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As seniors age, maintaining mental health and emotional well-being becomes increasingly important. Aging often brings challenges such as isolation, cognitive decline, and the loss of independence, which can negatively impact mental health. Assisted living communities provide an environment designed to support seniors' overall well-being, not just their physical health. These communities offer a range of services and activities specifically aimed at enhancing mental and emotional wellness, providing seniors with the support they need to live fulfilling, happy lives.
In this article, we will explore the various ways that assisted living communities support the mental health and emotional well-being of seniors, from socialization opportunities to cognitive care and emotional support.
One of the most significant contributors to mental health challenges among seniors is social isolation. As people age, they may lose contact with friends and family members, and their social circles can become smaller. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Assisted living communities offer opportunities for regular social interaction through group activities, communal dining, and shared spaces. These environments encourage residents to engage with their peers and build meaningful relationships. Social activities such as group exercise classes, arts and crafts, movie nights, and outings not only help residents stay physically active but also provide a sense of connection and community.
Many assisted living communities also encourage intergenerational activities, such as visits from local schools or volunteer programs, which provide additional social engagement and support.
As seniors age, cognitive decline becomes a concern for many. Memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can lead to frustration, confusion, and emotional distress. Assisted living communities are often equipped with specialized memory care units designed to provide tailored support for those experiencing cognitive decline.
Memory care programs focus on activities that stimulate the brain and help maintain cognitive function. These activities may include puzzles, memory games, art therapy, and music therapy, which are all proven to help with memory retention and cognitive stimulation.
In addition to mental exercises, memory care units often provide a calm and structured environment to reduce anxiety and confusion, helping residents feel more secure and comfortable. Trained caregivers are also available to provide emotional support and reassurance.
The transition to assisted living is often accompanied by feelings of uncertainty, sadness, or even grief as seniors adapt to a new way of life. The caregivers and staff members in assisted living communities are trained to provide not only physical care but also emotional support.
Caregivers offer companionship and emotional reassurance, helping seniors navigate difficult emotions as they adjust to their new environment. These staff members often build close relationships with residents, becoming trusted figures who provide comfort and guidance.
Additionally, assisted living communities frequently have on-site counselors or social workers who can assist residents in managing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, through individual therapy or group counseling sessions.
Physical health and mental well-being are closely linked. Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep—critical components of good mental health.
Assisted living communities often provide a variety of exercise programs tailored to the abilities and needs of residents. These may include walking clubs, yoga, stretching exercises, or strength training, all of which help boost endorphins, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Exercise also helps improve cognitive function and maintain physical independence, which can enhance self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
Many assisted living communities integrate mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques into their daily routines. These practices are known to promote emotional well-being and reduce stress.
These mindfulness and relaxation practices support seniors' emotional resilience, offering a way to manage the stress of aging and any health concerns they may face.
Mental health can be significantly impacted by a lack of autonomy, but in assisted living, the goal is to maintain as much independence as possible while still providing the necessary support for daily living activities. Caregivers work with residents to create individualized care plans that address their physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
For example, seniors who have a history of depression or anxiety may receive extra emotional support and specific interventions to help manage these conditions. A well-designed care plan ensures that each resident receives the right balance of support, promoting their sense of independence and self-worth.
Assisted living communities understand the importance of mental health and provide access to professional mental health resources. Many communities have on-site therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, making it easier for residents to seek professional help when needed.
Additionally, many communities partner with local mental health services to offer group therapy or other supportive services that address various aspects of mental well-being. This access to mental health resources makes it easier for residents to seek help for issues such as anxiety, depression, or grief, all of which are common concerns for aging adults.
Studies have shown that spending time with animals can have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood. Assisted living communities often offer pet therapy programs or have designated pets on-site that residents can interact with.
Pet therapy programs usually involve trained animals visiting the community regularly, offering residents the chance to pet, cuddle, or walk with the animals. The companionship of pets can provide emotional comfort and a sense of joy, especially for those who may have experienced loss or feel lonely.
As seniors transition into assisted living, they may struggle with a sense of loss or diminished purpose. Assisted living communities work to foster a sense of purpose by offering a variety of volunteer opportunities, hobbies, and life enrichment programs.
Whether it’s helping with community gardening projects, participating in educational workshops, or joining a resident-run committee, these activities encourage seniors to remain active and engaged, creating a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Assisted living communities are much more than just places to live—they are places where seniors can thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially. From the support of trained caregivers and health professionals to the variety of social, physical, and mental activities available, these communities focus on enhancing overall well-being.
By offering a comprehensive approach to care that addresses both physical and mental health needs, assisted living communities help seniors maintain a high quality of life, build connections, and enjoy meaningful experiences, even in their later years. Ultimately, assisted living provides a supportive environment where seniors can continue to live with dignity, purpose, and joy.
Having donated nearly two million dollars since the start of the partnership, the Coldwell Banker brand continues its commitment to fostering hopeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), extends its impactful partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital into 2025. The CB Supports St. Jude partnership has raised $1.97 million since its establishment in 2020.The inspiring story of David DiGregorio, an affiliated agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Waltham, Massachusetts, truly reflects the spirit of the Coldwell Banker network. Recognized this year as the Stars of Hope top donor, a title he earned last year and in 2021, DiGregorios efforts serve as a powerful example of dedication, commitment and philanthropy. His generous contributions have not only significantly enhanced the overall impact made by the Coldwell Banker brand, but also have been instrumental in helping St. Jude give vital support to many families in need. The Stars of Hope recognition is honored annually to the top 15 percent of all participating agents who made donations in the CB Supports St. Jude program.The renewal of this program allows Coldwell Banker brand affiliated agents to keep donating a portion of every home sale or purchase to this worthy cause. This dedication guarantees that no family will face the financial burdens of treatment, travel, housing or food expenses while they work to bring their children home.QUOTES:We are deeply committed to the power of community and the profound importance of giving back. Our partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital exemplifies our unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of families confronting unimaginable challenges. As we look ahead to 2025, we take immense pride in the collective impact we continue to achieve, knowing that every contribution brings hope and healing to children in need.Jason Waugh, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates I am incredibly grateful to be part of a network that is truly committed to making a difference. Contributing to this cause has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and seeing the tangible impact of our donations on the lives of these children reinforces the importance of our partnership with St. Jude.David DiGregorio, agent with Coldwell Banker Realty Waltham, Mass About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLCPowered by its network of over 98,000 affiliated sales professionals in approximately 2,700 offices across 40 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker system is a leading provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. The Coldwell Banker brand prides itself on its history of expertise, honesty and an empowering culture of excellence since its beginnings in 1906. The Coldwell Banker brand is committed to providing its network of affiliated sales agents with the tools and insights needed to excel in todays marketplace and is known for its bold leadership and dedication to driving the industry forward. The brand was named among the 2024 Womens Choice Award 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Real Estate Agency. Blue is bold and the integrity and values of the Coldwell Banker brand give the Gen Blue network an unbeatable edge. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Report features fresh insights from U.S. luxury consumers and identifies the top trends dominating the global luxury real estate landscapeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, an AnywhereSM (NYSE: HOUS) brand, and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, today released The Trend Report, showcasing increased consumer optimism in luxury real estate as the fourth quarter of 2023 welcomed fresh energy from luxury homebuyers.Over one-third of surveyed luxury consumers feel that 2024 will be a better time to buy or sell a home compared to 2023 indicating enthusiasm for luxury real estate as they pursue their dream home, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer Survey.Furthermore, the luxury market saw sales during the last quarter of 2023 increase nearly 4.2% for single-family homes and 14.2% for attached properties compared to the previous year, while new listings also increased by 14.2% for single-family homes and 7.2% for attached properties during the same period.[1] On average, luxury consumers surveyed plan on selling their home within the next 10 months.Alongside the luxury consumer survey, The Trend Report explores top trends leading todays luxury homebuying landscape, backed by additional insight and data from Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X.The top six themes shaping the 2024 luxury real estate market identified by The Trend Report are:Shifting out of Neutral: Influences on the Luxury MarketHave-It-All PropertiesThe Influence of AIThe High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRY) FactorForeign BuyersSmart HomesIn addition to the trends and consistent theme that wealthy Americans have a more positive outlook on the real estate market heading into 2024, key findings from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer survey include:Continued desire for affluent consumers to purchase a home abroadSocial medias tremendous role in homebuying decisionsLocation being the most important factor to consider when searching for a homeInternational InvestmentsAmerica continues to be a real estate safe haven for many of the worlds wealthiest and influential consumers. According to The Trend Report, international buyers purchasing real estate in the top 5% of the market in 2023 saw 25% growth, indicating that international high-net-worth consumers continue to see to value of investing in the U.S. luxury real estate market. The top international buyers include China, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the most favored cities to purchase within the U.S. are New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.While international buyers look to America for their next property, wealthy Americans are also exploring opportunities abroad, with nearly 40% of survey respondents planning to buy a home in a foreign location within the next year and two-thirds of affluent consumers saying they plan to purchase a home abroad within the next five years. Europe is the top destination among luxury consumers (29%), followed by North America outside the U.S. (28%) and the Caribbean (23%).Social Media Influences Luxury BuyersSocial media is overwhelmingly influencing luxury consumers to purchase their dream home. A whopping 73% of affluent consumers say they have been influenced by social media to purchase a particular home they desire. Instagram (45%), YouTube (45%) and TikTok (44%) are the top social media platforms that have influenced luxury consumers to purchase their dream home.For the younger generations of luxury homebuyers like millennials and Gen Z, TikTok has especially become an enormously popular platform to connect with real estate agents to become more knowledgeable of the housing market through comprehensive yet digestible, bite-sized videos and virtual walkthroughs of homes. 64% of consumers aged 18-24 have been influenced by social media in their desire to purchase a particular type of home. In addition, 68% of consumers in this age bracket are most likely to have been influenced by TikTok in their decision to purchase their desired home.Discerning Tastes in Luxury LivingWhile high interest rates and low inventory may cause some consumers to settle or pause their home search altogether, luxury consumers have only become more selective when purchasing their newest property. Todays affluent buyers are more discerning than ever, prioritizing location, privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences and the latest technology.Notably, the top three amenities desired by luxury consumers according to the survey findings are privacy, breathtaking views and garage space. Location is top-of-mind for luxury consumers when choosing a home (45%), followed by price (39%). Wealthy Americans prefer mid-sized to large modern contemporary styled homes, ideally located on the West Coast.High-tech security systems, smart lighting and energy-saving solutions stand out as the top three preferred technologies among luxury consumers. Notably, the preferences in smart home technologies vary across age groups. Older generations (45+) lean towards prioritizing convenience, while the younger demographics (1834) express a preference for privacy and security. Individuals aged 3544 prioritize health tech systems, such as air quality control and water analysis sensors.To explore the Trend Report and full survey results, visit https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/.QUOTES:After a year of high interest rates, housing shortages and conflicted consumer sentiment, its encouraging to see such a positive outlook on the luxury real estate market for 2024. If lower mortgage rate trends combined with the new inventory momentum continues, luxury homebuyers could be inspired to move forward with their next home purchase. As they prioritize new amenities, features and even explore overseas options for their next property, Im excited to see our Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists guide both buyers and sellers to achieve their dream homes.Michael Altneu, vice president, Coldwell Banker Global LuxuryIn contrast to the pandemic homebuying boom, were seeing luxury homebuyers more than willing to wait to find the perfect house in 2024 that meets every single one of their needs whether its privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences, latest technology or a combination of all those factors. Specifically, turn-key, move-in ready homes with easy access to the best luxury amenities provide buyers with instant gratification in attaining their desired lifestyle. Whether its purchasing the home that has it all or upgrading their current home with trending features, Im looking forward to seeing both buyers and sellers enjoying the decisions they make for their home this year.Jade Mills, president, Jade Mills Estates and International Ambassador of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury programMethodologyThe Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program collaborated with Censuswide, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X to provide insights into real estate trends, market sentiment, property investment and luxury spending preferences. Censuswide surveyed 4,213 U.S. consumers, 25% of which were luxury (1,053 respondents in total). Research was conducted between Nov. 27, 2023 and December 11, 2023. Luxury respondents were classified as those aged 18+ with a household income of $1M+, or who have bought a home in the U.S. worth $1M+ or are planning to purchase a home in the near future worth $1M+. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on ESOMAR guidelines and principles. For more information on how data was collected and defined, please refer to the full methodology on page 4 of The Trend Report.[1] This data is sourced from an analysis of 130 U.S. markets by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. For more information, please reference the methodology section on page 4 in The Trend Report.
Price (56%) is more important than location (50%) to surveyed consumers when choosing a home, according to the latest nationwide survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate, an AnywhereSM (NYSE: HOUS) brand. It also finds that women value price more than men 60% to 48%, respectively. This bucks the real estate industrys oldest advice, setting new stakes for this years market.The data further reveal that the dream of home ownership is still alive and well: Of consumers who purchased a home last year, 31% did so because they found their dream home. Additionally, of homeowners who plan to sell their homes in the future, 66% say they plan to move to either a different city, state or country.While many consumers made their dream home purchase last year, the data show that some desire to seek new horizons, said Jason Waugh, president of Coldwell Banker Affiliates. For those still looking for their dream home no matter their price range, whether nearby or afar I encourage them to contact a real estate agent for local advice and context. The Coldwell Banker brand equips its global network of affiliated agents with tools and technology, including the Move Meter, where consumers can compare where they live to anywhere else.Additional key points emerge from the data, in terms of market sentiment, social media, ideal home preferences and financial dynamics, revealing the dreams and desires shaping the U.S. real estate landscape.Market SentimentA majority of consumers surveyed (56%) believe that the real estate landscape will either improve or remain the same in 2024 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the data indicates:Consumers who plan to sell their home in the future would be more likely to move to a different city after they sell their home now (39%) than in 2022 (19%).Keeping up with the Joneses 43% of consumers surveyed have been somewhat influenced or highly influenced by social media in their desire to purchase a particular type of home. Compare this to the findings from luxury consumers, with 73% of them saying the same. Other social insights include:Social media significantly influences home preferences for 64% of consumers aged 18-24, compared to a mere 16% of those aged 55 and above.Consumers surveyed who have been influence by social media in their desire to purchase a particular type of home aged 18-24 are most likely to have been influenced by TikTok (68%) in their decision to purchase the preference in the type of home they desire, while consumers aged 55 and above are most likely to have been influenced by Facebook (54%).This suggests a substantial role that platforms like TikTok, Instagram or other social media channels play in shaping homebuyers desires. This signals the need for a strong online presence and strategy. Ideal Home Preferences Across the nation, respondents each have their own version of the ideal home location, design and size, with no one-size-fits-all formula arising from the data.Almost a third of respondents (32%) said their ideal home is located in the South, while a quarter said its in the Northeast (24%).Almost half (49%) of consumers surveyed said their dream home size is mid-sized: 3-4 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms.While Ranch comes out on top (13%) for dream home design style with Modern Contemporary (11%) right behind, more respondents said they preferred no style in particular (16%). Financial Dynamics Shift Parental contributions to their childrens home purchases differ among generational and racial groups.Over a quarter (26%) of surveyed consumers have not provided or do not plan to provide financial support for their child(ren)s first home.Younger respondents (aged 25-34) are more likely (49%) to consider providing such support compared to those aged 55 and above (23%).Black Americans (46%) and American Indian or Alaska Natives surveyed (49%) exhibit a higher willingness to financially support their childrens home purchases.58% of consumers agree with the statement I consider my home as an asset that I would pass along to my child(ren). Navigating the Future As the industry adapts to diverse dynamics, real estate professionals become even more vital guides. The Coldwell Banker brand stands as a steadfast partner in this journey, ready to navigate the currents of the real estate market. In a landscape shaped by optimism, generational differences and evolving preferences, real estate agents emerge as the backbone, providing expertise and guidance. The future of American real estate is dynamic to say the least, and Coldwell Banker Real Estate remains a constant, ensuring that dreamers find their dream home in an ever-evolving market.MethodologyColdwell Banker collaborated with Censuswide to provide insights into real estate trends, market sentiment, property investment and luxury spending preferences. Research was conducted between November 27, 2023 and December 11, 2023, among 4,213 U.S. consumers aged 18 and older. 25% of respondents (1,053 in total) were luxury respondents classified as those aged 18+ with a household income of $1M+, or who have bought a home in the U.S. worth $1M+ or are planning to purchase a home in the near future worth $1M+. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on ESOMAR guidelines and principles.
The Ranch Assisted Living Facility is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch Florida. The facility has been owned and operated by Melissa Bongart since 2010 with a focus on memory care residents who desire a homelike environment. We offer a comfortable living environment due to the small family home feel situated on 6 acres with beautiful trees and plenty of room for your loved one to enjoy their daily activities. The Ranch ALF places a high value on resident friendships, healthy lifestyle and quality care. Our resident to staff ratio is one of the best in Manatee and Sarasota County. This helps our mission to enrich the aging experience by providing opportunities for our residents to be actively engaged in purposeful living activities. All of this not only benefits our residents, but improves the lives of their families, our staff, and hopefully the community as well.
The Ranch Assisted Living Facility is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch Florida. The facility has been owned and operated by Melissa Bongart since 2010 with a focus on memory care residents who desire a homelike environment. We offer a comfortable living environment due to the small family home feel situated on 6 acres with beautiful trees and plenty of room for your loved one to enjoy their daily activities. The Ranch ALF places a high value on resident friendships, healthy lifestyle and quality care. Our resident to staff ratio is one of the best in Manatee and Sarasota County. This helps our mission to enrich the aging experience by providing opportunities for our residents to be actively engaged in purposeful living activities. All of this not only benefits our residents, but improves the lives of their families, our staff, and hopefully the community as well.