Author: Varsity Team

Larry Carlson is the retired president and CEO of United Methodist Communities. With over 45 years of experience in senior living, Larry is known for pioneering person-directed care, integrating cutting-edge technology, and reimagining dementia care.

On Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Larry explored the evolution of senior living, how AI and tech tools have transformed operations and improved staff workflows and why the industry must embrace innovation or risk falling behind.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU SAW OVER 45 YEARS IN SENIOR LIVING?

Early in my career, senior living pretty much was a watered-down version of a hospital. Nobody had a choice as to when they get up or what they eat or when they were going to get a bath. The biggest change has been around person-directed care. In the early days, people would move in, they would give all their assets, and then the place would take care of them for the rest of their life. And now you have all kinds of financial arrangements and pretty high-end operations and very sophisticated operators too. It’s really respecting the person—who they were, who they want to be, and how they want to spend their time.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES TO TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AT UMC, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

When I arrived at UMC, we didn’t even own a server, so we really did start from the ground up. One example I can give you is we found a product called VST Alert, which was a falls management device. The staff realized how powerful this tool was going to be. They came back and said, we need more of these. And then they became owners and advocates.

WHAT IS THE HOGEWEYK MODEL AND HOW DID IT INSPIRE AVENDEL?

TheHogeweyk model is really about normalizing life for people who have a dementia diagnosis. And it’s not just for the person who has dementia, but for their families and for the caregivers as well. That means living on more of a family scale. Six or seven people in a household, where you can come together as a family and sit. We became very intent on figuring out what’s the stress that’s causing symptoms, not just treating symptoms. Pain is the number one thing that is underdiagnosed in people with dementia.

WHAT ROLE DOES AIR QUALITY PLAY IN SENIOR LIVING?

Before the pandemic, everybody overlooked it. During the pandemic, we had these reverse HEPA filters that were trying to keep the air separate from room to room so that we weren’t spreading disease. When you really think about it, you’ve got a large population of people in a somewhat small area. So you need to look at your air circulation, how many air changes you’re making, and your filtration and humidity control.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE FROM YOUR BOOK, “AVENDEL: REIMAGINING THE DEMENTIA EXPERIENCE”?

That dealing with dementia is not a hopeless situation. That there can be joy in it, and that you can live the life you love, whether that be the family member or the person with the diagnosis.

This week’s Roundtable guest was Jennifer Soha from LCS and featured      a conversation about marketing strategies for senior living communities.

Jennifer explored the unique challenges and opportunities in marketing rental communities versus entrance fee communities. From strategy and positioning to audience engagement, she shared insights that can help shape effective marketing approaches across different senior living models.

“People tell me all the time, ‘I’m afraid I’m giving up my freedom,’” said Jennifer. “But once they experience community life, they realize they’re actually gaining more.” 

FLEXIBILITY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

Rental communities offer low-risk, month-to-month living with no long-term contracts or massive entrance fees. That kind of flexibility is a huge draw for older adults looking to maintain control over their finances and lifestyle—without being locked in.

AGING IN PLACE ISN’T JUST POSSIBLE—IT’S EXPECTED

With the help of health and wellness navigators, hospice care, and thoughtful support, most residents in rental communities are able to age in place. That means fewer disruptive moves and more continuity in care and comfort.

SKILLED NURSING ISN’T ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

 Not all SNFs are created equal, and having one on-site isn’t always the answer. Rental communities help residents navigate the right level of care—whether that’s a highly rated skilled nursing facility or a short-term rehab setting better suited to their needs.

THE NEW NORMAL? MOVING LATER IN LIFE

More and more older adults are waiting until their 90s to move into independent living, and sometimes even delaying assisted living too long. It’s a shift from years past—and a reminder of the importance of planning ahead before options narrow.

COMMUNITY LIVING NEEDS TO BE EXPERIENCED, NOT SOLD 

The best way to overcome fear around senior living is to let prospects see it for themselves. Trial stays, peer connections and firsthand experiences with active residents go a long way in shifting outdated perceptions.

MODERN AMENITIES, PRIME LOCATIONS

Today’s rental communities are newer, centrally located and designed for modern living. With updated fitness spaces, rooftop terraces, movie theaters and walkable access to shopping and culture, they’re built for lifestyle as much as care.

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.

We celebrated our 250th Roundtable meeting with a truly special guest. Diane Harris is an award-winning journalist, a speaker and an author with an expertise in personal finance and financial wellness. She’s a New York Times contributor, a former editor-in-chief of Money Magazine, and a former deputy editor of Newsweek.

Our conversation with Diane covered everything from retirement planning to solo aging, and included a sneak peek at some articles she’s currently working on.

Said Diane, “Wherever you are right now, there are things you can do to improve your financial situation.”

STARTING SMART, NO MATTER YOUR AGE

It’s never too late to take control of your finances. Small steps like bumping up retirement contributions or cutting unused subscriptions can boost savings and confidence. Prioritizing spending, building an emergency fund, and rethinking financial support for adult children can all strengthen long-term security.

SOLO AGERS NEED A PLAN

Aging without a built-in support system requires proactive planning. From naming a younger, trustworthy emergency contact to building a financial team, solo agers benefit from having structure in place. Creating a safety net helps reduce vulnerability and ensures future decisions are handled with care and clarity.

PRINT EVOLVES, DIGITAL EMPOWERS

Print media isn’t gone—it’s just different. It now offers depth, prestige, and a tactile experience digital can’t match. Meanwhile, embracing digital opens doors to innovation and connection. The key takeaway? Senior living communities can learn from media: diversify, adapt, and meet audiences where they are.

THE RETIREMENT DANGER ZONE

The five years before and after retirement are critical. Market volatility, health shifts, and lifestyle changes can seriously impact long-term financial health. Whether you’re retiring solo or as a couple, this window requires careful planning, flexibility, and often the guidance of a trusted financial advisor.

ADVISORS AS AGING GUIDES

Financial advisors do more than manage investments—they help people navigate big life transitions, like moving into senior living. From evaluating entrance fees to unlocking home equity, their insight ensures decisions align with clients’ goals, resources, and the lifestyle they want in their next chapter.

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. 

On a recent  episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Terry Farrell, acclaimed actress and sci-fi icon best known for her role as Jadzia Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Reggie on Becker. With a career spanning modeling, television, and film, Terry brings a unique perspective on aging, reinvention, and staying grounded in an image-driven industry.

Derek and Terry talk about her approach to aging, her break from acting to raise her son, and why she’s stepping back into the industry. She opens up about embracing authenticity, the influence of Star Trek, and how representation in entertainment is evolving.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OR PERSPECTIVE ON AGING WELL?

I think it has a lot to do with your mental attitude about it. I mean, no one’s getting a get out of jail free card from it. It’s just part of the process, right?

WAS THERE A MOMENT IN YOUR ACTING CAREER WHEN AGE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE A FACTOR?

I think right now. I quit my career to be an at-home mom at 40.  But now being 61, and I just got an agent, and coming back into it, I have to remember that I’m not as young on the outside as I feel on the inside.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNGER ACTORS ABOUT LONGEVITY IN LIFE AND CAREER?

Enjoy each phase you’re in. Movies and television are telling us stories about life and it requires all age groups to tell these stories. You’re never going to run out of parts you can play.

HOW COULD HOLLYWOOD SHOWCASE AGING MORE AUTHENTICALLY?

Hiring actors that haven’t had cosmetic surgery or are willing to look natural. If [studios] are demanding women to be ageless, then women become more paranoid about trying to be ageless.

WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

That I have enough. That I am enough. I’m whole just the way I am. I can stop being a chameleon.

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. 

The newest episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, featured a conversation with Scott Townsley, a senior living strategist and consultant with over 35 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of Third Age and Trilogy Consulting, Scott has advised countless organizations on navigating change, embracing innovation and preparing for the future of aging services.

Roundtable Talk host Derek Dunham and Scott explored the challenges facing senior living today, how the traditional governance model is failing and how senior living providers can rethink their approach to data and business models to remain relevant.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here.

WHAT ROLE DO STRATEGY, VISION, AND INNOVATION PLAY IN ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS

I think of those three—strategy, vision, and innovation—as a Venn diagram. When they meet in the middle, that’s where success happens. If you look at the organizations that have gotten themselves into trouble, it’s usually because one or more of those three is missing. Without vision and innovation, it’s really hard to have a viable strategy. And without strategy, it’s easy to just repeat the same thing that’s been done for 20, 30, 40 years.

WHERE DO NONPROFIT SENIOR LIVING ORGANIZATIONS TYPICALLY FALL SHORT AMONG THOSE THREE?

In reality, in many instances, all three are areas where organizations fall short. But often it’s two out of three. I find it really rewarding when a CEO tells me, “I’m not that good at vision,” because that honesty means it can be addressed. A lot of leaders come from CFO or COO backgrounds, so they’re not used to thinking in visionary terms. But recognizing that is the first step toward improvement.

WHY DO YOU THINK INNOVATION IS OFTEN LACKING IN THIS FIELD?

Innovation takes time and effort. It’s a process that needs infrastructure and commitment. But it’s also a word we’ve thrown around for the last decade. Just saying “we’re innovative” doesn’t make it so. Take the village-to-village model, it’s been successful in spreading, but the business model often doesn’t work without fundraising. One group we worked with offered a freemium version of it and scaled to 3,000 people in 18 months. Innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new. Sometimes it just means rethinking the model.

YOU’VE BEEN CRITICAL OF OCCUPANCY AS A METRIC. WHY?

Occupancy can be a vanity metric. If it’s been declining incrementally for 15 years, just reporting it against last year or budget isn’t enough. What matters is looking back five or ten years to see the full picture. Actionable data would include age and frailty at move-in. If those are trending up, you’ll likely see more turnover, which affects everything from staffing to marketing. Yet organizations still struggle to pull that data—it’s as miserable in 2025 as it was in 1985.

WHY DO PEOPLE HATE NURSING HOMES—INCLUDING NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATORS THEMSELVES?

The public perception is very negative. Our research shows that between 55–65% of respondents have a negative feeling about nursing homes. Even nursing home administrators will say they’d rather be dead than end up in one. The reality is that most nursing home beds are semi-private—there’s nothing private about them. To spend the most vulnerable time of your life sharing a room with a stranger is inhuman and inhumane. Small house models like Green House solve for this, but they’re still too rare.

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.