Resident events activities can often be looked at simply by the numbers. How many people attended? How many signed up? But just as each resident is more than a statistic, the success of these events goes beyond numbers. Success comes from a boost in social connections, which are more than just a nice-to-have for senior residents - they’re critical for their mental health. 

Did you know up to 40% of older adults feel lonely? That number increases for people over the age of 60, who have more incidents of loneliness and isolation than people just a few years younger than them. That’s why it’s so important for senior living communities to foster connection between neighbors. Increasing the attendance of resident activities and events can truly bring a thriving, healthy, and happy community.

Why social connections matter

Residents of all ages need social interaction, especially in senior living residential communities. 

Post-retirement, it can be more challenging for residents to find opportunities to socialize. When you’ve been used to interacting with others daily at your workplace, socializing is less convenient than before. Your residents are looking for easy, accessible places to connect.

Research shows that strong social connections have great benefits for older adults including:

• Lower risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and dementia.
• Healthier eating and sleeping habits.
• Improved cognitive function.
• Reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

Your events not only increase residents’ satisfaction, it also increases their happiness and holistic health.

Get the community connected

By increasing your event attendance, you will see your senior living community thrive. However, sometimes bulletin posts or email invites aren’t enough. They can easily get lost in the shuffle, and not every resident will even be aware of any activity that you’re hosting. Proactive, personalized communication is key to boosting attendance.

Taking time to personally invite residents will go a long way. Residents will appreciate the effort you put in to make them feel welcome and wanted. Resident messaging is a great way for property managers to do this and make sure every resident gets their personalized invite. Not only that, you can send text reminders leading up to the event that will keep it at the forefront of their minds.

Text conversations can also help event attendance by helping residents plan their day around attending. Give them all of the details, like the time, place, and activity. If they are needing transportation, it’s a great time to assist them. Answer any questions about the event and remind them that their participation is welcomed and valued.

Both the invite and reminders are small gestures that will go a long way in turning good intentions into real attendance and real connections.

A sense of belonging

Increasing event attendance isn’t just about padding numbers - it’s about people and community. Leveraging technology like texting is a simple yet effective way to create a sense of belonging and boost engagement for resident events and activities.

Creating, encouraging, and fostering connections in senior living communities will bring healthy and happy residents. And that’s a win worth celebrating.

Kipsu’s resident messaging solutions are here to bring connection to your senior living community. Schedule a conversation with us to learn more!