In 2025, U.S. News & World released a report on a senior living survey conducted on older Americans and their families to examine their loneliness and the impact of senior living communities on their health. The survey found that feelings of loneliness improved after moving into a senior living community.
The Positive Impact of Senior Living on Loneliness
Senior living can improve a person’s social isolation and loneliness, according to the U.S. News survey report on the impacts of senior living on loneliness. The survey was conducted on older adults and families soon after they moved into a senior living community. The survey found the following about these seniors:
- 69% (more than two-thirds) of seniors felt lonely most of the time before moving into a senior living community
- 42% (fewer than half) of them felt lonely most of the time after moving
- 61% say their feelings of loneliness or isolation improved after moving
- 65% say it’s been easy to meet other seniors since moving into the community
- 85% say they’ve made friends since moving into the community
Causes of Senior Loneliness and its Effects
Older adults often face a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness due to changes in their health and social connections that naturally come along with aging, according to loneliness and social isolation factors reported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some changes that may affect loneliness might include one or many of the following:
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Memory loss
- Disability
- Trouble with getting around
- Loss of spouse, family members, or friends
This loneliness could have several negative impacts on a senior’s health, including an earlier death in some seniors, according to the NIA. Social isolation and loneliness increase the chances of the following:
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Emergency room visits
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Nursing home admissions
- Obesity
- Weakened immune function
How Senior Living Helps Combat Senior Loneliness
Senior living communities can help combat senior loneliness with on-site amenities, life enrichment programs, activities, and opportunities to make new friends.
Senior Living Increases Senior Engagement
The U.S. News survey reported that seniors are more likely to do the following after their move into senior living due to on-site activities:
- 19% more likely to take part in an activity they enjoy
- 20% more likely to engage in physical activity
- 21% more likely to find meaning or purpose in daily life
How Sunrise Helps Promote Social Connection
At Sunrise, we hold ourselves to a higher standard to help older adults lead their preferred lifestyle. But don’t just take our word for it—even the U.S. News and World Report recognized 71% of Sunrise communities in their 2025 U.S. News Best Senior Living Ratings.
Senior living offers peace of mind for residents and families because it provides safety, care, and opportunities to socialize. Sunrise communities recognize the importance of socialization for seniors and that’s precisely why each community focuses on personalizing activities, events, and celebrations to help each resident mingle.
To diminish worries about a senior loved one’s loneliness and reap the benefits of socialization, find a Sunrise near you. Team members at your nearest community can show you just how Sunrise aims to promote each resident’s social well-being.
References
[1] U.S. News & World Report. (2025, June 11). How senior living communities reduce loneliness and improve senior health: 2025 U.S. News survey report.
[2] National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health. (2024, July 11). Loneliness and social isolation — tips for staying connected.