Senior Living Provider Takes its Residents Around the World in 365 Days

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Brookdale Senior Living, a leading owner and operator of senior living communities, will take its residents on a virtual "trip" around the world through its award-winning Celebrations program and the theme of "Amazing Places of the World."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110106/CL26244 )

A yearlong life enrichment and dining program opportunity designed exclusively for its residents and communities, Celebrations offers authentically themed experiences, memorable special events, and enriching programs. With 2011's theme, residents and associates will travel outside America to discover the "Amazing Places of the World."  There will be opportunities to visit both natural wonders and manmade marvels across six continents. The journey begins at the winding Venice waterways in Italy, and will finish in North America to see the spectacular Northern Lights. 

The monthly theme destinations are:

• January – Venice Waterways, Italy
• February – The Great Wall of China
• March – Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• April – Mount Everest, Tibet
• May – Mayan Ruins, Mexico
• June – The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
• July – The Fjords, Norway
• August – The Serengeti, Tanzania
• September – Taj Mahal, India
• October – The Pyramids, Egypt
• November – The Parthenon, Greece
• December – The Northern Lights, Canada

The communities will create opportunities representing the 12 Amazing Places of the World. These programs, opportunities and experiences touch each of the dimensions of Optimum Life®. A way of life offered exclusively by Brookdale Senior Living at its communities, Optimum Life® focuses on six key dimensions - emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and purposeful. Residents will experience the monthly themes each according to their individual Optimum Life goals.

For those who enjoy a social setting, they may participate in an authentic party "theme dinner" experience, a casual "Mix and Mingle," or an interactive "cooking demo" where they can learn to cook and enjoy recipes from the featured region.

"Food and the dining experience play a significant role in the Celebrations program," said Joska Hajdu, senior vice president of dining services for Brookdale Senior Living. "By planning unique meals and themed cooking demonstrations, the Dining Services team is able to bring to taste the theme through their passion and talent for food."

For those pursuing opportunities in the physical dimension of wellness, Celebrations offers "Move to the Music," which highlights the vibrant musical scenes and distinctive styles of each destination.

In addition, many residents focus on the intellectual opportunities, which may be cultivated with the virtual journey program, "Passport Travels." Through this, residents will experience the amazing places of the world through the sights, sounds, flavors and scents that make them feel as though they are actually in the destination.

Spiritually, residents may explore "Stories of Hope," which provides residents the opportunity to nurture their spiritual needs and learn about the inspiring projects and activities that take place all around the world.

Another 2011 Celebrations program has a new emotional perspective called, "Living Out Loud," which is a monthly opportunity to discuss current events based on the monthly theme. This year, as residents travel to the 12 locations around the globe, specific topics will be discussed that are of significance in these locations. The topics will lend themselves to discussion. The purpose of this activity is to create an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts, feelings and creativity, thus creating an outlet for emotional expression and well-being.

"These program opportunities will encourage residents to think about the little things that connect us to people who lived thousands of years ago, and to those who live thousands of miles away," said Charles Richardson, Lifestyles and Life Enrichment Director for Brookdale Senior Living.

Along with the "Living Out Loud" program, Brookdale has implemented the "One Thing" program to add a purposeful dimension for residents. America, like many other cultures, values the wisdom of elders. By asking a monthly question; "What one thing would you tell a younger person about?" Brookdale will document and immortalize this wisdom for the world to see.  As a result of Brookdale's "One Thing" project, a book will be published sharing the collective wisdom of Brookdale's residents.

"Celebrations encourages the power of the six dimensions of Optimum Life at each community while using a common theme and topic," said Sara Terry, Vice President of Optimum Life. "Through this program, residents are able to 'travel' to magnificent places and discover the wonders of the world around us. We hope to evoke a feeling of great pride for our world, and stand in awe at the incredible beauty all around us."

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The company owns and operates independent living, assisted living and dementia care communities and continuing care retirement centers with 559 communities in 34 states. Brookdale is committed to providing exceptional living experiences within properties that are purpose-built, designed and operated to help residents live well while achieving an Optimum Life®. Brookdale Senior Living communities provide a daily experience of programs, services and care that are unique as a result of the collective talents and inspiration of the residents, their families, and its associates – demonstrating Brookdale's promise of "Our People Make the Difference." Brookdale is a publicly-traded company (NYSE: BKD). For more information, visit http://www.brookdaleliving.com.

Contact: Holly Botsford, Public Relations Manager, 414-918-5314, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living