Sustainability is a frequent topic in present society as we strive to provide future generations the same benefits that we have enjoyed or even better. Applying this concept to senior living communities is appropriate to achieve the highest quality of life possible by sustaining it over time through changes in governing and operating leadership. Sustainability is particularly important to the residents of such communities who may live in one for several decades; potentially with several changes in leadership.

While the concept of sustainability has been rather well developed in relation to the physical environment, a larger perspective as applicable to senior living settings is provided. Our volunteer committee has identified four dimensions of a senior living community to which “sustainability” applies: Resident, Organization, Operations, and Physical Setting.