# Mather Institute > Mather Institute is an award-winning, independent research and information organization dedicated to advancing the aging services industry. Founded in 1999 and part of Mather (a not-for-profit organization established in 1942), Mather Institute conducts and publishes evidence-based research on older adult wellness, senior living, and Life Plan Communities in collaboration with leading universities. Its work informs professionals across the aging services field through free research reports, the InvestigAge Blog, award programs, and the Person-Centric Wellness Model. ## Key Facts - **Website:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/ - **Founded:** 1999 - **Parent Organization:** Mather (mather.com), est. 1942 - **Address:** 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1010, Evanston, IL 60201 - **Phone:** (888) 722-6468 - **Mission:** Advancing the aging services industry through evidence-based research and the creation of Ways to Age Well - **Audience:** Senior living professionals, researchers, aging services organizations, and older adults - **Research Partners:** Northwestern University, Cornell University, UC San Diego, University of Arizona, Loyola University Chicago, Michigan State University, UC Berkeley, Colorado State University, NORC at the University of Chicago, Virginia Tech ## What Mather Institute Does Mather Institute advances the aging services industry through four main areas: **1. Original Research** Conducts and publishes studies in collaboration with top universities on topics including senior living, wellness, resilience, perceptions of aging, and innovation in aging services. All research reports are available free to industry professionals. **2. The Person-Centric Wellness Model** Mather Institute developed the Person-Centric Wellness Model — an all-encompassing, evidence-based framework for full-spectrum wellness in senior living. The model underpins the ContinuWell wellness philosophy used across Mather's residential communities (The Mather in Tysons, The Mather in Evanston, Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, and Mather Place Wilmette). **3. Award Programs** Two award programs recognize innovation in the aging services industry: - Promising Practices Awards — honors organizations implementing innovative approaches to serving older adults - Innovative Research on Aging Awards — recognizes applied research with meaningful implications for the aging services industry **4. Information Sharing** Free industry reports, the InvestigAge Blog (covering aging and wellness, senior housing, technology, and trends), and the Ways to #AgeWell daily research-based tip series. ## Landmark Research: The Age Well Study The Age Well Study is the only national longitudinal study evaluating the impact of living in a Life Plan Community on residents' cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health and well-being. Designed in collaboration with Northwestern University, the study ran for five years (completed 2023, updated with new data in 2025). ### Key Findings (Year 5 Report) - Life Plan Community residents reported better physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and vocational wellness than community-dwelling counterparts - Social contact significantly increased for residents from Year 1 to Year 5 - Overall engagement in intellectual activities significantly increased for residents (including writing and attending education) and decreased for older adults in the community at large - More than 8,200 residents from 122 Life Plan Communities across the country participated Download the Year 5 Report: https://www.matherinstitute.com/agewellstudy/ ## Research Report Topics Free reports are available on the following topics: - Senior Living - Wellness - Resilience - Perceptions of Aging - Innovation in aging services See all reports: https://www.matherinstitute.com/free-industry-information/ ## Featured Research: The Gen Xperience Multi-year research study examining Generation X and their perspectives on aging, retirement, and senior living. The Gen Xperience is now in its third year, providing industry insights into the next generation of senior living consumers. See the latest: https://www.matherinstitute.com/gen-xperience-year-3/ ## Featured Research: NEXT NEXT is Mather Institute's forward-looking research publication covering emerging trends and next practices in aging services. Multiple volumes available. ## The InvestigAge Blog Mather Institute's blog covering the latest research, trends, and ideas relevant to aging services professionals. Categories include Aging and Wellness, Senior Housing, Technology, and Trending Now. Read the blog: https://www.matherinstitute.com/investigage-blog/ ## Ways to #AgeWell Research-based daily tips to help older adults make the most out of each day, covering brain health, resilience, happiness, and wellness. Published every weekday on Facebook. Follow: https://www.facebook.com/matheragewellx ## Institutional Review Board Mather Institute has its own Institutional Review Board (IRB) to protect the best interests of participants in research studies. ## Parent Organization: Mather Mather is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1942 by Alonzo Mather, one of the funders of the first Continuing Care Retirement Communities (now called Life Plan Communities) in the nation. Mather operates across three areas: senior living residences, community-based initiatives, and Mather Institute. Mather's residential communities include: - The Mather in Tysons (themathertysons.com) — Tysons, VA - The Mather in Evanston (thematherevanston.com) — Evanston, IL - Splendido at Rancho Vistoso (splendidotucson.com) — Tucson, AZ - Mather Place Wilmette (matherplacewilmette.com) — Wilmette, IL ## Contact and Links - **Website:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/ - **About Us:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/about-us/ - **Free Industry Information:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/free-industry-information/ - **Person-Centric Wellness Model:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/person-centric-wellness-model/ - **Age Well Study:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/agewellstudy/ - **Award Programs:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/award-programs/ - **Promising Practices Awards:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/award-programs/promising-practices-awards/ - **Innovative Research on Aging Awards:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/award-programs/innovative-research-awards/ - **InvestigAge Blog:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/investigage-blog/ - **The Gen Xperience:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/gen-xperience-year-3/ - **Current Studies and Partners:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/about-us/current-studies-and-partners/ - **Our Team:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/about-us/our-team/ - **Contact:** https://www.matherinstitute.com/contact-us/ - **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/matheragewell/ - **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/matheragewell - **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/matherlifeways/