Can you believe it?! Seniors who move into an assisted living community are more likely to live an average of one to two years longer than those who stay at home. Considering all of the benefits of senior living communities and all they offer older adults, it is much more than just a place to live. Here are 4 reasons why seniors are living longer in assisted living communities. Fall Prevention Preventing falls is the largest safety benefit in assisted living communities. One in four adults aged 65 and over report falling each year. Assisted living communities are constructed and set up with fall safety in mind. These communities do this by having flat thresholds into their showers along with grab bars and adequate spacing to maneuver safely in the bathrooms. Some bathrooms might even have benches or chairs in the showers for seniors who can not stand for long periods of time.  Assisted living communities offer ramps and handrails in the hallways allowing seniors to walk amongst the community confidently yet safely. There are spacing regulations with furniture to allow easy access and in the communities.   Physical therapy and activities  are accessible to keep the seniors moving, which also helps reduce the risk of falls, preventing injuries associated with falling that can dramatically reduce life expectancy. Stimulation Mental stimulation and socialization are critical for maintaining health in the aging adult. Loneliness and low social interactions can lead to depression and even malnutrition. Depression is a very real and often overlooked issue among the elderly and is frequently linked to inadequate age appropriate emotional stimulation. This is also shown to decrease memory and cognitive thinking. Senior living communities are FILLED with a variety of age appropriate activities and events to keep the senior mentally stimulated and socializing. Many communities offer activities and events such as gardening, card clubs, fishing, dancing and many arts and crafts.  Meals are also given in a group setting allowing seniors to engage in conversations and participate in group activities. This gives seniors an opportunity to work on speech and social interactions. Nutrition A malnourished adult can stem from many different things . Decrease in their ability to taste, lack of energy and depression are some common reasons for poor nutrition in seniors. Malnutrition can lead our seniors to weakness, decreased immune system, and decreased muscle and bone mass, resulting in illness or injury due to falls. Assisted living communities offer a wide variety of healthy prepared meals. Most offer snacks at any time of day and night and the seniors are encouraged to dine with fellow residents which is also fantastic for their mental stimulation.  Senior living communities have trained staff that work specifically with aging seniors every day. They are constantly looking for signs of illness or physical/mental deterioration. Catching signs & symptoms early can mean all the difference in the world when it comes to recovery of illness. Staff are vigilant towards the changes in behavior, appetite & mobility. This is ideal as it allows any changes to be caught quickly. Most assisted living communities offer medication distribution and have physicians that come to the community to see patients. This allows for easier medical attention and intervention for the seniors and helps increase life expectancy, which gives families peace of mind. Today's senior living options offer communities where seniors receive the care that they need to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. These assisted living communities bring peace and comfort to the seniors which allows healing and recovery to be easy and in some cases a lot quicker.  These communities also allow families of aging adults to feel at ease. Knowing they are in good hands and given the care they require helps make the transition easier on both the senior and their family.  Contacting a senior living advisor will give you peace of mind as they guide your family through this transition for your loved one making it smooth and easy. Senior living advisors do the work to ensure they find the communities that best fit you or your loved ones needs. Contact us at Patriarch Placement for more information on how we could help you and your family.