Published by Wiley Mission | A Life Plan Community in Marlton, NJ
It might surprise you to learn that social isolation is now considered one of the most significant public health threats facing older Americans — comparable in health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Research from the U.S. Surgeon General and leading universities has elevated loneliness from a personal problem to a national concern for senior health.
But here’s the encouraging flip side: strong social bonds are equally powerful medicine. For seniors, meaningful friendships and community connection are among the most reliable predictors of long, healthy, satisfying lives.
At Wiley Mission in Marlton, New Jersey, community isn’t a feature of our Life Plan Community — it’s the foundation of everything we do.
What the Research Tells Us
The evidence on social connection and health is striking across virtually every measure. Older adults who maintain strong social relationships have been shown to have lower rates of cognitive decline, reduced risk of dementia, better cardiovascular health, stronger immune function, and significantly lower mortality rates than those who are socially isolated.
Friendship and connection also buffer against depression and anxiety — two of the most common and undertreated conditions among older adults. Having someone who knows your name, notices when you’re absent, and genuinely cares about your day is not a small thing. It may be one of the most important things.
The Loneliness Crisis — and Why Community Living Matters
For many seniors living alone in single-family homes, the reality of social isolation can creep in gradually. Adult children move away. Driving becomes difficult. Peers pass away. And what was once a full, connected life can quietly narrow.
This is one of the most compelling arguments for Life Plan Community living. When you choose a community like Wiley Mission, you don’t just gain a home — you gain neighbors who become friends, shared mealtimes that become anchors, organized activities that open unexpected doors, and staff who genuinely know and care for you.
For many of our residents, moving to Wiley was the single greatest step they took for their social wellbeing.
How Wiley Mission Fosters Connection
At our 55-acre campus on Main Street in Marlton, New Jersey, connection happens every day in ways both structured and beautifully spontaneous:
- A rich calendar of activities, day trips, and events creates regular, low-barrier opportunities to engage.
- Our intergenerational environment — with a preschool, summer camp, and church on the same grounds — means that residents interact with children, families, and community members of all ages.
- Wiley Church provides a spiritual community that extends far beyond Sunday services, with prayer groups, Bible studies, and ministries that connect residents to one another and to the wider South Jersey community.
- Our caring, attentive staff build genuine relationships with residents — knowing names, histories, preferences, and personalities.
Tips for Building and Maintaining Social Connection in Later Life
- Say yes more than no — especially to new activities or groups that feel slightly outside your comfort zone.
- Be the one who initiates. Friendships at any age require someone to take the first step.
- Invest in a few deep relationships rather than many surface ones. Quality matters more than quantity.
- Stay connected to family — and don’t underestimate the joy of intergenerational friendships.
- If you’re feeling isolated, name it. Loneliness is not something to push through alone. Speak with a counselor, pastor, or trusted friend.
Come Find Your Community
Wiley Christian Retirement Community has been a home — and a community — for seniors in South Jersey since 1939. We serve residents 62 and older with a full continuum of care including 137 independent living homes, residential healthcare, long-term care, and subacute rehabilitation, all within a warm, faith-centered, intergenerational setting.
If you or someone you love is exploring senior living options in Marlton, Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, Medford, or the greater South Jersey area, we’d love to introduce you to the Wiley family.
To learn more about Wiley Mission Call us today at: (856) 983-0411 or fill out our contact form.