Sense of community and social participation underlying active aging among senior housing residents

The study included 278 older adults living in senior housing who participated in the BoAktiv study postal surveys in 2018 or 2020. Active aging was measured with the UJACAS Active Aging scale including subscales of will, ability, and possibility to act, and the frequency of activity. Sense of community was assessed with the revised Sense of Community Index, and social participation was self-reported.

The results showed a clear pattern. Older adults who felt a stronger sense of belonging and connection to others were more active in their daily lives. Those who participated more frequently in social activities also reported higher levels of active aging. The associations were more pronounced among men than women.

The findings indicate that active aging cannot be understood solely in terms of individual health status or personal motivation. Rather, the social environment appears to play a significant role. A strong sense of belonging and perceived social connectedness within one’s residential community were associated with greater engagement in everyday activities. These results suggest that supportive social contexts may help maintain functional independence and quality of life in older age.

The study underscores the importance of promoting social participation and strengthening community ties in senior housing settings. Interventions and policies aimed at enhancing residents’ sense of community may represent viable strategies for supporting active and healthy aging. By prioritizing social engagement alongside physical and medical care, housing providers and decision-makers can create environments that better sustain well-being among older adults.

Original article:
Sense of community and social participation underlying active aging among senior housing residents.
Siltanen S, Rantakokko M, Lahti AM, Levonmaa H, von Bonsdorff MB. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 2025.