Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging Announces Age Well Study

5-Year Study to Explore the Health Impact of Living in a Life Plan Community

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Nov 01, 2017, 16:12 ET

EVANSTON, Ill., Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging (MLIA), the award-winning research area of service of Mather LifeWays in Evanston, Illinois, announces the launch of a landmark study, Age Well, designed to determine the effects that living in a Life Plan Community has on residents' long-term health and wellness.

"The impact of living in a Life Plan Community is under-explored," said Cate O'Brien, PhD, Assistant Vice President and Director Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging. "There are a number of reasons to believe the impact is a positive one, most notably that Life Plan Communities offer an opportunity-rich environment with programs, amenities, services and health care that support wellness, sense of community, and opportunities to find fulfillment, and this study will help to qualify -- and quantify – those beliefs."

The five-year study will contribute to important research to support and inform the Seniors Housing industry, and will be facilitated by MLIA in collaboration with Northwestern University. MLIA researchers will lead the quantitative survey component of the study with NU contributing to the qualitative component of the study.

"The study will give us important insight into the 'urban legend' that living in a Life Plan Community helps people live longer, healthier lives," said Mary Leary, CEO and President, Mather LifeWays. "We're excited to provide the platform for the research and eager to learn the results."

Additionally, Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging is partnering with LeadingAge, American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), Life Care Services (LCS), Moorings Park, Ziegler, and NIC, who will recruit at least 50 Life Plan Communities to participate.

"We are extremely pleased to be involved in this study and believe this research has the potential to truly quantify the benefits of a life plan community," said David Schless, President, American Seniors Housing Association.

Participating communities and organizations will receive an annual report on key findings, such as quality of life, self-reported health, and additional health-related measures. If more than 30 of their residents participate, they will also receive a one-page brief which is specific to their community. At the end of the five-year study, each community will also receive a copy of the full report.

MLIA will host two, 30-minute Age Well Study Webinars, on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 16 to explain more about how organizations can get involved, and to answer any questions. For more information about the study or to register for either Webinar, visit online at matherlifewaysinstituteonaging.com/agewellstudy or contact Cate O'Brien, PhD, at [email protected] or (847) 492.6803.

ABOUT MATHER LIFEWAYS
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays is a 75+-year-old unique, nondenominational not-for-profit organization that enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well. Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging is its research area of service, and serves as an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations. To learn more about Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, or Mather LifeWays senior residences and community initiatives, please call (847) 492.7500 or find your way to matherlifeways.com.

SOURCE Mather LifeWays