The Power of Connection: What the Villages Can Teach Florida About Healthy Aging

When people think about healthy aging, they often focus on physical health – staying active, eating well and managing chronic conditions. But another critical factor deserves just as much attention: social connection.

Across Florida, social isolation and loneliness are emerging as significant threats to older adults’ emotional and physical well-being. Research has linked social isolation to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Yet unlike many health challenges, loneliness is not always easy to see. Someone can be surrounded by neighbors and still feel disconnected, while another person living alone may have a rich network of meaningful relationships.

That distinction is particularly important here in The Villages.

According to U.S. Census data, the average household size in The Villages is just 1.73 people. At first glance, that statistic may suggest a community at risk of isolation. But anyone who has spent time here knows The Villages offers countless activities and opportunities for connection.

In many ways, it offers an important lesson for the rest of Florida: living alone does not necessarily mean being lonely.

Unfortunately, that is not the reality for all older adults across our state.

At the Humana Foundation, we recently released The State of Senior Emotional Health in Florida, a report examining the emotional health challenges facing older Floridians. The findings reveal both urgency and opportunity.

Nearly one in eight Florida seniors is diagnosed with depression, and one in 12 experiences frequent mental distress. Hospitalizations related to mental disorders among older adults increased 16% between 2022 and 2024, and more than one in three older adults nationally report feeling isolated from others.

The challenges are even greater in rural communities, where older adults may face transportation barriers, limited access to services, fewer opportunities for social engagement and shortages of mental health providers. In fact, our report found that seniors living in Florida’s rural areas experience frequent mental distress at rates higher than the national average.

These trends matter because emotional health and physical health are deeply connected. Social isolation can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, contribute to poorer health outcomes, and make it harder for older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life.

The good news is that solutions exist, and many are rooted in the same principle that helps make communities like The Villages so vibrant: creating opportunities for people to connect.

Community gathering spaces play a vital role. Whether it’s a recreation center, library, faith community, volunteer organization or neighborhood club, places that bring people together help foster a sense of belonging and purpose. They create opportunities for friendships to form and for people to support one another during challenging times.

Technology can also be a powerful tool for connection when older adults have the resources and confidence to use it.

That’s why the Humana Foundation supports organizations like Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), which operates Senior Planet digital literacy trainings, designed to help older adults build practical technology skills that promote everyday engagement, from staying in touch with family and friends to accessing information, services and online communities. Through Senior Planet Miami, more than 1,200 older adults participated in technology education programs over the past year. 90% reported feeling more connected to the world around them, and 86% said they felt less alone after participating.

Senior Planet also collaborates with community organizations, libraries and partners throughout Florida to offer programs in other regions of the state.

As Florida’s population continues to age, with one in three residents projected to be over age 60 by 2050, we must make emotional health and social connection a priority.

The Villages demonstrates what is possible when a community is intentionally designed around engagement, purpose and connection. While no community is immune to loneliness, the opportunities available here show that strong social networks can be built at any age.

The challenge is ensuring that every older Floridian, whether they live in a bustling retirement community, a small rural town, or somewhere in between, has the same opportunity to stay connected, supported and engaged.

Because healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to life. It’s about ensuring those years are filled with purpose, relationships and a true sense of belonging.

Tiffany Benjamin,

CEO, Humana Foundation