Senior Living for Men: What You Need to Know

As people get older, they’re tend to develop health conditions that require extra care and support. To get this support, many adults turn to assisted living. By joining a senior living community, older adults can access round-the-clock caregivers, as well as dining and housekeeping services. And they can engage with a network of fellow seniors. 

Despite these benefits, some people — particularly men — don’t receive senior care. Out of approximately 818,800 residents enrolled in assisted living, one study reports that over 70% are women. So, what exactly causes this discrepancy, and why is it a problem? In this guide, we review the benefits of senior living, factors that may deter men from enrolling and ways to talk to aging men about their senior living options.   

Although senior living communities cater to all genders, far more women enroll than men. Here are a few factors that may contribute to this gender gap.

One reason why more women may pursue senior living is because they tend to live longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for American women in 2021 was 79. In comparison, men lived an average of 73 years, or 6 years fewer than women. 

This gender discrepancy may also be linked to women taking on family caregiving roles. According to 2022 data, over 70% of primary caregivers are women. This trend suggests that women who are married to men may take care of their partners in old age. However, when it comes to their own needs, women are more likely to look outside the home than men.

Personal preferences, such as an aversion to health care, could contribute to the gender gap. Studies show that women are more likely to use health care services than men. 

Cultural norms and old-fashioned views of masculinity may discourage men from seeking help. Often, these norms encourage men to suppress their needs and be independent, even if it’s not beneficial to their health. 

Much of the senior living gender discrepancy can be attributed to personal preferences and cultural norms. In recent years, however, more and more men have recognized the benefits of senior care. Here are a few reasons why more men are now considering senior living. 

As adults get older, many rely on close relatives — mainly their children — for support. Of course, seniors without families can’t depend on children to be caregivers. 

According to a 2021 report by the United States Census Bureau, over 15 million adults over the age of 55 were childless. Men were less likely to have children than women — 35% of older men didn’t have kids (compared to around 24% of older women). Because these individuals are less likely to have caregiver relatives, they might turn to senior living. 

Often, people compare senior living communities to hospitals and assume they’re uncomfortable or dull. However, most senior living communities aim to enhance quality of life by providing an appealing lifestyle. 

In addition to health support, many communities provide amenities such as restaurant-quality dining, fitness centers, housekeeping, daily activities and even beauty and salon services. Some seniors may discover that living in a community is more interesting than remaining at home. 

While some aging men might be drawn to the senior living lifestyle, others may be more interested in the caregiving aspect. Health concerns are on the rise, with about 85% of older adults having at least one chronic health condition. Some of the most common conditions include heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. 

By joining a senior care community that caters to their needs (such as an assisted living or skilled nursing home), older adults can receive ongoing support. Not only do senior care homes address current needs, but they also anticipate problems and help prevent health conditions from escalating. 

While there’s still a stigma around senior living, there’s no denying it brings many benefits. Aging men who join a community typically enjoy the following perks:

• Health support: As mentioned earlier, senior living communities offer medical support. In addition to on-site caregivers, homes may provide transportation to medical facilities. 
• Daily activities: Senior living doesn’t just provide health services — it also offers entertainment. From exercise and art classes to community outings and events, there’s always something to do. 
• Social opportunities: Loneliness is a significant issue among older adults, with over 30% of people aged 50-80 experiencing isolation. Some studies posit that men tend to feel lonelier than women. Senior living communities offer a network of residents, which encourages older adults to stay connected. 
• Increased safety: Senior living communities take steps to ensure residents are safe. This may include installing security systems, providing in-room emergency call mechanisms and carefully monitoring residents. As a result, seniors and their families enjoy peace of mind. 
• Maintenance-free living: Many senior living homes take care of general maintenance chores (such as housekeeping and laundry). This gives residents more free time to focus on things they enjoy, such as activities or friendships. 
• Nutritious dining: Along with managing household chores, senior living communities provide dining services. Not only do homes offer three meals a day, but they also adjust for dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Caregiver relief: For aging men who have families, their increasing needs can be overwhelming for their children. Senior care doesn’t just support older adults — it gives families relief by taking on caregiving duties. 

It’s important to note that these are general benefits — the actual senior living experience varies from home to home. To help ensure a positive outcome, you should always carefully evaluate a community before enrolling yourself or a loved one. 

With so many senior living homes to choose from, you might be wondering how to know which home is best for you. In addition to checking for the general benefits listed above, aging men should look for the following: 

• Specific health services: It’s essential that a senior living home can fulfill the precise health needs of residents. For example, older adults with dementia or memory problems should look for memory care homes.
• High staff-to-resident ratio: Every home has its own staff-to-resident ratio, which is the number of caregivers responsible for residents. So, for instance, a 1:8 ratio means there’s one caregiver for every eight residents. The higher the number of staff members, the more personalized the care is. 
• Male residents: As mentioned earlier, women generally outnumber men in senior living spaces. To ensure there are other male residents to talk to, it’s a good idea to inquire about the male-to-female ratio. 
• Male caregivers: Women are more likely to work in senior living homes than men. In fact, only 34% of senior living staff is male. Men who feel more comfortable with male caregivers should ask if any are available. 
• Masculine spaces: Aging men may feel more comfortable in homes that offer spaces or activities traditionally geared toward men. Examples include men’s groups, veteran clubs, barbershops, workshops or separate male fitness areas. 

We created the below downloadable and printable checklist so you know what to focus on when choosing a community for a male older loved one. Bring the below checklist with you when you tour communities so you know the right things to look for and questions to ask. 

While many older men appreciate the benefits of senior living, some men may still be reluctant to move into a home. Negative stigmas, fear and a desire for independence are just a few reasons why a senior might reject care. If you have an older loved one who’s nervous about senior living, here are a few tips on how to approach the subject. 

Select a time when you know your loved one will be relaxed. For example, if they tend to get stressed at night, have this conversation earlier in the day. You should also choose a location that will put them at ease, such as their home. 

When discussing senior care, highlight specific benefits your loved one may be interested in. For instance, an athletic older adult might be drawn to homes with fitness centers, while an isolated senior may like the social aspect. 

In addition to sharing benefits, it’s important to listen to your loved one’s worries. Assure them their feelings are valid, then offer solutions to specific concerns. For example, if they’re worried about losing privacy, you can show them photos of private senior living suites or share testimonials from other older adults. 

Research homes in your area that have amenities your loved one is looking for (such as specific activities, health services and masculine spaces). This will make it easier to answer any questions they may have.

At the end of the day, it’s your loved one who will be moving into the senior living community. Thus, it’s essential they’re involved in the process. Empower them to ask questions, visit homes and find a senior living option that works for them.