Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

The Social Environment.
This cluster deals with those elements of retirement community living that are 
primarily related to relationships between and amongst the residents. Four separate facets were delineated called 
social relationships, satisfaction with fellow residents, social atmosphere, and interdependency. Similarly to the 
previously discussed clusters, the Social Environment was mentioned by all four focus groups as a key feature of 
customer satisfaction. 
Social Relationships. The ability to meet and make new friends, as well as to enjoy this companionship on 
a readily-available basis was a common viewpoint: “I really enjoy the friendship here…not having to be alone all 
the time, like when I was stuck in my apartment building all day when everyone else was at work…” While a ready-
made socializing was appreciated, so was a feeling of privacy or not feeling pressured to join in group events: 
“There’s also a great sense of privacy here. People just don’t drop in, they don’t just knock on doors. People call 
first if they are going to stop over. And if I don’t want to be involved, I can just have my quiet time.”
Satisfaction with Fellow Residents. Diversity, in terms of backgrounds and interests was considered to be 
an important aspect of a meaningful social environment, as well as a mix of ages (e.g. young-old, mid-old, and old-
old) and health profiles. The mix of ages/health profiles was seen as key to a balanced and vital social environment. 

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