Senior living providers have yet another reason to make the active
engagement of their residents a priority—not only will residents feel
happier, they’ll also live longer. According to recent research
published in American Psychologist, about 17 percent of Americans are “flourishers”—those individuals who are engaged and thrive in community environments.

Flourishers “have a positive outlook on life, a sense of purpose and
community, and are healthier than ‘languishers’—about 10 percent of
adults who don’t feel good about themselves,” the study says. “Most of
us fall somewhere in between.”

Leading senior living providers have long been advocates of actively
engaging residents in community activities as a way to enhance their
daily experience and encourage interaction.