11 Questions to Ask When Researching Senior Living Communities

February 2, 2026
| Vitality Living

When it comes to healthy aging, quite honestly, there’s a lot to do. You’re supposed to make sure to keep your body active and your brain engaged all while maintaining your social connections as well. Sure, the benefits to your overall well-being are worth the effort, but retirement is supposed to be a time with less responsibility on your plate, right? Well, it turns out that in senior living you can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak. Here’s how programs like our Vivid Life make keeping active, engaged, and connected easy and fun!

Benefits of Healthy Aging

Good things happen when you focus on healthy aging. In addition to feeling better overall, which in and of itself is a win, other benefits of keeping active, engaged, and connected include:

Improved ability to do everyday things
Reduced impact of illness and chronic disease
Enhanced mobility, flexibility, and balance
Improved sleep
Increased energy level
Reduced feelings of depression and stress
Increased feelings of happiness and self-confidence
Reduced risk of cognitive decline
Increased mental adaptability and cognitive reserve
Improved memory recall and problem-solving skills
Improved concentration and attention to detail

How Senior Living Can Help

At home, particularly when living alone, it can be hard to stay as active, engaged, and connected as you’d like. From lack of opportunity to lack of motivation to lack of transportation to mobility challenges, and more, it’s tough, we get it! That’s why we created the Vivid Life program in our senior living communities. It’s composed of three parts: Vibrant Body, Vibrant Brain, and Vibrant Connections. Here’s what each entails:

Vibrant Body – We offer amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pool, walking trails, gardening opportunities, and even a dog park to help you stay active. A sample of activities includes:

Walking club – Daily walks at different outdoor locations using pedometers to measure steps.
Yoga – At least once per week for gentle yoga, and once per week for mindful breathing.
Fitness classes – At least two times per week using a variety of hand weights, resistance bands, and circuit-type exercises.
Tai Chi – At least once per week with a live instructor.
Non-traditional exercise – Dancing, gardening, etc. at least two times per week.
Physical games and sports – Golf, putting, bowling, croquet, bocce, and ping pong available daily with organized events one to two times per week.

Vibrant Brain – We offer monthly calendars filled with classes, events, creative arts, and enrichment opportunities to help keep you engaged. A sample of activities includes:

Visiting lecture series – Twice per month with topics such as cultural, historical, local interest, career-oriented, etc.
Creative art series – At least one per week with a theme that runs 3-6 weeks, such as poetry writing, storytelling, painting, digital photography, etc.
Learning series – At least three times per month with an emphasis on learning something new such as foreign language, sign language, technology, hobbies, etc.
Games – At least one time per week and may include poker, bridge, Scrabble, etc.
Mindfulness – A meditation class once per week and gratitude discussion group twice monthly.
Church service – At least once a week through visits by local churches.
Stress reduction – At least once per month class that offers deep breathing exercises, nature walks, music appreciation, spa-type treatments, etc.

Vibrant Connections – We offer resident-led clubs, social events, outings and volunteer opportunities for any interest to help you stay connected. A sample of activities includes:

Outings – At least twice per month and may include going to concerts, art shows, museum visits, theatre productions, etc.
Intergenerational programming – At least once per month and focuses on building relationships between young adults/children and residents.
New resident welcome party – At least once per month to formally introduce all new residents, and includes ice breakers, social games, etc. to encourage connection.
Philanthropic program – At least once per month provide residents the opportunity to give back to the community, such as volunteering for a local food bank or pet shelter.
Resident-led clubs – May include game clubs, professional clubs, common interests, etc. that meet at least monthly.

What’s more, it’s all right outside your door (or transportation is provided offsite) and all in a supportive environment with home maintenance, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining freeing your time to make it even easier to stay active, engaged, and connected.

Learn more about Vitality Living’s Vivid Life programs. Or find a Vitality Living community near you today to schedule a tour.

Choosing a senior living community is a major decision, and it’s normal for the process to feel overwhelming. With so many senior living options available, it helps to approach the process with clear priorities, thoughtful planning, and a list of essential senior living questions. Conducting thorough senior living research will make it easier to find a senior living community that aligns with you or your loved one’s needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Below are 11 questions to ask during your research, along with tips on what to look for in a senior living community and the key benefits of senior living to help you and your loved ones make an informed decision.

1. What types of senior care options are available?

Understanding the levels of care offered at a senior living community, from independent living to assisted living and memory care, can help you determine if the community is the right fit and meets your loved one’s needs. When conducting your senior living research, be sure to ask about the services included at each care level, such as medication management, personal care, and wellness programs, and whether individualized care plans are personalized to the resident.

2. What is a typical day like for residents?

Learning about the senior living lifestyle gives insight into daily routines, activities, and opportunities for social engagement. When looking into different senior living communities, ask for a sample schedule and find out how residents spend their mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Look for programs that support physical, mental, and social well-being, as this is a key benefit of making the move to senior living.

3. How does the community support health and wellness?

Inquiring about fitness programs, wellness classes, and preventive health measures is an important part of senior living research. Communities should offer a variety of options to support residents’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Additionally, consider how staff monitor health, coordinate with outside providers, and respond to emergencies.

At Vitality Living, our Vivid Life wellness program is designed to promote holistic well-being for each resident. It includes personalized fitness plans, engaging wellness classes, and social and cognitive activities. By prioritizing wellness and proactive care, the Vivid Life program supports a vibrant senior living lifestyle while giving families confidence that their loved ones are healthy, active, and well cared for.

4. What dining options are available?

Nutrition is a critical part of overall well-being, so it’s important to ask about meal planning, dietary accommodations, and the flexibility of dining times. Find out if the community offers chef-prepared meals, social dining opportunities, and on-site dining options that accommodate dietary restrictions. These details can give you insight into the senior living lifestyle and the level of care and support residents receive each day.

5. How are social and recreational activities structured?

Active engagement is essential for maintaining mental sharpness, emotional and physical well-being, and overall quality of life. Ask about clubs, hobby groups, outings, and community events to understand how residents spend their time. Look for communities that actively encourage participation and foster a sense of belonging, as this is a key benefit of senior living and an important part of a fulfilling lifestyle.

6. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

A supportive senior living environment depends on having enough trained staff to meet residents’ needs. Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio, staff qualifications and training, and availability during nights and weekends. Understanding this information helps you gauge how personalized the care could be and is essential when planning a transition to senior living that ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

7. What safety and security measures are in place?

Safety should always be a top priority when evaluating senior living options. Ask about emergency response systems, secure access, fall prevention measures, and memory care safety protocols. Understanding these details helps ensure peace of mind for both residents and their families, while also supporting a secure and comfortable senior living lifestyle.

8. How flexible are living arrangements?

Ask about apartment layouts, private vs. shared units, and options for personalization. Flexibility in living arrangements can improve comfort and quality of life while supporting independence.

9. How are families involved?

A strong community encourages family participation. Ask about visiting policies, family events, and communication methods. Communities that foster family engagement often contribute to residents’ overall happiness and well-being.

10. What are the costs and what’s included?

Understanding the financial aspect is critical. Ask for a clear breakdown of monthly fees, what services are included, and potential additional costs. Knowing this information upfront helps with long-term planning and reduces surprises.

11. Can I tour the community?

A visit is essential to get a true sense of the community’s culture, cleanliness, and energy. During a senior living tour, observe how staff interact with residents, how activities are conducted, and how comfortable and safe residents appear. Questions to ask when looking for assisted living during a tour can include care availability, amenities, and how residents’ individual preferences are supported.

Getting Started with Your Senior Living Research

Starting early allows families time to explore options without pressure. Senior living research should focus on both the lifestyle and care aspects to find a community that fits you or your loved one’s needs today and in the future. Creating a checklist of priorities and senior living questions will make the process more organized and less stressful.

Contact Vitality Living today to learn more about our communities and schedule a tour to experience our engaging lifestyle, supportive care, and vibrant community firsthand.

Healthy Living, Just Thinking, Making A Decision, Senior Living

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