Older adults become more socially active after moving into assisted living communities or nursing facilities, but not all may benefit equally, a recent study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found.

Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study contributed by more than 600 people who moved into assisted living or a nursing facility between 2011 and 2019. The average participant was 85 years-old when they moved.

Five aspects of social participation were examined, including visiting friends or family, going out for enjoyment, attending religious services, joining clubs or group activities, and volunteering. Before moving into a facility, participants’ engagement in all five areas declined steadily. But after moving, participation in group activities rose by 15.6%, and attendance at religious services increased by 12.6%. Going out for enjoyment decreased by 14.1%.

“The overall picture is that people move after their world has already started to get smaller,” said lead author Kenneth Lam, MD. “Facilities provide structured social opportunities that residents may have struggled to access when they were living at home. These can include on-site religious services, clubs or organized events that can reduce isolation.”

But the gains weren’t shared equally. Participation remained lower among men and among nursing home residents identifying as Black, Hispanic, or other racial and ethnic groups. Women, by contrast, were more likely to maintain family and friend connections. They also began  attending religious services after moving in.

“Loneliness has been declared a national health crisis by the former US Surgeon General. Despite the stigma facing long-term care communities, our study shows that they are a key part of the solution,” Lam said. “But we need to do more to make sure that access is equitable and activity is meaningful.”

To read the full article, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, click here