Author: Varsity Team

Peggy Bilous, Vice President at SMASH, joined this week’s Roundtable to share her journey through senior living and the evolution of one of the industry’s most dynamic events. 

With more than a decade of experience cultivating SMASH, Peggy offered insights on how collaboration, creativity, and a deep understanding of the industry have shaped both her career and the event’s success. She also reflected on the changing landscape of senior living—and what it takes to stay ahead in a field that’s always moving forward.

COLLABORATION FUELS GROWTH

Building something from the ground up takes time, but collaboration makes it thrive. The SMASH team constantly bounced ideas off each other, keeping things fresh. Daily check-ins and open dialogue made all the difference in turning a startup into a lasting success.

SENIOR LIVING EXPERTS SHARING KNOWLEDGE

The senior living industry is filled with passionate professionals who truly care about their work. People spend their careers here, not just for a job, but to make a difference. Industry leaders are always willing to share their knowledge, offering guidance to those eager to learn.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN EVENTS

Event planning always comes with surprises—no matter how well you prepare, something will go wrong. Expect the unexpected, stay flexible, and be ready to problem-solve on the fly. The key is preparation, adaptability, and knowing that challenges are just part of the process.

ADAPTING TO INDUSTRY SHIFTS

The senior living industry is constantly evolving. Adapting to change—whether demographic shifts, the pandemic, or rapid technological growth—is essential. Collaboration has become more critical than ever, as providers streamline solutions and embrace new tools to work more efficiently. Flexibility and innovation are key to staying ahead in this field.

THE POWER OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Genuine customer service is key to successful sales. Taking the time to understand clients’ priorities and going the extra mile builds trust and long-term relationships. It’s not just about selling, it’s about helping clients grow their business by addressing their needs with care and dedication.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

For this week’s Roundtable, we were  joined by Christopher Leech, director of the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace. Christopher discussed how Wallis Annenberg GenSpace is rethinking aging services and innovating design and programs. 

Wallis Annenberg GenSpace is a modern, age-positive space that inspires older adults to learn, create, and connect through inspiring physical design and transformative programs.  

“Aging isn’t about what you can’t do, it’s about what’s still possible,” said Christopher. “We encourage members to build new skills, take on challenges and surprise themselves.” 

RETHINKING THE SENIOR CENTER MODEL

GenSpace defies expectations of traditional senior centers. With bold architecture, vibrant design, and age-positive programming, it offers older adults a space to explore creativity, build community, and redefine what aging can look like—active, inspiring, and purpose-driven.

PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE AND PROGRESSION

Rather than offering passive entertainment, GenSpace designs multi-session, skill-building programs. This structure fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment, helping members stay motivated, engaged, and connected throughout retirement.

MEMBERS DRIVE THE EXPERIENCE

GenSpace isn’t built for older adults—it’s built with them. Member-led feedback shapes programming, ensuring it evolves with real needs and interests. This human-centered model fosters ownership, empowerment, and meaningful connection.

BEAUTIFUL SPACES THAT WORK FOR ALL

With features like sprung flooring, circadian lighting, and intuitive wayfinding, GenSpace proves that functional design doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty. Every element supports accessibility while creating an energizing, welcoming environment.

CHANGING THE AGING NARRATIVE

From media to community spaces, GenSpace is shifting the conversation around aging. By showcasing older adults as learners, leaders, and creators, it challenges outdated stereotypes and inspires a more authentic, empowering vision of what it means to grow older.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Sharon Jessup is a consultant with OnePoint Partners, a board member of a senior living community, and an adult child with parents in senior living.  Sharon also joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable recently to share her unique, 360-degree perspective on the industry, one that blends strategy, lived experience and leadership.  

Senior living is the only thing I’ve ever sold in my career,” said Sharon. “But when you experience it through the eyes of a loved one, it’s truly a game changer.”

FROM MANAGEMENT TO GOVERNANCE

Joining the Porters Neck Village board shifted the view from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy. With a seat at the governance table—and her parents living in the community—Sharon Jessup now helps shape the future of senior living from both a personal and professional perspective.

SEEING SENIOR LIVING THROUGH FAMILY

Experiencing senior living alongside her parents offered a whole new lens. From dining and activities to everyday engagement, the resident experience became deeply personal—proving that connection, community, and involvement matter just as much as care and convenience.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH LISTENING

Whether mentoring colleagues, serving on a board, or supporting family, leadership is rooted in listening. It’s not about managing—it’s about guiding, teaching, and showing up. Great leaders stay curious, lead by example, and always make time to understand the people they serve.

A COMPANY WITH PURPOSE

At OnePoint Partners, purpose and values drive every decision. As a B Corp certified firm, the team blends financial insight with empathy, collaboration, and curiosity—offering tailored strategies to communities while staying grounded in the mission of aging services.

ADVOCACY THAT EVOLVES

The journey doesn’t end—it evolves. Whether advising communities or supporting parents, advocacy is a lifelong role. With decades of experience and a personal stake in the resident journey, Sharon continues to teach, advise, and shape the future of aging services with compassion and clarity.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Recently on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable we welcomed Adam Grafton, vice president of operational excellence at Aramark SeniorLIFE+. Adam shared how SeniorLIFE+ is leveraging technology from across Aramark’s business lines to enhance the senior living experience. 

From AI-powered staffing and facility management to frictionless retail and next-gen kitchens, Adam explored how innovation is driving smarter operations, better outcomes and a more seamless experience for residents and staff alike.

CROSS-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

SeniorLIFE+ stands out by blending best practices from Aramark’s hospitality, healthcare, and workplace divisions. This cross-functional collaboration powers smarter, more innovative solutions that elevate the senior living experience—proving that operational excellence often begins with shared insight.

FRICTIONLESS, 24/7 SHOPPING

Thanks to Amazon Market integration, residents and families can shop anytime using key fobs, cards or facial recognition. No checkout lines, no waiting. It’s a seamless experience that boosts satisfaction and convenience in senior living communities.

AI-POWERED LABOR EFFICIENCY

Smart dashboards analyze scheduling and sales data to align staffing with demand. The result? Less downtime, fewer headaches and more time for operators to focus on resident care. Technology lightens the load while improving the guest experience.

SMARTER FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Sensors track occupancy, air quality, leaks and more—powering real-time decisions that reduce waste and cut costs. Cleaning and maintenance are no longer routine—they’re driven by actual need, thanks to AI and data integration.

KITCHEN INNOVATION AT WORK

Sous vide and re-therming tech are revolutionizing back-of-house operations. Kitchens are cutting production time by 90%, reducing waste by 80% and serving more meals with fewer staff—all while keeping quality and creativity high.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Last year, we welcomed Lindsey Beagley  to talk about Mirabella at Arizona State University and how it redefines senior living through lifelong learning and intergenerational connections.

More recently on Varsity’s Roundtable Lindsey returned with Sherri Harris, a Mirabella at ASU resident, and Charity Morrison, an ASU student. In a unique Q&A-style Roundtable, Sherri and Charity talked about how they’ve forged friendships that span generations and offer a closer look at the ASU artists-in-residence program. 

IMMERSIVE INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING

The Artists in Residence program at Mirabella at ASU brings together doctoral-level students and senior residents through music and shared experiences. Students live on-site and lead nearly 400 events annually, building meaningful relationships that blur generational lines and create a strong sense of community.

SELECTION BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

Student residents aren’t just chosen by faculty—they’re interviewed, auditioned and selected by Mirabella’s own residents. This helps ensure a great musical fit and a strong social dynamic, which is key to the program’s success and longevity.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, PERSONAL REWARD

Student artists receive housing and meals, but the real value lies in the experience. Frequent performances, hands-on engagement, and deep community ties offer a level of professional development that traditional music programs simply can’t match.

A MODEL THAT’S BUILT TO TRAVEL

You don’t have to be on a college campus to make this work. With the right partners and a little creativity, any senior living community near a university could adapt this model to build intergenerational connections and attract residents.

FRIENDSHIPS THAT GO BEYOND MUSIC

The bonds formed in this program are real. Residents and students support each other’s goals, celebrate life together and often form chosen families—proof that meaningful friendships thrive across generations when people are simply open to connection.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Recently on Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, we sat down with Dr. Robyn Stone, a nationally recognized expert in aging policy and long-term care. As Senior Vice President of Research at LeadingAge and Co-Director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center, she has spent decades bridging the gap between policy, research, and real-world solutions to improve aging services.

Derek and Dr. Stone discussed the workforce crisis in long-term care, the challenges of educating consumers about aging services, and the role of technology in supporting caregivers. She also reflects on her decades in the field, offering insights on how change happens—slowly, but steadily. 

The conversation was filled with fresh perspectives. Below are just a few of them. 

YOU’VE SAID THAT SENIOR LIVING IS OFTEN AN “ACCIDENTAL CAREER”—A FIELD PEOPLE DON’T SEEK OUT BUT END UP LOVING. HOW CAN WE CHANGE THAT?

I’m actually an exception because I always knew I wanted to work with older adults. But over the years, I found that most people in aging services fell into these jobs by accident. Once they started, they realized they loved it. 

One of my primary focuses has been shifting this from an accidental profession to one that people intentionally pursue. We’ve made some strides, but we still struggle. If you look at the challenges in recruiting nurses, social workers, and even geriatric specialists, it’s clear that aging services is still undervalued. I think that’s tied to fundamental ageism in this country.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST GAPS IN EDUCATING CONSUMERS ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE?

There’s still so much misunderstanding. People don’t grasp what long-term services and supports (LTSS) actually are. It’s about helping people function independently for as long as possible, but it intersects with medical care because these individuals also have chronic conditions, acute episodes, and post-acute needs. 

Housing is also critical—if you don’t have a home that allows for mobility, your quality of life suffers. Most people still think Medicare pays for long-term care, which isn’t true. We’ve spent decades trying to educate people, but the reality is that most don’t think about it until they’re in crisis.

WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU THINK ARE MOST EFFECTIVE FOR RETAINING WORKERS IN AGING SERVICES?

The best recruitment strategy is retention. If you retain staff, you don’t have to recruit as much. Retention is about creating a healthy workplace culture with both monetary and non-monetary investments. Higher wages matter—we still have 40% of this workforce on some form of public assistance, which is unacceptable. 

But it’s also about training, strong supervisory support, and career pathways. Not every aide wants to become an RN, but they might want to specialize in geriatric care, behavioral health, or medication management. High-performing organizations are figuring out ways to create these pathways, which leads to better retention and lower turnover.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Change takes a long time. It’s a journey, not a destination. When I started in the federal government in the early ’70s, I was filled with hopes and dreams about making the world a better place. Over time, I’ve learned that progress is incremental. But you have to keep your eye on the prize. It’s easy to get discouraged in policy and advocacy work, but if you focus on long-term goals and stay committed, real change does happen—even if it takes longer than you’d like.

Want to hear more from Dr. Stone? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Brian Parman is the Director of The Point and Pavilion at CC Young in Dallas. In that role, he curates and develops a robust and expanding calendar of activities, programs, and events designed to nurture and enrich the lives of both CC Young residents and the Dallas community.

Recently on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable, Brian shared how The Point leverages its senior enrichment center to engage the broader community and create connections that can lead to future residents.

THE POWER OF “BLUE SKY THINKING”

Encouraging big ideas and pushing boundaries has led to creative programs, including a TV studio, lifelong learning initiatives, and engagement across all levels of care.

EXPANDING BEYOND RESIDENTS

The Point membership program started as a small amenity and evolved into a thriving community resource, bringing in non-residents who often transition into full-time residents.

INNOVATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

COVID accelerated CC Young’s embrace of tech, from a fully equipped TV studio to digital tools like Canva, Touchtown, and QR codes to improve communication and accessibility.

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborations with nonprofits, colleges, and local experts have expanded programming, from art and writing contests to wellness and music therapy.

A DYNAMIC APPROACH TO ENGAGEMENT

Monthly themed planning, live-streamed events, and a mix of in-person and virtual experiences ensure that CC Young remains adaptable, inclusive, and future-focused.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Dr. David Katz is one of the most influential voices in preventive medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. As the founding director of the Yale Prevention Research Center, a past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and a prolific author, Dr. Katz has spent his career challenging conventional wisdom on aging and health.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, he shared his thoughts on the pitfalls of “anti-aging,” the power of lifestyle choices, and how we can reshape our relationship with aging and vitality. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation.

OUR SOCIETY PROMOTES ‘ANTI-AGING’—WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS MISGUIDED?

Aging is a biological process. It’s like being anti-breathing—it just doesn’t make sense. Everything ages: rocks, the Earth, the universe. What bothers me most about the “anti-aging” movement is that it invites us to perpetually compare ourselves to a younger version of ourselves.

I’m 62. I practice what I preach—I eat optimally, I work out every day, and I’m extremely fit. But I don’t have the same muscle mass or strength I did at 42 or 22. That’s just reality. The goal shouldn’t be to fight aging, but to optimize vitality at every stage of life.

HOW DOES THE PACE OF CHANGE IN OUR SOCIETY IMPACT HOW WE VIEW OLDER ADULTS?

The world you grew up in gets left behind, and that happens faster now than ever before. My parents, who are 85, are vital and active, but they feel like roadkill on the information superhighway.

When they were kids, there were no televisions. Now, we have devices in our pockets that let us instantly connect with anyone in the world. The speed of technological advancement makes older generations feel obsolete. We’ve gone from a time when older people were venerated for their wisdom to a culture that increasingly views them as out of touch.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REFRAME AGING AS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE?

We need to celebrate what aging gives us, not just what it takes away. Yes, physical capabilities change, but you gain something just as valuable—wisdom, experience, perspective.

In many cultures, elders are venerated. But in America, we glorify youth while failing to honor the trade-off. Imagine if we had a magazine dedicated to the reflections and stories of older adults, just like People Magazine does for celebrities. We celebrate youthful beauty, but we don’t celebrate the beauty of experience and wisdom in the same way.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU AGE?

I was looking forward to peace—to being able to fully enjoy the bond I have with my wife, to spending more time outdoors, with my dogs and my horses. But life doesn’t always work out as planned.

I unexpectedly became an entrepreneur, founding Diet ID, which was recently acquired. Now, I’m still deeply involved in making diet quality a vital sign, like blood pressure.

That said, I do look forward to a time when I can truly unplug—to go “off the grid” for a weekend (or longer), to not be shackled to my phone, to fully be with the people I love. That’s what I aspire to.

Want to hear more from Dr. Katz? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Recently on Varsity’s Roundtable we recently welcomed Marvell Adams, Jr. of the Longevity and Inclusion Alliance Fellows Program for an insightful discussion about equity in aging. 

Marvell, a leader with over 20 years of experience in aging services, has held roles ranging from CEO to nursing home administrator. His mission? To address systemic disparities and create equitable housing, support, and services for older adults. 

Here are some fresh perspectives from that conversation. 

INTERGENERATIONAL DYNAMICS ARE EVOLVING

The conversation explored the growing complexities at the intersection of inclusion and longevity. As people live longer, intergenerational dynamics are evolving, with older adults and their families supporting one another in unique ways—whether through caregiving, helping with grandchildren, or fostering community connections. However, much of this sense of community has been lost.

DEMOGRAPHICS ARE ALSO EVOLVING

In the next 15 years, the population of older adults will grow from 56 million to over 80 million—a nearly 50% increase, according to census data. More than half of this growth will come from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), whose numbers will double by 2040. Similarly, the number of older adults identifying as LGBTQ+ is projected to grow significantly, though these figures are likely underreported due to historical gaps in data collection.

SENIOR LIVING SYSTEMS NEED TO EVOLVE TOO

This shift reveals a critical challenge: the systems serving older adults weren’t designed with such diverse populations in mind. While not a critique of their foundations, it highlights the need to adapt and evolve these systems to ensure they are inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of a changing, more diverse aging population.

MEET POPULATIONS WHERE THEY ARE

Marvell highlighted Keswick, a skilled nursing community in Baltimore, as an example of mission-driven outreach. They’ve invested heavily in a PACE program in West Baltimore, serving a population different from their typical clientele. Marvell emphasized that if people don’t come to you, part of the mission may involve going to them—through services like at-home care or community-based programs—demonstrating that outreach has no limits when rooted in purpose.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

As the Senior Director of Lifelong University Engagement at Mirabella at Arizona State University, Lindsey Beagley works at the intersection of higher education and senior living. Mirabella at Arizona State University is a retirement community on ASU’s Tempe campus, offering residents full access to the university’s resources, including classes, cultural events, and facilities. 

Lindsey joined us on an episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, where Derek and Lindsey talked about lifelong learning, intergenerational connections, life in the Peace Corps and what she’s looking forward to as she ages.

Here are some fresh perspectives from that conversation: 

WHAT MAKES MIRABELLA AT ARIZONA STATE A “UNIVERSITY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY”?

Mirabella at ASU is the first certified university-based retirement community in the country. It’s a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)—mostly independent living, but also offering assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. What makes it different is its location right on campus and the deep integration with ASU.

We have three full-time staff dedicated to connecting residents with campus life—helping them enroll in classes, get involved in mentoring, or find whatever opportunities match their interests. They have full student ID cards, meaning they can access any campus facility. And students come into Mirabella all the time—using spaces for club meetings, performances, and study sessions. It’s a true living laboratory for intergenerational engagement.

HOW DO TRADITIONAL STUDENTS REACT TO HAVING OLDER CLASSMATES?

At first, most students assume that older adults in their classes must be faculty or observers. When they realize they’re fellow students, it forces them to rethink what learning looks like beyond the traditional college years.

For many young students, college is a transaction—”I need to get my degree and get a job.” They’re externally motivated. But then they see someone in their 70s or 80s taking a class purely for the love of learning, and it’s eye-opening. It shifts their mindset—they start to think, “Maybe learning isn’t just something I do now. Maybe I’ll come back to this one day.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES THAT WANT TO PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITIES?

Flip the paradigm. Don’t just approach a university and say, “What can you do for us?” Instead, ask, “What do your students need?”

You might be surprised. Universities often need mentors, guest speakers, or judges for competitions, but it’s hard to ask working professionals to volunteer their time. Meanwhile, a senior living community is full of people with decades of experience who are looking for meaningful ways to contribute.

This is a huge untapped resource. Older adults don’t just want engagement for their own sake—they want to be needed. That’s the key to meaningful intergenerational partnerships.

Want to hear more from Lindsey? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.