubs and special interest committees. Resort-like amenities include swimming pools and spas, pickleball and tennis courts, a fitness center, live entertainment and a movie theater, walking paths, art classes and multiple dining venues … the list goes on.
The point is, there’s a lot to bring residents together for socialization. These moments naturally evolve into healthy personal connections and friendships with all the emotional, psychological and even physical benefits that come with them.
The data supports the decision to choose a Life Plan Community.
According to The Age Well Study: Comparing Wellness Outcomes in Life Plan Communities vs. the Community at Large, a five-year study conducted by the Mather Institute, residents of Life Plan Communities thrived compared to solo agers who chose to remain in their homes.
Here are a few findings:
- Life Plan Community residents’ average happiness and life satisfaction scores were higher – near the top of the scale.
- 92% of community residents were highly satisfied with the place where they live.
Because the five-year study spanned the early waves of COVID-19, there was this finding:
- Life Plan Community residents, on average, exhibited low levels of stress and high levels of resilience during the pandemic.
The peace of mind of having a plan for long-term care.
About 70% of adults 65 or older will need some type of long-term care, according to acl.gov. That’s why having a retirement living plan that includes care is crucial – especially for solo agers.
This is one of the profound benefits of choosing to live at a Life Plan Community like La Costa Glen: A resident moves into a lovely rightsized villa or apartment home while able to live independently and has priority access to the adjacent health center for assisted living, memory care and long-term care in a skilled nursing center, if ever needed.
Solo Aging? There’s no reason to go it alone!
The benefits of aging in a retirement community are wide-ranging. If you’re ready to experience the lifestyle- and wellness-related advantages available to a solo ager at a Life Plan Community, check out La Costa Glen today
