Recently I’ve noticed more people researching continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, who want to know the political makeup of the resident population before deciding where to live. Just last week I received a thoughtful email from a CCRC resident asking if I knew of any communities in the country that did not include residents of a particular political persuasion. She described residents at her current community as “mean-spirited” and said she would be “willing to move anywhere in the nation” to find a community with people who share her views.
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The impact on quality of life
There’s no question our country is highly polarized, and many people feel judged or attacked by those with different political beliefs. Recent elections reflect these shifts in political sentiment across states and regions. The email from the CCRC resident prompted me to consider how these divisions can affect quality of life for older adults and their families — and how that may create challenges for the senior living industry if the trend continues.
Consider a typical scenario: a prospective resident determines a CCRC meets their needs. The location is right, the housing options are appealing, the amenities meet expectations, and the community appears well run. But during the visit the prospect senses that most residents hold political views at odds with their own. Concerned about being judged, ostracized, or uncomfortable, the prospective resident decides not to move in.
Even more concerning is the situation described by the woman who emailed me. She paid an entry fee and moved into a CCRC only to discover the majority of fellow residents hold different political beliefs. She also reports their political discourse has been “mean-spirited,” leaving her feeling personally attacked and considering another move. For older adults, who often prioritize peace and stability, such conflict can deeply undermine day-to-day well-being.
>> Related: What If I Change My Mind About Moving to a CCRC?
The politics of senior living
Political divisions are creating friction across many parts of society, and senior living communities are not immune. We’re already seeing greater interest in affinity retirement communities organized around shared identities or interests, so it is reasonable to expect that political affinity could increasingly influence where people choose to live.
At the same time, the United States continues to become more diverse. Communities include residents of different races, faiths, sexual orientations, and political beliefs. Successful, welcoming senior living communities will need to foster mutual respect and civil discourse so neighbors can coexist peacefully despite differences. If residents and operators fail to encourage tolerance and inclusive social environments, the industry could face growing difficulties attracting and retaining residents — and the broader social consequences would be troubling as well.
Ultimately, choosing a CCRC is about quality of life. For many seniors, that means social connection, safety, and emotional comfort. When political polarization spills into daily interactions, it threatens those core needs. Prospective residents and their families should consider not only physical and financial features of a community, but also the social climate and how staff and leadership handle disagreement and conflict. Likewise, operators and current residents should be mindful that cultivating civility and respect benefits everyone and helps preserve the welcoming atmosphere essential to a thriving senior living community.