Building Relationships
Studies such as those done on successful aging by the MacArthur Foundation have proven that older adults stay healthier, longer by staying connected socially.
That’s why the lifestyle available at a CCRC is an attractive feature when it comes to marketing senior living communities. The community and resident allow for anyone to get as involved as they choose. It allows for making new acquaintances or renewing old friendships.
So what if your community is in the development stage? Can the lifestyle still be available to your future residents and leads? Absolutely! And it should be.
Future residents developing an emotional connection to your community, even before it is built, is important. These individuals are going to stick around because they will understand the value of what is ahead. They will have made friends with their new neighbors. They most likely will even make referrals to others within their existing social circles.
A day at the museum, a Tai Chi lesson, or a presentation by a local author are just a few examples of events that future residents might attend as part of a series of “connectivity-type” events.
There are older adults at some communities now even building virtual relationships with their future neighbors via specially designed websites similar to Facebook or MySpace. Imagine finding out via the Internet who else in your new community is interested in playing Bridge — even before the activities room is open!
Social connections are proven to stimulate the immune system and help to keep older adults active and engaged. As marketers of senior living communities, why not capitalize on all that social connectivity has to offer? Future residents benefit and so does the community.
