One of the most powerful value propositions of senior housing is the promise of social experience. For many older adults, moving into a senior living community isn’t just about receiving care, the food, or a wellness center with a pool; it’s about opportunities to strengthen  their social circles—maintaining long-standing relationships and building new ones.

For senior living providers, resident social engagement, often aided by technology, in a supporting or leading role, presents a wide range of opportunities to enhance community satisfaction (among both residents and staff). Based on what I’ve seen and heard from LeadingAge members and technology partners, a dual-layered technology strategy—that is, one that improves how communities communicate what’s happening, and one that elevates the experience once residents are engaged—is critical to success.

Tech-Based Communications Can Increase Engagement by 75%

Traditionally, communities have relied on printed flyers and activity calendars to communicate what’s happening day to day. Paper-based tools are still important, but advances in engagement technology now enable information sharing and audience connection through a range of channels. What’s more, resident expectation has evolved; a community’s offerings should mirror the flexibility and accessibility offered in other consumer-facing services (think hotels, restaurants, Amazon).

Some residents, for instance, prefer to use smartphones to browse events, RSVP to programs, or explore the dining menu through a mobile app. Others may appreciate seeing events displayed on a community TV channel, and those with vision impairments might use a voice assistant to hear about available events.

In short, communication needs to be multi-modal. By meeting residents where they are and offering multiple ways to access the same information, communities can dramatically increase the likelihood of participation.

The experience of Pine Grove Crossing provides some compelling data. After implementing LifeLoop’s web-based engagement platform, accessible via desktops, laptops, phones, and tablets, and also allowing content to be displayed on monitors throughout the community, ensuring information was readily available, the Parker, CO, community enhanced connection significantly with both residents and families, who, through LifeLoop’s app and web portal got a direct connection to their loved ones’ daily routines and community events. Real-time access to events and calendars prevented missed opportunities, which was a common issue when families relied on mailed newsletters or missed emails. Post-LifeLoop install, resident engagement increased by 75%, and staff reported 100% satisfaction, highlighting its effectiveness in streamlining operations and enhancing the community experience. This is just one example of many use cases.

Digital Activities, Assistive Technologies Expand Residents’ Horizons and Connections

But it doesn’t stop at communication. Once residents come together, technology can make those experiences even more engaging and inclusive. These days, activity staff are no longer limited by the physical supplies available. Engagement platforms can offer residents access to digital content such as music, games, exercise programs, brain fitness tools, and more—all tailored to specific interests and abilities. The platforms may use a large touchscreen TV or a projector on the wall or other surface.

Virtual reality (VR) is also making its mark, creating shared immersive experiences that allow residents, regardless of physical capabilities, to travel the world, revisit familiar places, or try something new together. I’ve highlighted VR’s potential in the past to build community among older adults, noting that shared VR experiences can foster curiosity and connection.

Don’t discount how assistive hearing devices can ensure that no one is left out of the conversation, further enhancing inclusivity.  That could include a captioned telephone a resident may be using in their home or a wireless headphone system that amplifies a speaker in an activity room.

Delivering Deeper Connections

To truly differentiate themselves, senior living communities must move beyond simply communicating and offering activities; they must curate experiences that foster purpose, identity, and belonging—and tech can help. The following strategic approaches will help deliver on this promise.

Communicate Community Events

To raise awareness of community activities and encourage residents to attend, deploy tech tools to personalize engagement at scale. Use resident profiles, preferences, and past participation data—available through many engagement platforms—to personalize invitations, suggest activities, and track evolving interests. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) or analytics, communities can recommend programs aligned to a resident’s passions or social goals, whether it’s joining a music club, connecting with fellow veterans, or revisiting childhood memories through immersive media. This level of personalization helps residents feel seen and valued.

Elevate the Resident Experience

1. Foster Small-Group and Peer-Led Connection. Facilitate interest-based micro-communities using digital tools that allow residents to create or join groups, like photography, current events, or spiritual reflection, both in person and virtually. Enable peer leaders to coordinate and communicate using the platform. Doing so decentralizes engagement, reduces reliance on staff, and nurtures organic social ties that extend beyond structured activities.
2. Integrate Engagement with Care and Wellbeing. Social engagement data should not be siloed. Integrating engagement platforms with health and wellness systems can support holistic care. For example, use participation data to identify residents who may be socially isolated or at risk of depression. Empower care teams to intervene with personalized outreach or wellness checks. This integration strengthens both quality of life and quality of care.

Social engagement that delivers deeper connections by creating pathways for residents to feel purpose, connection, and joy elevates their—and the entire community’s—experience.