Learn more about the connection between community and senior health and wellbeing.

What does it mean to be part of a community? A community can be a civic or religious organization, a hobby group, or a senior living campus. But, all of those have one thing in common: they are places where people feel connected.

A feeling of community connection can have significant mental and physical health benefits for seniors. Learn more about what makes a community a place of connection, and the benefits of creating a feeling of community for seniors.

What is Community? Why is Community Important for Seniors?

Community is a feeling of connection to a group. People may find community where they work, at a house of worship, in a social group, or any place they encounter others with shared interests and a shared purpose. It is the place where people connect. That feeling of connection is linked to better health and greater overall happiness.

In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) a sense of community provides three key components for positive mental health: belonging, support, and purpose.

Unfortunately, many seniors lose their communities over time, due to the challenges that come with aging or the changes that accompany moving into a new phase of life.

Loss of community is a physical health concern, too. Isolated seniors face elevated stress levels that can bring a cascade of mental and physical health challenges. That is why it is so important to create opportunities for seniors to reestablish connections in their lives, through programs geared to their interests, values, and beliefs.

Benefits of Being Part of a Community: Belonging, Support, and Purpose

When people feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, know that they are supported, and have a sense of purpose, they experience less stress and greater happiness.

Seniors with a sense of community – a strong social network – have been shown to experience improved overall wellbeing and mood, improved cognitive performance, and reduced stress.

For many seniors, the move to a senior living community can be the answer to finding belonging, support and purpose.

How Senior Living Communities Live Up To Their Name

Sunnyside Manor and other senior communities create opportunities for belonging, support, and purpose every day. Here’s an inside look at how we do it:

Belonging. Belonging is being accepted for who you are and finding others with shared interests, values and beliefs. A well-crafted activity calendar  includes opportunities for a wide range of shared interests and abilities. We’re especially proud of the full calendars for our three unique neighborhoods: ‘Independence Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Support. Knowing someone is there for the big things and the little things brings a sense of safety and ease. On a senior living campus, extra help is always just around the corner. And, a community of peers to share the little things that make life joyful is always right at your doorstep.

Purpose. Having a social network offers an opportunity to express your unique role in a group. Being present for activities and to support your friends and peers brings a sense of purpose, whether your role is as the organizer, confidant, or comic relief! A combination of structured programs, and less structured social time at Sunnyside Manor gives everyone an opportunity to shine. In fact, many of our residents have found meaning and purpose in initiating their own independently run programs.

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Ready to learn more? Come get a feel for our community firsthand. Contact us here to chat with an expert. Plus, see more of community life at Sunnyside Manor in our photo gallery.

Learn More About Why Families Rely On Sunnyside Manor

When it is time to make decisions about senior living, we are here to help. Sunnyside Manor offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Learn more about Sunnyside Manor’s resources for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or a longer-term plan, begin with our “Getting Started” guide. Please call us at 888-696-2052 to speak with a senior living expert.

Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier senior living community. It features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.