Advice Assisted Living

Celebrating Social Wellness Month: Connection is at the Heart of Life at Benchmark

July is Social Wellness Month, a time to recognize the power of meaningful relationships in supporting our overall well-being. For older adults especially, staying socially engaged can lead to better health, improved mood, and a greater sense of purpose. At Benchmark Senior Living, we believe emotional and social connections aren’t just important, they’re essential. Staying emotionally and socially connected can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and even chronic illness. That’s why we foster a strong sense of community and belonging for all residents.

Social Wellness, Defined

What do we mean by social wellness? At its core, social wellness refers to the relationships we build and maintain throughout our lives. But at Benchmark, we take a more holistic age-specific approach. For seniors, strong social bonds have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease, depression, cognitive decline, and even memory loss. Staying socially connected also boosts emotional resilience and gives every day greater meaning. That’s why we prioritize social wellness as a vital component of both mental and physical health, recognizing that seniors are especially vulnerable to social isolation. Through purposeful programming and community design, we help residents stay engaged, supported, and connected.  

Connection at Every Stage

At Benchmark, social connection is never an afterthought – really, it’s central to everything we do. It’s thoughtfully woven into every lifestyle, from Independent Living to all care levels within our Assisted Living and Mind & Memory Care communities. No matter the level of support a resident needs, meaningful opportunities for connection are always built in. Whether someone is attending a concert in the courtyard, sharing stories over breakfast, or enjoying quiet companionship in a comforting setting, our communities are designed to support connection at every stage of aging. Connections are plentiful and easy to be found, and they always go beyond the surface. One of the benefits to life at Benchmark is that it truly is a community, a network of people that live and grow around you, always there to provide support. 

Engaging Programs with Purpose

Our daily programming, filled with variety and tailored to each season, brings people together through shared interests and joyful moments. While July is Social Wellness Month, at Benchmark, fostering connection is something we focus on every month of the year. This July, residents can make the most of every day with enriching experiences like*:

  • Patio concerts, outdoor chef-led BBQs, and music-filled evenings that spark joy and companionship
  • Gardening clubs, nature walks, and gentle fitness classes outside to connect with nature and each other
  • Creative arts, storytelling, and reminiscence programs that inspire both nostalgia and new friendships
  • Outings to local beaches, cultural events, ice cream shops, and even Little League games—tailored to residents’ interests and always with the right level of support

Stories of Fulfillment

A resident who lights up during drumming circles. Spontaneous laughter-filled lunches among friends. A quiet moment in the garden with a therapy dog. These are the moments that define social wellness at Benchmark and they are happening across our communities daily. We invite you to explore our “Day in the Life” stories to see how residents experience connection and care firsthand. 

The Benchmark Commitment

We believe every resident deserves to feel known, valued, and engaged. Our associates are trained not only to provide exceptional care, but to nurture meaningful relationships that enhance emotional well-being. At Benchmark, our communities are more than places to live – they’re places to grow, connect and thrive.

Ready to see what social wellness looks like in action? Explore A Day in the Life.

*Note: Please check with your individual community, as offerings may vary.

Assisted Living, Independent Living, Mind & Memory Care
Choosing a Community, Creating a Plan, Finances, Having the Conversation, Making the Move