Vulnerability Of Older Adults Stabilizes—And Improves—After Entering Senior Housing

The adage that after you reach a certain age “it’s all downhill from here” is getting a serious second look from science. According to a recent study by NORC at the University of Chicago, increasing frailty and vulnerability to illness actually declines for older adults who move into a senior living community.

In fact, in its review of Medicare claims of residents from 14,201 senior living communities using the Harvard Claims-Based Frailty Index, the study found these older adults were less frail a year after they moved into their new surroundings…less by as much as 10%. And it’s easy to see why.

Residents in senior living communities reap enormous benefits from non-medical care and services like:

• Join in the fun – Living close to other seniors and regular interaction with staff members reduces the sense of loneliness and isolation that has been linked to a number of serious health-related dangers, including an increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and even death. Staying healthy is easier when you’re in constant contact with people you care about and who care about you.
  


• Transportation – For seniors who can no longer drive, access to the transportation a senior living community provides means mobility, independence, and autonomy to them. The feeling of being free to go where you want to go without having to ask friends or family for a ride is empowering and uplifting.


• Exercise –Getting enough physical exercise to stay healthy is often hard for seniors living alone. Senior living communities make it a lot easier by providing low-impact exercise classes which are typically just steps outside the resident’s door. Having safe, scenic walking paths make taking a morning stroll with friends a natural part of a senior’s daily routine. And having a variety of interesting activities available can be motivation enough to get out and about instead of sitting or lying in bed.


• Balanced Nutrition – Eating right—and enough—is vital to good health. Not having to worry about grocery shopping and cooking in order to enjoy a nutritious meal can help seniors keep their energy up and avoid the pitfalls of eating unhealthy snacks.


• Medication Management – Prescription drugs work best when taken as directed. Having a little help from a senior living community staff member to remind you when and how much medication to take can make a significant positive difference when it comes to managing chronic health conditions.

MorningStar Senior Living

If your loved one lives far from family and friends, it could be time to move into a senior living community near their adult children where they’ll have the companionship of fellow seniors and a compassionate service team. At MorningStar Senior Living, a 24/7 team is dedicated to offering care and hospitality services that meet each resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.