The Evolution of Senior Living in Recent Years

Senior living communities have seen a lot of changes over time and, thankfully, have evolved past the poor living conditions that past generations of elderly adults had to endure. Today, senior living communities are dedicated to providing comfortable rooms, healthy meals, and enjoyable social activities for their residents. However, it’s always good to look back to the past to see how far we’ve come as a society in our treatment and value of senior lives.

Here’s a look at how senior living conditions have evolved over time.

The Origins of Senior Living

The first historical examples of senior living were the almshouses of the Middle Ages. However, these medieval houses were not just for seniors. Almshouses were where elderly, disabled, and even poor citizens were sent to live the rest of their lives. While these homes were supported by churches and religious institutions, they were known to have terrible living conditions.

The Impact of the Social Security Act on Senior Living

For centuries, not much changed regarding the welfare or respect of senior citizens. However, great strides were made for senior rights with the signing of the Social Security Act of 1935. Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this act provided greater government financial assistance to the senior living centers of the 1930s—improving living conditions for elderly citizens around the United States.

Senior Living in the 1970s

In the 1970s, seniors saw the rise of more personalized care with the creation of assisted living communities thanks to the mother of modern assisted living, Dr. Keren Brown Wilson. This period of time was truly when assisted living evolved from being reminiscent of hospitals or wards to becoming true communities for seniors.

The Recent History of Senior Living

The 1980s marked the beginning of what many consider to be the modern age of senior living. The period saw the rise of senior living communities that look more like the average apartment than the clinical facilities of the past. An intentional focus was put on offering comfortable and home-like accommodations for seniors entering and living out their golden years. Furthermore, these modern communities offered premium amenities like fitness centers and game rooms.

Your Future Senior Living Solution

Senior living has, indeed, come a long way over the years. If you’re looking for an assisted living community that is committed not only to meeting the modern standards of senior living but also innovating beyond them, then look no further than Encore at Avalon Park.

At Encore at Avalon Park, we are dedicated to providing our seniors with comfortable accommodations, nutritious meals, and plenty of activities to keep them active and social—making us the perfect assisted living community for you or your loved one. For more information on our premium senior living community in Central Florida, call us at 407-270-7500 to schedule your virtual tour today.