Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime Help Seniors Soar to New Heights

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Aug 29, 2016, 08:00 ET

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past six years Brookdale, the nation's largest senior living provider, has fulfilled its residents' life-long dreams and Wishes by partnering with Wish of a Lifetime™, an organization dedicated to shifting the way society views and values our oldest generation. During this time, some of the most exciting Wishes have taken place in the skies above. Since the partnership began, more than 70 aerial themed Wishes have been granted to Brookdale residents who had dreams of skydiving, taking helicopter tours, flying fighter jets and more.

On April 7, Jack went on a fighter jet experience ride out of Angelina County Airport and experienced flight like never before. “Granting this Wish proves that no matter what the age, people always have a sense of adventure,” Jack said.

Frank’s Wish came true on June 18 when he and his doctor, Bruce Perry, went skydiving. “It seemed like an impossible dream to be among birds, above the earth and flying like an eagle,” said Frank of his Wish. “What could be better than that?”

For the past six years Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime™, have fulfilled more than 70 aerial themed wishes for seniors across the country.

Scotty’s Wish came true in July when she took flight in a hot air balloon to witness the sky she had study her entire life from a new perspective. “It was wonderful,” said Scotty. “The sky is the place for me!”

Donald’s Wish came true on March 15 when Donald traveled to the Seminole-Lake Gliderport to fly in an airplane glider. “I wanted to fly again in any way possible. This fulfilled my dream and truly was my Wish of a lifetime,” Says Donald

Bob Karas, 93, and Phyllis Dubow, 89, fulfilled their Wish when they took a private helicopter tour of the Chicago Skyline on March 25. “It’s was a perfect day,” said Phyllis of her and Bob’s Wish of a Lifetime experience

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/77221510-brookdale-senior-wish-of-a-lifetime

"Seeing our residents fulfill their Wish of a Lifetime through these incredible aviation adventures shows how older adults continue to act on their dreams and passions," says Sara Terry, vice president of resident and family engagement. "We are always thrilled to find opportunities for our residents to enrich their lives and honor their spirit."

These high-flying Wishes have given Brookdale residents the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, renew and celebrate passions, fulfill lifelong dreams and commemorate service. The senior population is expected to double by 2050 and currently 11.3 million of those seniors live alone. The simple act of granting a Wish can help residents find fulfillment in the six dimensions of Brookdale's wellness platform: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual. Aviation has remained a consistent theme for wish recipients and demonstrates the thrill of flight has no age limit.

"It's our goal to help change the way society views aging and inspire people of all ages with these great stories," says Tom Wagenlander, executive director of Wish of a Lifetime. "Our entire team is deeply grateful for the opportunity to fulfill these dreams for so many special people."

For some Brookdale residents like friends and Chicago natives Phyllis Dubow, 89, and Bob Karas, 93, a private helicopter ride across the downtown skyline fulfilled their Wish of seeing the city they love from new heights. Aviation lovers like Donald Bansen, 95, fulfilled his dream by flying in the only type of aircraft he had never been on, an airplane glider. World War II Veteran, pilot and thrill seeker Jack Dorshaw, 96, fulfilled his Wish by getting behind the controls and flying a fighter jet. Scotty Hart, 93, a former meteorologist, experienced her Wish of floating among the clouds when she took a ride on a hot air balloon. The connection between lifelong Wishes and the skies above doesn't stop there. Other residents have taken tours of Air Force bases, visited air shows and a few even met with the famous Blue Angels.

"It seemed like an impossible dream to be among birds, above the earth and flying like an eagle," said Frank Thieme, 91, who fulfilled his Wish of skydiving this summer. "What could be better than that?"

In 2010, Brookdale Senior Living and Wish of a Lifetime formed a partnership to provide a helping hand in making some of the dreams of Brookdale's residents come true. To request a Wish, residents fill out a Wish application explaining an experience they would like to have fulfilled and how that experience relates to one or more dimensions of Brookdale's Optimum Life^® platform. Optimum Life cultivates whole-person wellness through fulfillment in the six key dimensions: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual. Since the partnership's inception, more than 695 Brookdale seniors have had their Wish granted.

For more information about Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime visit brookdale.com and wishofalifetime.org

About Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide high quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers, with approximately 1,114 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve over 107,000 residents. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

About Wish of a Lifetime

Wish of a Lifetime™ fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by fulfilling their life-enriching Wishes. Founded in 2008 by two-time Olympic skier, World Cup gold medalist, entrepreneur, and former NFL football player Jeremy Bloom in living honor of his grandmother, Wish of a Lifetime has made over 1,000 Wishes come true for seniors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The organization aims to create a positive shift in the way society views and values aging by sharing the stories of its inspiring Wish recipients with those of all generations. After experiencing a wish, 93 percent of Wish recipients stated they felt their quality of life improved and 76 percent said they felt their overall health improved. To learn more about the organization or to help fulfill a senior's Wish visit www.wishofalifetime.org

Contact: James Hauge, 615-564-8449, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living Inc.