Design Your Healthy Lifestyle: 33 Questions to Ask Senior Living Communities

The results are in: Baby Boomers and rising seniors are all about healthy aging.

In Vi’s 2023 Boomer Insights Survey, we asked more than 1,500 Baby Boomers to share the factors that impact their ability to live life to the fullest, and they told us staying physically and mentally active tops the list.

McKinsey Health Institute’s 2023 Global Healthy Aging Survey also found that older adults are passionate about remaining physically active, embracing lifelong learning, and enjoying regular social interaction.

We’ve already shared 13 of the many ways to stay active as you age. But how can you be sure the senior living communities you’re looking into are as committed to health and wellness as you are?

Of course, start by understanding what aspects of your health and wellness are most important to you — healthy dining? fitness amenities? educational opportunities? ongoing care? — then “actively” engage in some healthy questioning.

Here are some health & wellness considerations to keep in mind as you explore your senior living options, and 33 specific questions to ask when you visit them.

Senior social groups: Does community programming keep residents connected?

Truly wellness-focused senior living communities already have it baked into their programming — including an emphasis on social interaction.

Research has shown time and again that staying socially active as you age has wide-ranging benefits, including better cognitive function, a more positive outlook on life, sharper cognition and even increased cardiovascular function!

Questions to ask about community social life:

What kinds of activities are offered at the retirement communities you’re checking out? (Think fitness, clubs, volunteer opportunities, cultural outings and more.)
Are there health-related lectures and educational opportunities on the calendar?
Are activities accessible to residents with a variety of physical abilities?
Are community activities well attended?
Is wellness programming included in the monthly fee? (Click here to get a breakdown of costs at a CCRC.)

A group of Bentley Village residents enjoys a round of golf.

Join a group game.

Across Vi’s 10 communities, much of the programming reflects what residents are looking for.

“We’re always learning as much as possible about our residents and potential residents,” said Tony Galvan, Vi’s Assistant Vice President of Living Well. “Based on the critical mass of what folks want, we either curate those programs internally or partner with organizations with the expertise residents want.”

TIP: Ask communities for copies of their calendar from the past couple of months — do they show a good mix of activities you might enjoy participating in to keep you socially active?

Mental health & wellness for seniors: Do the community’s facilities set residents up for wellness?

Yes, you’ll want to see the fitness center and pool! And it’s always good to know whether there’s a golf course or pickleball court onsite.

But there’s more to explore where wellness amenities are concerned.

Questions to ask about community health and wellness for seniors:

How often are the fitness facilities and equipment updated?
Are there personal trainers on staff that specialize in working with seniors?
Is there functional fitness programming on the calendar? (Functional training keeps the body strong for the activities it needs to do every day.)
Are there outdoor areas for residents to enjoy fresh air or get moving beyond the doors of the community?
Does the community have reciprocal membership with any area country clubs or other community centers for additional wellness opportunities?
How does the community go above and beyond the expected amenities?

TREND ALERT: Vi at La Jolla Village near San Diego recently launched its Brain Vitality Studio, where residents use “dual tasking” and cutting-edge equipment to get physical and cognitive workouts. Residents can also work with a personal trainer to maintain healthy cognitive performance.

Healthy eating for seniors: What’s on the menu?

Even if you’re not a gourmand, you’ll probably be taking many of your meals in your senior living community’s restaurants.

Questions to ask about senior living food service:

What meals are available to residents in the community’s dining offerings?
What are the chef’s culinary backgrounds?
What ongoing training (food safety and culinary) does the kitchen staff receive?
How often do the menus change? (Variety is key!)
Does the community use fresh and/or local ingredients?
Do their restaurant menus have options available for residents with a variety of dietary needs?
Is dining a social experience for residents?

At Vi at Bentley Village in Naples, Florida, it’s all about options.

Each menu, which residents can view online a week in advance, includes a legend that references all the most common allergens, plus notes on which dishes are low-sugar, vegan, gluten-free and more.

“We make sure our residents have all the information they need to make healthy choices that align with their needs,” said Shep Drinkwater, director of food and beverage at Vi at Bentley Village.

TIP: Get a feel for the “local flavor” by sticking around after your tour for a nice meal in one of the community’s restaurants — maybe even with a current resident!

Resident engagement: Do residents have a voice in the community?

An engaged resident population is one sure sign of a robust, wellness-focused senior living community.

Questions to ask about community involvement:

Does the community foster an environment for engagement and participation for residents?
Do residents and staff collaborate regularly? How does this collaboration take place?
Do residents feel supported by community staff in their endeavors?
Are community activities, clubs and programming open to everyone? Is it easy for new residents to join in?
Are there opportunities for new residents to jump in as part of committees?
Are there resident-led wellness programs or activities?

Each of Vi’s 10 communities has resident-led committees that drive programming, liaise with community staff, and keep their finger on the pulse of what residents want and need.

“So many of our communities’ experiences are inspired, driven and even led by residents,” Galvan said. “We collaborate with our residents to create experiences. If you want to share your passion with like-minded folks, we’ll help facilitate.”

TIP: Chat with residents on your own if you can! Pull someone aside for a moment in a common area — ask how they’re staying involved in the community and what their experience has been.
(Or click here to meet four Vi at Silverstone residents who have started their own clubs!)

Senior care services: What is available within the community?

Healthy aging also depends on having a reliable support network — and in a senior living community, that means staff who are dedicated to residents’ health and well-being.

TIP: Listen closely. Do staff know residents’ names when they greet them in passing?

Questions to ask about senior care and health services.

Staying physically and mentally active takes a lot of different forms — and can change as your health needs do.

Are there on-site options for short-term rehabilitation and other additional care, should you need it?
Are higher levels of care included in the monthly fee?
What does the transition look like along the continuum of care?
How is care tailored to residents in assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing?
What wellness activities are available to care center residents?

TIP: Take a tour of your community’s care center! Few are eager to consider the potential need for more advanced care, but if you do need it down the road, you’ll never regret having explored the facilities yourself early on.

What do health and wellness mean to you?

Only you can decide whether a senior living community aligns with your commitment to health and wellness as you define it!

We’d love to share more about our wellness-focused Life Plan Communities and commitment to Living Well for all our residents.

So let’s talk about what healthy aging means to you — and how we can help you continue building a life that helps you achieve it.

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There’s a lot to consider when embarking on the next phase of retirement—and contacting us is a big step. (Well done!)

We’ll be in touch soon to share expert insights and resident perspectives that we hope are helpful, and one of our team members will also be reaching out to answer any questions you may have.