A few weeks ago, Bluespire Insider, a marketing group that promotes senior living communities, hosted a virtual roundtable on innovative ways to encourage social connections for residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities). As someone who follows this topic closely, I found the discussion informative and timely.
The roundtable was moderated by John Franklin from BB&T’s healthcare finance group. John recently authored a whitepaper highlighting the importance of interpersonal connections at CCRCs and how one community used tablet technology to foster social interaction among residents.
The whitepaper details how Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (W‑C Bay) in Virginia Beach provided in-room, tablet-style devices to a pilot group of residents. Each device was preloaded with hundreds of hours of videos, music, movies, classic TV shows, games, and educational content. The tablets also included simplified video chat, email, and photo-sharing apps designed for ease of use.
As John notes, “Residents in assisted living and nursing are at risk for social isolation or boredom because no senior living community has enough human capital to engage and entertain these residents 24/7. Although employees may not be able to meet these needs, technology can. Touchscreens can be used to quickly access content and activities of interest, whenever the resident is ready to connect.”
The tablet pilot at W‑C Bay produced measurable benefits. Residents who used the touchscreen tablets showed a 55 percent decrease in depression on the Geriatric Depression Scale compared with residents who did not have the devices. They also reported a 14 percent improvement in quality of life, measured by the Affect Balance Scale. Caregivers working with these residents reported higher job satisfaction as well.
John adds that “the tablets are now widely used and embraced by both residents and staff. Families appreciate the ease of virtual visits and communication, especially those who live far away. Because families remain more connected, they have more to talk about, and in-person visits become more engaging.”
Social isolation vs. loneliness
While innovation is a major focus in the CCRC industry, the roundtable prompted me to consider the distinction between social isolation and loneliness. Some people thrive in solitude—reading, pursuing hobbies, or enjoying quiet reflection—so being alone does not necessarily mean feeling lonely.
Social isolation refers to a lack of interactions with others. Humans need social contact, and these needs can be met through conversations in person, on the phone, or virtually. The tablet program at W‑C Bay effectively addressed social isolation and boredom by giving residents easy, reliable ways to connect on their own schedule.
Loneliness, by contrast, is an emotional state characterized by a painful sense of being alone even when others are around. It often follows some form of loss—declining mobility, health issues, the end of a career, or the death of a spouse or friends. That sense of loss can trigger depression and lead seniors to withdraw further, creating a cycle that increases both isolation and loneliness as they feel their purpose slipping away.
The health risks of loneliness
Loneliness is a serious issue for many older adults. A 2012 study from the University of California’s department of geriatrics found that 43 percent of 1,604 participants aged 60 and older reported feeling lonely at least some of the time.
Participants who felt lonely were nearly 25 percent more likely to experience a decline in activities of daily living (ADLs). They were roughly 40 percent more likely to develop difficulties with upper-extremity tasks, experience reduced mobility, and struggle with stairs. Overall, loneliness was associated with a nearly 23 percent increase in risk of death.
Other studies link loneliness in seniors to higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and dementia. The emotional toll of loneliness also affects caregivers and family members, who often face increased stress and the feeling that they must shoulder the responsibility of filling the emotional gap for their loved one.
Strategies for addressing loneliness
There are practical steps communities and society can take to reduce senior loneliness. Improving public transportation and ride-sharing options helps seniors remain active and engaged. More proactive screening for loneliness can identify needs earlier so appropriate interventions can be provided. Volunteer opportunities and intergenerational programs that bring seniors together with younger people help maintain social ties and create new relationships.
Residing in a senior living community offers many social benefits. CCRCs provide a peer network of people in a similar life stage and a wide range of scheduled activities—from social hours and fitness classes to cooking demonstrations and affinity groups focused on shared interests.
John Franklin’s whitepaper even shares a personal anecdote: his mother-in-law said the most rewarding aspect of her seven years in a CCRC has been “the friends we have made and the sense of community and social connection we have.” That sentiment is common when I visit CCRCs across the country.
Occasional loneliness or boredom is normal, but chronic isolation and loneliness do not have to be inevitable for older adults. Loneliness is both preventable and treatable. By creating opportunities for seniors to sustain existing relationships and build meaningful new ones—through technology, programming, transportation, and community design—we can help them lead healthier, more connected lives.