How do you know what will actually work and is there an easy way to live a healthier, more active lifestyle?

In 2023, Mather Institute completed the Age Well Study, a five-year analysis of the impact of living in a Life Plan Community like Freedom Village at Brandywine.  

Designed in collaboration with Northwestern University, the Age Well Study is the only national longitudinal study evaluating the impact of living in a Life Plan Community on residents’ cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health and well-being.

When the survey was launched in 2018, the Age Well Study focused on three components of health: Self-reported health, physical activity, and a healthy diet.

Year One Result

In year one, the study sought to compare the wellness outcomes of older adults living in Life Plan Communities vs. the community at large.

Over 5,000 residents from 80 Life Plan Communities participated in the survey. Here are some of the results:

• Self-reported health: Life Plan Community residents rated their health between “good” and “very good” which is better than older adults in the community at large.
• Mood: Participants’ mood was generally positive over the last 30 days, and they tended to experience a more positive mood compared to the community-at-large group.
• Optimism/Pessimism: Residents have high levels of optimism and low levels of pessimism compared to the community at large, which suggests they have a positive outlook on the future.
• Stress: Participants experience fairly low levels of stress, which suggests that they feel capable of handling current challenges in their lives.

Year Three Results

In 2020, the study focused on factors associated with resident happiness and life satisfaction – both of which are associated with better physical and mental health, along with more positive social interactions.

Over 4,000 residents from 122 Life Plan Communities participated in the survey, finding that: 

• 91 percent of respondents were “completely” or “very” satisfied with their senior living community.
• Approximately 92 percent of respondents were highly satisfied (either “very satisfied” or “completely satisfied”) with the place where they live.
• 90 percent were highly satisfied with the city or town where they live.
• 85 percent were highly satisfied with their daily life and leisure.
• 82 percent were highly satisfied with their financial situation.
• 79 percent were highly satisfied with their family life 

Overall Age Well Study Findings

The last report from the study examined changes in the health and wellness of residents over five years compared to older adults from the community at large. The findings concluded:

• Life Plan Community residents continued to report better physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and vocational wellness than their community at large counterparts.
• From year one to five, social contact significantly increased for residents.
• Overall engagement in intellectual activities significantly increased for residents (including increased writing and attending education) and decreased for older adults in the community at large.

Experience the Benefits of our Community for Yourself

Freedom Village at Brandywine is an award-winning Life Plan Community designed to help you live a more fulfilling life.

Learn more about the Freedom Village lifestyle.