Updated September 7th, 2023

Several years back I became interested in people who live long happy lives. One of the books I read, Blue Zones studied those living in communities with much longer than average life spans. What they found was one of the most important aspect to those who lived in a blue zone long age, was an active and supportive community…… Yes, having close friends in your community that fosters in-person interaction is detrimental to ones health.

The comfort in being around people who share common interests, goals, and challenges. That comfort in a community doesn’t wane with age – it actually deepens. Whether it’s proudly talking about grandchildren or lamenting the fact that our eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, it helps to be around people who not only understand what we’re saying but actually feel the same joys and concerns as well.

This is why many of the boomer generation are deciding to move into active adult communities. In the latest 55places National Housing Survey, they were described by one out of three seniors as an “outgoing, social community of likeminded people.”

Bill Ness, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of 55places.com, explains:

“Baby boomers are now reaching the age when moving to an active adult community is the ideal opportunity for them…Many boomers now want to downsize, experience a maintenance-free lifestyle, and pursue more social opportunities. It’s exciting that there are so many choices for baby boomers.”

There’s still a desire among many seniors to “age-in-place'“ according to the Senior Resource Guide. The challenge is, many seniors live in suburban or rural areas, and that often necessitates driving significant distances to see friends or attend social engagements. That can be particularly challenging in Northern VA, as many seniors will stay at home rather than fight traffic. A recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS) titled Housing America’s Older Adults addressed this exact concern:

“The growing concentration of older households in outlying communities presents major challenges for residents and service providers alike. Single-family homes make up most of the housing stock in low-density areas, and residents typically need to be able to drive to do errands, see doctors, and socialize.”

Driving may not be a challenge when you are 60, but think about what it may be like to drive 10, 20, or 30 years down the road.

There are also health challenges brought on by a possible lack of socialization when living at home versus a community of seniors. Sarah J. Stevenson is an author who writes about seniors. In a recent blog post for A Place for Mom, she explains:

“Social contacts tend to decrease as we age for reasons such as retirement, the death of friends and family, or lack of mobility.”

Research from the same article suggests if you’re spending time with others in a community, thus reducing the impact of loneliness and isolation, there’s less of a risk developing high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and early death. Who can argue with that?

While our beloved homes carry countless cherished memories, it's essential to remember that sometimes they may hinder our opportunities to mingle and create connections essential to living a long, happy life. Embracing options like co-living with adult children, immersing in a retirement community, or transitioning to an assisted living facility can unlock the joys of daily interaction and keep us in the cheerful company of people we resonate with. After all, isn't life more vibrant with shared laughter and camaraderie?

Bottom Line

“Aging-in-place” definitely has its advantages, but it could mean getting “stuck-in-place” . There are many health benefits derived from socialization with a community of people that share common interests, life challenges, or just an understanding of growing older. Home is not a location, its a feeling!