Systems-Level Support & Care: The Community that Makes Aging in Place Possible
Most of us hope to remain in our own homes as we age—surrounded by familiar places, routines, and the communities we love. Researchers call this aging in place, and nearly 90% of adults over 65 say it's their preferred way to age. But aging in place isn't just about staying in your home—it's about having the support to continue living there safely, independently, and with purpose. https://gero.usc.edu/about/our-field/the-value-of-aging-in-place/
This month, we're highlighting our fifth Pillar of Positive Living: Systems-Level Support & Care. This pillar recognizes that healthy aging isn't something we do alone. It depends on the community resources, services, and relationships that help us stay active, connected, and independent.
Research consistently shows that aging in place is most successful when older adults have access to transportation, nutritious meals, opportunities for physical activity, lifelong learning, and meaningful social connections. These supports help maintain independence, improve quality of life, and reduce social isolation. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163725001308https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071823-113604
Senior centers are uniquely positioned to provide many of these resources in one place. Whether it's an exercise class, educational workshop, congregate meal, transportation service, or simply a welcoming place to gather with friends, these programs create opportunities for older adults to remain engaged in their communities.
Social connection is essential. Research has repeatedly linked strong community relationships with better physical and mental health, while loneliness and isolation are associated with poorer health outcomes. Community gathering places like LARSO provide opportunities to build friendships, stay mentally engaged, and foster a sense of belonging that supports healthy aging.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9915867/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36512515/
In fact, researchers increasingly describe senior centers as important "third places"—spaces outside of home where people can build relationships, find purpose, and stay connected to their communities. These everyday interactions contribute to greater well-being and help make aging in place possible.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.18666/jlr-2016-v48-i1-6263
Systems-Level Support & Care reminds us that independence doesn't mean doing everything alone. Often, independence is made possible because the right support exists at the right time. By investing in community resources that promote movement, connection, learning, nutrition, and access, we create environments where older adults can continue living with autonomy, dignity, and purpose.
Throughout this month, we'll share stories from members whose lives have been strengthened by these systems of support. Their experiences remind us that aging well isn't just about where we live—it's about staying connected to the people and resources that help us thrive.
- By Leah Blackwell
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, LARSO is driven by impact rather than profit. Our goal is to improve outcomes and generate positive, lasting change for older adults throughout Los Alamos County.