A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus provides new insights into the social dynamics of older adults in long-term care settings. Published in JAMA Internal Medicine on August 4, 2025, the research shows that transitioning into residential care, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities, can significantly enhance social participation for many older adults. However, the benefits of this transition are not uniformly distributed across different demographics.

Study Overview

In the study, researchers analyzed data from over 600 older Americans, all aged 65 and above, who moved into long-term care facilities between 2011 and 2019. The average age of the participants at the time of their move was a notable 85 years.

Lead author Dr. Kenneth Lam, an assistant professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, commented on the importance of this research: “Long-term care communities can be an important source of help as we get older, but many are afraid of how moving to one could affect their social life.” This research aims to clarify these concerns by evaluating the actual changes in social participation post-move.

Key Findings

The study assessed five specific aspects of social participation:

  • Visiting friends or family
  • Going out for enjoyment
  • Attending religious services
  • Joining clubs or group activities
  • Volunteering

Prior to moving into a long-term care facility, the participants showed a steady decline in engagement across all five categories. However, after relocating:

  • Participation in group activities increased by 15.6%
  • Attendance at religious services rose by 12.6%
  • Conversely, activities focused on going out for enjoyment declined by 14.1%

The Role of Structured Activities

Dr. Lam emphasized that long-term care facilities provide structured opportunities for socialization that residents may have found difficult to access when living independently: “These can include on-site religious services, clubs, or organized events that can reduce isolation.” This structured environment appears to facilitate connections among residents.

Uneven Gains in Social Participation

While the overall increase in social participation is promising, the study highlights significant disparities:

  • Men and nursing home residents identifying as Black, Hispanic, or from other racial and ethnic minority groups reported lower levels of participation compared to their female and white counterparts.
  • Women maintained better connections with family and friends and increased attendance at religious services post-move.
  • Nursing home residents were noted to participate less in social outings and religious gatherings than those in assisted living facilities.

Broader Implications

This study suggests that the challenge of isolation in older adults is not merely a matter of personal preference but is framed as a significant public health issue. Dr. Lam noted the urgent need for equitable access to social opportunities in long-term care facilities, stating, “Loneliness has been declared a national health crisis by the former U.S. surgeon general. Despite the stigma facing long-term care communities, our study shows that they are a key part of the solution.”

Conclusion

The findings from this research aim to shift the conversation surrounding long-term care, urging families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to recognize the critical role these facilities play in fostering social connections among older adults. Dr. Lam summarized the motivation behind the study: “This is about dignity, socialization, and making sure that we help people live, rather than just not die.”

Further Information

For more detailed insights, please refer to the publication: Kenneth Lam et al. Social Participation Among Older Adults Before and After Long-Term Care Facility Entry, JAMA Internal Medicine (2025).

Numerous studies have examined the importance of social engagement for older adults:

Study Focus Findings
Study A Impact of isolation Increased mortality risk linked to social isolation.
Study B Social networks and health Enhanced health outcomes associated with stronger social ties.
Study C Engagement in activities Active participation in community activities reduces depression rates.

Citation

Residential care increases social participation but gaps remain (2025, August 4) retrieved 4 August 2025 from Medical Xpress.