Atria Senior Living And Billie Jean King Join Forces To Promote Active Aging Nationwide

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Atria Senior Living (Atria), one of the nation's largest providers of independent living, assisted living and memory care services, announced today that Billie Jean King will serve as an Atria spokesperson and the company's first Active Aging Ambassador. King will be an advocate for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle through regular interaction with residents, families and staff, including contributing as a blogger for the company. Her commitment to active aging will also be profiled in Atria marketing materials, and she will make appearances at Atria communities across the country.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130604/CL25401 )

King, a 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, icon for social justice and one of the most successful and influential professional athletes of all time, will assist in the planning and promotion of the company's programming designed to help older people make healthy and active lifestyle choices as they age. King will champion Atria's Engage Life^® initiatives, a dynamic program that offers residents opportunities to learn, create and grow around eight dimensions of engagement that range from social connection and civic involvement to health and fitness. She will also play an important role in the rollout of the company's new "Fit Me In" program, an exercise concept designed to increase strength and balance, minimize the risk of falls and allow Atria residents to maintain an active lifestyle.

"Billie Jean is extremely inspirational -- she has spent her life breaking down barriers and succeeding without compromise, and she is now committed to helping us realize that we can improve the way we age," said John Moore, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Atria Senior Living. "We know that her wisdom, life experience and drive to improve opportunities for all people will be an asset to our residents, families, staff and professional partners, and will help shape and define how all of us view aging."

King has been involved with Atria since 2011, when her partner's mother moved to Atria West 86, an Atria community located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Based on her personal experience with Atria, King believes becoming involved in the company's initiatives to embrace and promote active aging will be beneficial for both parties.

"Choosing the right environment for an older loved one is a big undertaking, and we were lucky to find a supportive and warm community that met our needs," said King. "I've come to know and trust the Atria brand, and I am looking forward to connecting with more Atria residents and families, and helping them understand that, at any age, we can all make positive strides in how we approach the idea of active and healthy aging."

Atria, long-known as an industry leader in the conversation on aging and longevity, has worked with several other well-known organizations to stay at the forefront of developing innovative resident programming and care, including the International Council on Active Aging, Columbia University and the International Longevity Center. According to Moore, teaming with King is another way to promote the benefits of staying active and connected as we age.

"I'm extremely proud to call Billie Jean a member of the Atria family, and we couldn't be more excited to grow our relationship with her," continued Moore. "She'll no doubt serve as an inspiration, and will also be an invaluable resource as we continue in our efforts to create vibrant communities and develop innovative programs that help seniors thrive, learn and grow."

To learn more about Atria Senior Living and Billie Jean King, visit www.atriaseniorliving.com.

Atria Senior Living is one of the nation's leading providers of independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Home to more than 13,000 older Americans in 27 states, Atria communities provide respectful, quality services designed to promote independence and help seniors enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Atria's goal is to provide environments where older people thrive, where loneliness and isolation are forgotten and where families have confidence that their loved ones are secure and fulfilled. To learn more about Atria's innovative programming or to find an Atria community near you, please visit www.atriaseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Atria Senior Living