We humans are communal by nature. The intrinsic desire to belong is in our DNA, and studies have shown that, for older adults, living in a senior retirement community can contribute to longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

Yet, when it comes to enjoying the benefits of a senior living community, most older adults are missing out. Research indicates that almost 19 million Americans over age 60 live alone. And according to a 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General,¹ the effects of social isolation and loneliness are significant, leading to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, a weakened immune system, and dementia.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Research by Harvard Medical School² reveals that senior adults with a solid community life are more likely to have “higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, fewer negative feelings, and a longer life span.”

Let’s look at six benefits of life in an active senior community and how it can lead to a longer, happier, healthier life.

1. Connection and Belonging

As we age, staying socially connected and engaged becomes increasingly essential. Community living provides a built-in network of friends and neighbors and, in the case of senior living communities, makes it easy to form solid relationships with others who have similar generational experiences. Strengthening social bonds also improves self-esteem and creates a sense of belonging and self-worth while warding off the harmful effects of isolation and loneliness often associated with aging alone at home.

Opus Newton is designed to embrace the proven benefits of togetherness and inclusivity. We’re proud to offer a new senior living model that invests in you as a whole person so you can continue living with purpose, creating meaningful connections, and being your most authentic self. And, while you’ll enjoy all the privacy you choose, active senior living at Opus Newton will offer nearly limitless opportunities to connect with people of all ages and grow both within the community and at the JCC Greater Boston, with which we share a campus.

2. A Healthy Mind and Body

The group dynamic of a senior living community promotes healthy behaviors that help keep the body moving and the mind sharp — both individually and by engaging with others who share similar passions and interests. And the benefits are innumerable.

Opus Newton is designed to support all dimensions of wellness and will offer a robust calendar of programs, classes, and events to help you stay as engaged and involved as you like. You’ll also have easy access to the amenities and programs offered at JCC Greater Boston. From a state-of-the-art gym and fitness classes to lifelong learning, pickleball, walking trails, and cultural and spiritual programming, you’ll never run out of ways to grow and enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You’ll determine what works best for you, and you’ll set the pace.

3. Support and Peace of Mind

Life is better when you don’t have to go it alone. That’s why a senior living community like Opus Newton — that puts an entire support system right outside your door — is so beneficial. There’s always a helping hand when you need one. A friend to lean on. A cheerleader to encourage. A collaborator in life’s pursuits. A compassionate group of people looking out for you who understand and can empathize with the challenges we all face. It’s mutual and reciprocal.

At Opus, we’re focused on empowering residents to stay as independent as possible and forming a true community where everyone is a vital part of the community. Should your health needs ever change, your Care Navigator will be there to help bring quality, affordable medical care to you in the comfort of your retirement apartment home through partnerships with trusted home care providers.

4. Volunteerism

The benefits of giving spread far beyond the satisfaction of a job well done. Volunteering your time and talents can improve your overall happiness and mental well-being, as well as those of others. It creates a sense of purpose and helps bolster emotional health.

At Opus, residents will contribute their knowledge and experience and share their passions to make the community a better and stronger place. We call it Opus Time. Residents will teach classes and assist with programs and activities, provide support services, spearhead committees, and use skills to benefit the community. They’ll help host future residents in our cafe. And we’ll always beopen to your ideas because anytime we’re part of something bigger it helps give meaning to our lives.

5. Healthy Dining Options

Food is such a joyful part of life, especially when shared with the fellowship of great friends. However, for many older adults aging in place in their homes, proper nutrition often falls to the wayside. Whether due to a lack of transportation to the grocery store, the ease of reaching for convenient, heavily processed foods, or even lack of a routine, boredom, or loss of appetite due to loneliness or depression, the resulting malnutrition puts their health at risk.

On the other hand, retirement communities typically offer daily dining services. At Opus Newton, dining will be an experience. Whether a relaxing dinner and lively conversation with good friends or grabbing something on the go before a water aerobics class at the JCC, you’ll have various creative, well-balanced, delicious options. And, of course, you can always prepare your favorite meals in your lovely apartment home.

6. Maintenance-free Living

What good are close relationships and life enrichment programs if you don’t have time to enjoy them? When you choose to live in a senior community, you can say goodbye to time-consuming chores and the headaches of home maintenance, yard work, and appliance repairs. We’ll take care of all that for you. (We’ll even change your lightbulbs!)

At Opus Newton, you’ll have the time and energy to embrace relationships and live a purpose-filled life centered around doing the things that bring you joy and building a healthier community.

Together is the best place to be.

The all-new Opus Newton, connected to 2Life’s Coleman House on the campus of the JCC Greater Boston in Newton, Massachusetts, is the first of its kind. Built on 2Life’s aging-in-community model, Opus Newton puts community living within reach of those in “the forgotten middle”, those who have too much income and assets to qualify for subsidized living but aren’t comfortable with the exclusive and high-end options available in today’s senior living options.

To learn more about how Opus can help you live healthy, happy, and whole, contact us.

¹Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. 2023. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

²Broader social interaction keeps older adults more active. 2019. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/broader-social-interaction-keeps-older-adults-more-active