“Healthy aging” is a growing focus as more baby boomers reach retirement age and seek ways to remain active, engaged, and independent. A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) survey examined how adults 55 and older across the globe define healthy aging and which priorities matter most to them. The results shed light on what older adults value and where communities and care providers can better support them.
Studying the healthy aging concept
The MHI 2023 Global Healthy Aging Survey polled more than 21,000 people aged 55+ across 21 countries to understand respondents’ health perceptions, preferences, and activities. The researchers used quotas and weights to create representative samples by age, gender, urban or rural residence, education level, and self-reported health. From 53 factors examined, several rose above average in importance for respondents:
- Having purpose in life
- Balancing stress levels
- Being conscious of physical posture and movement
- Participating in formal learning or continuing education
- Having opportunities to learn new skills
- Volunteering when able
- Having meaningful connections with friends
- Maintaining a mentally stimulating lifestyle
- Engaging in regular moderate to vigorous exercise
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Feeling confident and informed in making financial decisions
- Feeling that their perspective as an older adult is valued
- Feeling like a respected part of the community
In short, purpose, stress management, physical activity, lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and financial security were closely tied to respondents’ overall views of healthy aging. The survey also revealed regional differences: people in high- and upper middle-income economies placed greater emphasis on stress and financial decision-making, while respondents in lower middle-income economies prioritized exercise and sleep.
The need for meaningful social engagement
When looking at social participation across countries and income levels, employment was the most commonly reported form of engagement. Formal volunteering ranked higher in some lower middle-income economies, while community programs were more prominent in high- and upper middle-income economies. Despite these variations, community programs emerged as the most-desired form of engagement across the board, indicating a large unmet need among older adults.
Education showed the lowest participation but was often the second most desired form of social participation, suggesting substantial interest in lifelong learning even among older demographics. The survey also highlighted participation gaps: only 41% of respondents in high-income economies reported participating in any form of societal engagement, compared with much higher participation in lower middle-income economies. Up to 44% of older adults indicated they would like to try a new activity, pointing to opportunities to expand outreach and programming.
Social engagement is key to healthy aging
The survey found that societal participation—work, volunteering, education, and community activities—correlates with better self-reported health. Among these, volunteering had the strongest link, associated with an average eight percentage point increase in perceived health. While declining health or mobility can make participation challenging, interest in engagement remained notable even among those reporting poor health: more than one in five who described their health as poor still reported working. Employment rates rose to about 32% for those in average health and 44% for those reporting good health.
Beyond potential economic benefits, these activities appear to support health and potentially reduce healthcare costs. Another important finding: participating in activities is associated with lower feelings of isolation. Even taking part in one category—work, volunteering, education, or community activities—was tied to reduced self-reported isolation. Given the well-established links between loneliness, isolation, and declines in mental and physical health, this underscores the importance of enabling older adults to participate in social and community life.
How the senior living industry can facilitate healthy aging
The MHI survey points to concrete areas where retirement communities and senior living providers can help residents access activities linked to healthier aging. As baby boomers drive demand for more engaging and personalized options, senior living communities can use these insights as a guide:
Education
Many older adults value lifelong learning. Retirement communities that offer on-site lectures, classes, and cooperative programs with nearby colleges meet this demand. Providers should continue expanding and adapting educational offerings to match evolving interests, ensuring programs are appealing and accessible to residents with varying mobility and health needs.
Community activities
Maintaining socially active lives helps prevent isolation. Communities that make social programming accessible for residents with mobility limitations provide critical benefits. Senior living operators can also foster connections by opening events to the broader community, developing intergenerational activities, and coordinating off-campus experiences that residents want to pursue.
Volunteering
Volunteering showed the strongest association with improved health perceptions, reflecting the value of purpose and contribution. Many communities already support volunteer opportunities on- and off-campus. Continuing to offer a range of volunteer options—including roles that accommodate physical limitations—will help residents gain the health and social benefits that come with meaningful service.
Improving on a good thing
Many senior living providers already excel at offering engaging activities that improve residents’ quality of life and wellbeing. These efforts deserve recognition. For communities seeking to enhance their offerings, the MHI study highlights priority areas—education, community programs, and volunteer opportunities—where investments can have meaningful impact.
Overall, the survey offers a practical roadmap for the senior living industry and community organizations to support healthy aging. By expanding opportunities for purpose, learning, social participation, and accessible activity, providers can help older adults remain connected, engaged, and healthier as they age.