Atria Senior Living Recognized with Second Consecutive ICAA Innovators Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, has awarded Atria Senior Living with an ICAA Innovators Award. This is the second consecutive win for Atria Senior Living.

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The 2012 ICAA Innovators Award was given to the Culinary Educational Series at Atria Campana del Rio, a senior living community serving more than 225 residents in Tucson, Arizona. Developed by director of culinary service Kirk Brooks, the program includes monthly workshops on various culinary topics with demonstrations, lectures, field trips, food samples and guest speakers for residents of the community. Participants are exposed to a variety of culinary experiences, including learning the history of chocolate, infusing their own olive oils and enjoying cuisine from around the world, among others.

"We are honored to be recognized by the ICAA for this unique program," said Ronda Watson, Vice President of Active Aging and Culinary Service for Atria Senior Living. "Kirk's Culinary Educational Series is not only fun, but provides social, educational and cultural benefits to everyone involved. This is just one example of Atria's commitment to creating and leading innovative programming and experiences for the residents we serve."

ICAA's annual awards spotlight creativity and excellence in active aging, recognizing those who are leading the way, setting new standards, and making a difference in the lives of older adults. Award-winners target any or all of the seven dimensions of wellness promoted by the association—social, emotional, vocational, spiritual, intellectual, physical and environmental—to support age 50-plus adults in living well.

"Older adults today are transforming outdated concepts about aging and later life," said Colin Milner, ICAA founder and CEO. "People are realizing that they don't have to accept society's stereotypical views of later life as a time of decline and diminished worth; they can continue to grow and learn, contribute to society, and live well and fully despite any health challenges they may face. With the Culinary Educational Series program, residents continue to learn, grow and experience new things they may have otherwise never had the chance to enjoy."

Atria Woodbridge in Irvine, California, received an Innovators Award in 2011 for the community's "Man Cave," a resident-led program that empowers older adults to be more socially engaged with peers while using problem-solving skills to create state-of-the-art inventions and projects.

"Atria Senior Living continues to develop inspiring examples of innovative resident programs," Milner added. "Programs such as the "Man Cave" and the Culinary Educational Series engage older adults with the goal of enriching their lives and enhancing their overall wellness." 

Kirk Brooks of Atria Campana del Rio and members of the Atria leadership team were recognized during the ICAA's international convention in New Orleans November 29 – December 1. An in-depth profile of the Culinary Educational Series will appear in ICAA's flagship publication, the Journal on Active Aging®, in 2013.

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