Tag: healthy aging

QUOTES

“It’s not healthy to go through life dreading your future and feeling disconnected from the person you hope to become.” (Ashton)

“The fact is that people as we age, we grow more different from one another. Heterogeneity. Diversity increases with age.” (Ashton)

“The whole notion of retirement is obsolete.” (Ashton)

“As long as we see older people as other than us, we are feeding the denial in which ageism takes root.” (Ashton)

“We know that our years make us us, that we are the sum of all these experiences.” (Ashton)

“We live well by adapting to these changes, not by pretending they’re never going to come for us.” (Ashton)

“I used to think, gee, I hope I never get like that. And now I think maybe she’s off for a hot date. We have no idea what her life is like, but I guarantee you it’s richer than most of us think it is.” (Ashton)

“The one thing we can control is our attitudes. We change our attitudes by educating ourselves about aging.” (Ashton)

“We contain all the ages we have ever been, but we can build on what we know.” (Ashton)

 

NOTES

Ashton Applewhite is an author, activist and internationally recognized expert on ageism who has spent more than two decades challenging stereotypes about growing older. She is the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, and her TED Talk, Let’s End Ageism, has reached millions of viewers worldwide.

Ashton is co-founder of Old School, a free online resource hub dedicated to raising awareness of ageism and advancing age equity. The platform brings together educational materials, research, campaigns and practical tools to help individuals and organizations recognize age-based prejudice and challenge stereotypes about aging.

Ashton also writes the Substack Things I Used to Say and maintains an archive of her long-running blog, Yo, Is This Ageist?, where she explores everyday examples of ageism and helps readers question assumptions about age.

Ageism often begins with unconscious assumptions about people based on how old we think they are. Even seemingly harmless phrases like “senior moment,” “young at heart” and “years young” can reinforce the idea that youth is inherently better than old age.

One of the most persistent myths about aging is that older people are all alike. In reality, people become increasingly different from one another as they age, making broad generational labels and age-based assumptions particularly misleading.

Thinking of ageism as prejudice against our future selves can help change our attitudes. Ashton encourages people to become “old people in training,” acknowledging that growing older is part of life and building connections with the older people they may one day become.

Our attitudes toward aging can influence our physical and cognitive health. Ashton highlighted research showing that people with more positive, accurate views of aging experience better health outcomes and may be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, even when genetically predisposed.

The concept of “successful aging” can reinforce harmful stereotypes by suggesting that aging well means remaining youthful, physically active and independent. Ashton argues that adapting to life’s changes, including disability and declining physical abilities, is an important part of living well.

Senior living marketing can unintentionally reinforce ageism by exclusively portraying attractive, physically fit older adults enjoying active lifestyles. More authentic representation should include people with mobility aids, disabilities and different levels of physical and cognitive ability.

AI and emerging technologies have potential to address social isolation and improve older adults’ lives, but they also carry risks. Ashton cautioned that technology can perpetuate human biases and should never become a substitute for human connection, companionship and touch.

Strong social relationships are among the most important contributors to a fulfilling later life. Ashton encourages people to build friendships across generations, challenge their own biases and recognize that growing older can bring greater freedom, self-awareness and opportunities for personal growth.

The following is a recap from Varsity’s Roundtable, 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. 

Ageism often shows up in ways we don’t even recognize, from everyday language to the images and messages used to portray older adults. Challenging those stereotypes starts with rethinking our own assumptions about aging and embracing a more realistic, inclusive picture of growing older.

Ashton Applewhite, activist, internationally recognized ageism expert, and author of the book This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable to explore how ageism shapes our attitudes, influences health and well-being and affects the way senior living communities communicate with older adults. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

AGEISM OFTEN HIDES IN EVERYDAY LANGUAGE

Phrases like “senior moment” or “I don’t feel old” can reinforce negative assumptions about aging. Recognizing ageism starts with questioning the stereotypes and judgments behind our words.

SENIOR LIVING MARKETING NEEDS A MORE AUTHENTIC PICTURE OF AGING

Images of healthy, active older adults can challenge stereotypes, but showing only physically fit residents creates unrealistic expectations. Communities should represent the full diversity of aging, including people who use mobility aids.

HIDING THE REALITIES OF AGING CAN MAKE FEARS WORSE

Avoiding conversations about disability, dementia and loss can reinforce the fears senior living organizations hope to overcome. Acknowledging these realities while celebrating the opportunities of later life creates a more balanced picture of aging.

OUR BELIEFS ABOUT AGING CAN AFFECT OUR HEALTH

Research suggests that people with more accurate, less fear-based attitudes toward aging experience better health outcomes, greater resilience and increased longevity. Negative stereotypes can discourage people from seeking treatment or adopting healthy behaviors.

CHALLENGING AGEISM STARTS WITH OUR OWN ATTITUDES

Recognizing our own biases, building meaningful relationships across generations and approaching ageist comments with curiosity rather than confrontation can help break down stereotypes and change how we think about growing older.

VARSITY’S FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Senior living marketing has spent years challenging negative perceptions of aging by showcasing active, independent older adults. But in trying to make aging look more appealing, have we created a new set of stereotypes?

The opportunity for sales and marketing teams is to tell a more complete and authentic story. That means celebrating the freedom, connection and possibilities of later life without hiding the realities that come with it. Prospects don’t need a picture of perfect aging. They need to see a community where they can continue living a meaningful, fulfilling life, whatever aging looks like for them.

QUOTES

“When I learned about the test, the first thing I said was, ‘Why isn’t everybody doing this?’” — Kiera DesChamps

“People want to know more about their bodies. They want to take more control over their health and interventions.” — Kiera DesChamps

“The biggest moment is when families realize symptoms they assume were part of aging, they actually may be a medication-related situation.” — Dr. Troy Veale

“What works for me might not work for you. Medications are not one size fits all.” — Lauren Bopp

“You’re taking this medication and it’s building up in your body because you can’t get rid of it. Your body can’t eliminate it. So then you get these toxic levels of the drug in your body which cause toxic side effects, the dizziness, the fainting, the falling, confusion.” — Lauren Bopp

“If you’re dismissing these side effects and they’re speaking up for themselves, saying, ‘Hey, I don’t feel right,’ you could potentially prolong an issue to the point where it could cause hospitalizations or falls that result in injuries.” — Lauren Bopp

“It’s not about replacing doctors. It’s about empowering them, giving them more tools to utilize whenever prescribing medication.” — Dr. Troy Veale

“It could be six months, it could be 12 months, it could be 18 months down the line to find out this wasn’t even the right medication for you.” — Dr. Troy Veale

“If she had it to start, then she wouldn’t have spent a year and a half taking the wrong medication, not feeling any relief, and then ultimately having to go to the hospital because of complications.” — Lauren Bopp, on her mother’s experience

“It’s more than a manicured community having the best colors. All of those things matter as well. But we also want somebody to have a healthy, happy life as they start to make this decision and their families have peace of mind.” — Kiera DesChamps

“I would like to see it treated as if it’s almost like an allergy. If you’re going to have side effects or you’re not going to respond to this medication, then why would your doctor prescribe it?” — Lauren Bopp

“Stay curious and never stop questioning how healthcare can be improved, because healthcare can improve as long as the technology and science are out there. As the science improves, technology improves, life improves.” — Dr. Troy Veale

NOTES

Dr. Troy Veale is CEO of PHD Laboratory and works at the intersection of laboratory science, medication management and personalized healthcare. He is focused on expanding awareness and adoption of pharmacogenetic testing and helping providers use genetic information to make more informed prescribing decisions.

Lauren Bopp is a molecular biologist with PHD Laboratory who brings a scientific perspective to pharmacogenetic testing. She helps explain how an individual’s genetics can affect the way medications are metabolized and how PGx results can help identify medications and dosages that may be a better fit.

Kiera DesChamps is founder of KD Consulting Group and brings extensive experience working with the senior living industry. After learning about PGx testing herself, she immediately saw its potential for older adults, families and senior living communities and has become an advocate for increasing awareness and adoption.

PHD Laboratory provides pharmacogenetic, or PGx, testing designed to help providers understand how a patient’s genetics may affect their response to medications. Using a cheek swab, the test can help identify medications that may work well, require caution or may not be metabolized effectively by an individual.

PHD Laboratory does not submit patients’ genetic data to third-party companies or future research projects. Genetic material is used for the patient’s test and then discarded rather than being stored for an extended period.

KD Consulting Group works with senior living organizations and industry partners. Through her work, Kiera focuses on connecting senior living communities with resources and solutions that can improve resident outcomes, strengthen the family experience and provide operators with meaningful points of differentiation.

PGx testing can help determine which medications may work best for an individual, which should be approached cautiously and which a person’s body may have difficulty metabolizing. Because medications are not one size fits all, the same prescription can affect two people very differently.

Some symptoms commonly attributed to aging, including confusion, dizziness and falls, may actually be related to medication interactions or the body’s inability to properly metabolize a drug. Dismissing those symptoms as simply part of getting older can allow problems to continue and potentially lead to injuries or hospitalization.

PGx is intended to empower physicians rather than replace their expertise. Instead of relying entirely on trial and error and waiting weeks or months to see how a patient responds, providers can use genetic information as another tool when selecting medications and determining appropriate dosages.

Lauren shared the experience of her mother, who spent about a year and a half taking a medication that caused significant side effects and eventually contributed to signs of liver failure. PGx testing later revealed the medication was not a good match for her, allowing her physicians to make a change.

Medication management can become particularly complicated for older adults who see multiple specialists. A cardiologist, primary care physician and other providers may each prescribe medications without always having a complete picture of the patient’s regimen. A PGx report can provide information that patients can share across specialties.

For senior living communities, PGx testing can become part of both resident care and the family experience. Demonstrating that a community is paying close attention to medications, side effects and outcomes can provide families with greater peace of mind while potentially contributing to fewer hospitalizations, stronger resident retention and improved quality of life.

Provider adoption remains a challenge in part because physicians and other healthcare professionals have significant demands on their time and PGx may not have been part of their original medical education. Connecting the technology to priorities such as patient outcomes, value-based care and reimbursements can help providers understand its relevance.

PGx testing is a one-time test because an individual’s genes do not change. Results can potentially remain useful as a person develops new health conditions or is prescribed different medications later in life, making the information something patients can carry forward as part of their medical history.

The guests see greater integration of PGx information into healthcare systems and electronic medical records as an important next step. Lauren compared the concept to documenting a medication allergy: if providers know in advance that a patient is likely to experience side effects or not respond to a medication, that information can help guide prescribing decisions.

Great design shapes how people feel, connect and experience the world around them. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Joe Lanzisero, a former Disney Imagineer who spent more than three decades creating immersive, story-driven experiences and now applies the principles of human-centered design to healthcare, business and everyday life.

In their conversation, Derek and Joe explore what Disney taught him about designing for emotion, how universal design can create better experiences for people of every age and how simple choices around lighting, sound and human interaction can reduce stress in healthcare environments. They also discuss the importance of curiosity and creativity as we age and why Joe believes maintaining a sense of wonder can help us stay engaged with the world.

Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT DID DISNEY TEACH YOU ABOUT HOW SPACES SHAPE EMOTION?

First and most importantly, it’s understanding the human condition. We hear, we smell, we see, we think. As we move through the world, different lighting, spaces, colors, sounds and smells affect us. When you’re designing for a broad group of people the way we did, you have to work at a higher level of basic human understanding. Then, based on the kind of experience you’re trying to create, you can drill down and be more focused.

WHY IS STORY SO IMPORTANT TO CREATING AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION?

We were always story-driven. There was always a story behind what we were doing. Sometimes we used known characters and movies, where people already had an emotional connection. Other times, we created a backstory or subtext that the design team could use as a measuring stick. Whatever we did needed to have some emotional touchpoint, something people were familiar with. Even with fantasy characters, you wanted to believe they were engaged in some human experience that made you cry, made you feel.

HOW CAN UNIVERSAL DESIGN IMPROVE THE EXPERIENCE OF AGING?

There’s a principle called universal design that I talk about a lot. The philosophy is that when you think about designing for the oldest person and the youngest person, you’re going to create good design because you’re considering physical limitations, capabilities and how people interact with design. Now as I’m aging, I notice things like how easy a package is to open. A very young hand might have a hard time opening it, and a very old hand might too. How can I design that to make it easier?

HOW DOES BAD DESIGN CONTRIBUTE TO STRESS OR CONFUSION?

Bad design is when you haven’t done the hard work of understanding how your audience, your guest or your user is really going to engage with something, what they’re coming with and what you have to provide them with. You have to understand that everybody comes to an experience with a different level of expectation and understanding. You need to strip it down to the simplest core design elements and story elements. Once you’ve got that, you can start layering on top of it. If you don’t start from that core place, you’re going to end up with bad design.

HOW CAN DESIGN HELP REDUCE STRESS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS?

I’m a big advocate of lighting and the effect lighting has on people. There are places where task lighting is important, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create little pockets or moments of lighting that warm things up and lower the lighting level. The other thing is sound. Think about where you can mask noise or add music. Most medical experiences are stress-inducing on some level. Anything we can do with music and lighting to bring that stress level down can make a difference, and they’re very simple tools.

The following is a recap from Varsity’s Roundtable, 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. 

Retirement planning tends to focus heavily on finances, but leaving a career also means navigating major changes in identity, relationships, routine and purpose. For longtime senior living leaders, who spend their careers helping others navigate life transitions, experiencing that shift firsthand can bring an entirely new perspective on what it means to live with purpose as we age.

Larry Carlson, a longtime senior living innovator, joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable to share his own journey into retirement and what he’s learned along the way. The conversation explored the difference between staying busy and finding purpose, separating identity from a job title and how senior living communities can help residents continue to contribute, serve and create what Larry calls a “living legacy.” Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from his discussion.

RETIREMENT REQUIRES MORE THAN FINANCIAL PLANNING

Leaving a career can mean losing the routines, relationships, influence and identity that shaped daily life for decades. Preparing emotionally and spiritually, and thinking about what a new “scorecard” looks like, can make the transition more purposeful.

PURPOSE IS DIFFERENT FROM STAYING BUSY

A full calendar doesn’t necessarily create fulfillment. Retirement can provide the freedom to shift from accomplishing to participating, choosing meaningful ways to mentor, serve, create and contribute without simply recreating another full-time job.

IDENTITY CAN OUTLAST THE JOB TITLE

For high achievers, separating who they are from what they do can be one of retirement’s biggest challenges. The transition creates an opportunity to rethink identity, establish a new rhythm and explore what might emerge when professional titles no longer define the day.

SENIOR LIVING SHOULD CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE

Communities can go beyond activities by viewing residents as citizens with experience, skills and purpose rather than simply consumers of services. Volunteering, mentoring, leading and serving can help residents continue building a meaningful “living legacy.”

RETIREMENT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ALL OR NOTHING

Experienced professionals may still want to contribute while gaining more time for family, travel and personal interests. Consulting, passion projects, flexible leadership roles and job sharing can provide a bridge between a demanding career and traditional retirement.

Read more about Joe’s views on experiential design in his book Magic Moments: How to Intentionally Engineer Transformative Experiences. Available on Amazon.

QUOTES

“Understanding the human condition, I think, is number one. We hear, we smell, we see, we think. And then, just as we move through the world, how different lighting, spaces, colors, sound and smells affect us.” (Joe)

“Walt had one foot in the past and one foot in the future. That foot in the past was always about understanding the human condition and understanding those things that never change, who we are as human beings and what connects us as human beings.” (Joe)

“One of the commonalities with all of them is that sense of community, that they all feel like they belong to something bigger than them.” (Joe)

“When you think about designing for the oldest person and the youngest person, you’re going to create good design because it’s going to be design that considers both physical limitations and capabilities and how people understand it and interact with design.” (Joe)

“I believe simple design is elegant design.” (Joe)

“For me, bad design is when you haven’t done the hard work of understanding how your audience, your guest, your user is really going to engage this, what they’re coming with, what you have to provide them with.” (Joe)

“I am a huge advocate of human-centered design. And that means getting more human touch points into the experience from the very start.” (Joe)

“I don’t want to lose, and I try not to lose, my sense of curiosity.” (Joe)

“I want to take the time to be able to dive a little deeper, to slow down, to notice the wonder again in the world. When we’re little children, the world is filled with wonder. And then as we become older and older and all the responsibilities and everything comes, the world becomes less wonderful.” (Joe)

“I never chose to be a creative. It wasn’t a choice, really. As far back as I can remember, I loved to draw and build things and dream and come up with stories, and it’s just a part of who I am.” (Joe)

“Take a walk in the woods. Go to the opera. Read a great book. The world is filled with so much wonder. Age shouldn’t play into your ability to tap into that.” (Joe)

“Trust the process. No man is an island. We always are working with somebody else on some level. Allow the process to flow. All of us is better than one of us.” (Joe)

NOTES

Joe Lanzisero is a former Disney Imagineer who spent more than three decades creating immersive, story-driven experiences for Disney parks, cruise ships, hotels and other destinations. His work centers on human-centered design, storytelling and creating environments that build meaningful emotional connections with people.

Today, Lanzisero applies the principles he developed at Disney to a broader range of industries and experiences, including healthcare. He also co-authored Magical Moments, a book exploring how human-centered design and storytelling principles can be used to intentionally create transformative experiences in business and everyday life.

Lanzisero was part of what Disney Imagineers called the “handoff generation,” learning from people who had worked directly with Walt Disney. His career included designing Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland, helping develop Disney’s early cruise experiences and working internationally in Japan, China and Europe.

Great design begins with understanding the human condition and recognizing how lighting, color, sound, smell, space and other sensory elements influence how people feel and experience an environment.

Disney taught Lanzisero to use story as a foundation for design. Even when an experience wasn’t based on a familiar character or intellectual property, his teams developed a backstory that served as a shared creative framework and helped ensure every element supported the same emotional experience.

Universal design asks designers to consider people at both ends of the age spectrum. Designing something that works well for the youngest and oldest users often results in a simpler, more accessible and more elegant experience for everyone.

Bad design often results from assuming users have the same knowledge, expectations or understanding as the designer. Lanzisero believes designers need to understand what people bring to an experience, establish a simple and intuitive foundation, then layer in additional depth for those who want it.

Healthcare environments can reduce anxiety through relatively simple design choices. Adjusting lighting, managing the soundscape and thoughtfully using music can soften an environment while still meeting the functional and safety requirements of a medical setting.

Technology should support human-centered experiences rather than remove the human element from them. In healthcare especially, Lanzisero believes people want to feel heard, understood and cared for from the very beginning of their journey.

As he ages, Lanzisero wants to preserve his curiosity and rediscover the sense of wonder people naturally experience as children. Having more control over his time allows him to travel, learn, sketch and slow down enough to engage more deeply with the world around him.

Creativity has never felt like a career choice to Lanzisero. Drawing, building, dreaming and telling stories have always been part of who he is, and this stage of his life gives him the freedom to explore creativity with fewer deadlines and business constraints.

Lanzisero’s advice to his younger self would be to trust the process. Creative work is collaborative, and learning to ease off, listen to others and allow ideas to unfold can produce richer results than trying to control everything yourself.

QUOTES

“The OGs of the internet really understand how to leverage technology to get the most out of it, but they also know when to turn it off. They’re the ones we should model when it comes to healthy boundaries and good engagement with technology.” (Ginna)

“People think older adults don’t know how to use technology. When you actually talk to them, they’ll be the first to say, ‘Why don’t you bring in a robot? Why don’t you use voice technology if it’s going to make life easier for the staff?'” (Ginna)

“Older adults see technology as an augmentation of what staff are already doing. I actually think the people preventing technology from becoming part of the ecosystem are often the staff themselves.” (Ginna)

“The reality is that older adults see the value of technology. If it’s easy to use and easy to adopt, they’re on it.” (Ginna)

“Gen X and younger baby boomers are the generation that’s exercising the most. They’re not doing chair yoga. They’re hiking five, ten, fifteen miles. They’re skiing. They’re living very active lives.” (Ginna)

“When I go on a senior living website, I don’t want to be overwhelmed by chatbots and pictures of everyone smiling. I want to know what your lifestyle is. What are you really about?” (Ginna)

“They like simplicity. They like elegance. Simpler is better—not because it’s for old people, but because it’s easier to find what you’re looking for. They hate clutter.” (Ginna)

“Technology is a means to the end. If it’s going to help me maintain my independence and still do the things I love in a different way, then that’s exactly how we should age.” (Ginna)

“I see AI as an assistant—a helper. It’s always human in the loop. You’re still in control, but AI gives you those little moments where you think, ‘Oh, I didn’t think about that.'” (Ginna)

“The whole idea of preventing a fall instead of waiting until someone needs help—that’s going to be a game changer.” (Ginna)

“The most successful senior living organizations won’t just operate inside their four walls. They’ll already be working with future residents in their homes years before they ever move in.” (Ginna)

NOTES

Ginna Baik is an aging technology strategist and consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations use technology to improve the lives of older adults. She previously served as Director of AgeTech at AOL and is a board member for LeadingAge California and Eschaton. Her work focuses on digital engagement, consumer experience, AI and helping senior living organizations prepare for the next generation of older adults.

Before joining AOL, Ginna held leadership roles at Amazon Alexa, HP and other technology organizations, where she focused on voice technology, connected living and digital consumer experiences. She is widely recognized as a leading voice in AgeTech and regularly advises senior living providers on technology strategy, AI adoption and consumer engagement.

Older adults are far more comfortable with technology than many organizations assume. Many were among the first internet users, adopted email decades ago and now use smartphones, online banking, travel planning and AI tools at rates much closer to the general population than stereotypes suggest.

Today’s active agers expect marketing that reflects how they actually live. Rather than showing passive lifestyles, organizations should emphasize adventure, lifelong learning, wellness and authentic community experiences that resonate with younger boomers and Generation X.

Senior living websites often overwhelm visitors with chatbots, floor plans and sales messaging before explaining the community’s lifestyle. Technology should personalize and simplify the experience rather than create additional friction.

The most successful technology feels natural and supports independence without calling attention to itself. Voice assistants, smart home features and AI should help people accomplish everyday tasks while allowing them to remain in control.

AI delivers its greatest value by removing friction from everyday life. Instead of replacing people, it should function as an assistant that anticipates needs, provides helpful suggestions and makes routine decisions easier.

Technology can play a major role in preventing falls, supporting aging in place and improving quality of life through smart homes, voice control and passive monitoring that respects privacy while helping older adults remain independent.

For senior living providers, one of AI’s biggest near-term opportunities is reducing caregiver documentation and administrative work, helping staff capture more accurate information, improve care plans and spend more time with residents.

The future of senior living extends beyond the walls of a community. The most successful organizations will begin building relationships with future residents years before they move in, using technology to support aging at home and create a seamless transition when additional care is needed.

The future of senior living may depend as much on what happens beyond a community’s walls as what happens inside them. As providers look to serve more older adults and strengthen their role in the broader community, many are rethinking how campuses connect with the neighborhoods around them. That means creating places that encourage everyday interaction, celebrate local identity and make senior living a more visible, welcoming part of community life.

Those ideas were the focus when Max Winters, Senior Designer at RLPS Architects, joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable to explore how thoughtful design can strengthen community connections, support healthier aging and help senior living organizations build meaningful partnerships beyond their campuses. Below are a few takeaways from his discussion.

DESIGN COMMUNITIES, NOT JUST CAMPUSES

The future of senior living isn’t about recreating everything behind campus walls. The strongest communities connect residents to the neighborhoods around them, strengthening both quality of life and the communities they serve.

SOCIAL CONNECTION HAPPENS IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS

Small interactions like a conversation with a barista, seeing familiar faces or gathering in welcoming public spaces play a meaningful role in healthy aging. Designing for those everyday connections can improve both physical and cognitive well-being.

BUILD PLACES THAT WELCOME EVERYONE

Mixed-use developments, public restaurants, shared gathering spaces and adaptive reuse projects create natural opportunities for residents and neighbors to interact, making senior living an active part of the broader community instead of a destination apart from it.

A STRONG SENSE OF PLACE CREATES STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS

Communities with a clear identity rooted in their history, culture and local character are better positioned to build partnerships, attract visitors and create experiences that feel authentic rather than generic.

CULTURE SHOULD LEAD, BUILDINGS SHOULD FOLLOW

Lasting transformation begins with programming, operations and organizational culture. As communities evolve, the need for new or redesigned spaces becomes much clearer—and much more effective.

VARSITY’S FRESH PERSPECTIVE

The future of senior living isn’t about building bigger campuses. It’s about building stronger connections. Communities that open their doors to neighbors, celebrate their local identity and create opportunities for everyday interaction will be better positioned to attract future residents and strengthen the communities they serve.

For sales and marketing leaders, that starts with thinking beyond occupancy. Every partnership, event and shared experience is an opportunity to reinforce your community’s role as a vibrant, connected part of the neighborhood.

Growth doesn’t stop with age, but it often begins with stepping outside your comfort zone. That was the topic in a recent episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk. In that conversation, Derek sat down with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Chris Ballard to discuss his new book, The Plunge, and what cold-water immersion can teach us about resilience, health and aging.

Chris explored the science behind cold plunging, why swimming is one of the best lifelong activities, how embracing discomfort can build resilience, and why confidence comes from taking action, not waiting until you feel ready. He also shared lessons from reporting on extraordinary people who continue to challenge themselves well into later life.

Check out the full episode here.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY DURING COLD EXPOSURE?

At first, your body reacts as if it’s facing a threat. Adrenaline surges, your heart rate increases and you become extremely alert. But after about 90 seconds, something remarkable happens. Your body shifts into a calmer, more controlled state. Researchers have found it’s one of the few ways to become both highly alert and deeply calm at the same time. Over time, regular cold exposure may also help improve resilience and lower overall stress levels.

SHOULD WE INTENTIONALLY SEEK DISCOMFORT AS WE AGE?

Absolutely. The key is choosing healthy forms of discomfort instead of letting life simply become more comfortable. Whether it’s cold exposure, exercise or trying something completely new, those small, intentional challenges build resilience. As we age, it’s easy to settle into routines, but growth usually happens just outside of them. The challenge doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to push you a little beyond where you’re comfortable.

WHY IS SWIMMING SUCH A GOOD ACTIVITY AS WE AGE?

Swimming checks so many boxes. It’s easy on the joints, which becomes increasingly important as we get older, but it still provides a terrific cardiovascular workout. The water also creates gentle compression that improves circulation, and because you’re horizontal, there are additional cardiovascular benefits. Unlike many sports, swimming can adapt to different body types and fitness levels, making it something people can enjoy well into their 80s and 90s.

WHAT’S A REALISTIC WAY TO ADD MORE ADVENTURE TO LIFE?

Pick something that scares you just a little and try it. It doesn’t have to be skydiving or swimming in icy water. The goal is simply to step outside your routine. Novelty keeps us engaged, gives us something to work toward and reminds us we’re still growing. The more often you challenge yourself, the more natural it becomes to keep seeking new experiences.

IF THERE’S ONE LESSON YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR REPORTING, WHAT IS IT?

Never underestimate yourself. I spent three years reporting on people who continually surprised themselves by trying new things later in life. That became my own experience as well. It’s easy to think, “I’m too old for that,” or, “That’s not who I am anymore.” But we often discover new abilities and new purpose only after we’re willing to step outside our comfort zone.

Gardening can do much more than brighten a landscape. Research shows it can help older adults stay active, eat healthier, find purpose and enhance overall well-being, making it a valuable opportunity for senior living communities.

Laurel Mertz, Senior Research Analyst at the Mather Institute, joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable to share findings from the organization’s new national study on gardening and healthy aging. She discussed the benefits of gardening, common barriers to participation and practical ways communities can create more accessible, engaging gardening experiences for residents. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

GARDENING SUPPORTS HEALTHY AGING IN MULTIPLE WAYS

Older adults who garden reported higher levels of gratitude, life satisfaction and purpose, along with more physical activity, healthier eating habits and a stronger connection to nature.

GARDENING MAY BE THE “SNEAKY EXERCISE” OLDER ADULTS NEED

Gardeners reported spending nearly five hours a week gardening during the growing season. Activities like digging, weeding and harvesting can help older adults stay active without feeling like they’re exercising.

INTEREST IN GARDENING EXCEEDS PARTICIPATION

Many older adults who don’t currently garden are interested in community gardens, hydroponics and other gardening experiences. For many, the barriers are confidence, space and accessibility—not a lack of interest.

MAKE GARDENING ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

Raised beds, container gardens, hydroponic systems, gardening mentors and beginner-friendly programs can help overcome common barriers and make gardening possible for more older adults, regardless of physical ability or experience.

TURN GARDENING INTO A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

While Mather’s national study didn’t find stronger social outcomes among gardeners, community-based gardening programs, shared spaces and group activities create opportunities for connection, engagement and meaningful resident experiences.