Zip-lining, murder mystery cocktail parties, sushi-making classes, axe-throwing adventures…
These don’t sound like events and happenings traditionally experienced at senior living communities. And that’s precisely the point.
Senior living communities are increasingly adding enjoyable and educational programs and special events to their calendars.
Oak Trace Senior Living Community in Downers Grove and GreenFields of Geneva Senior Living Community in Geneva are taking opportunities for adventure, learning, exploration, and trying new things a step further. And it’s a significantly sized step.
The Lived Experience is a new initiative which was developed by Lifespace Communities, a leader in senior living. Lifespace owns and operates 16 senior living communities across the country, including Oak Trace and GreenFields.
“The goal of this initiative is to continuously strive to achieve best-in-class experiences that set a higher standard in promoting well-being and satisfaction. If we’re going to pave the wave in senior living, we need to do what has not been done before,” said Lauren Garrett, Director of Resident Experience and Lifestyle at Lifespace, and the brainchild and creator of The Lived Experience. “We want to enhance our residents’ experiences. At this time in their lives, we want to fulfill them in new and exciting ways like never before.”
She added, “Lifespace is a luxury brand, so our experiences should reflect that. Our residents should have opportunities that complement their interests and exceed what they envisioned their retirement years to be like. We want every day at a Lifespace community to be magical.”
Enhancing the Mindset
Lifespace Communities are already known for offering abundant programming throughout the course of every day in areas including fitness, lifelong learning, musical performances, outings, cocktail parties and more.
As The Lived Experience is gaining momentum, it is adding more variety to the mix. Examples in communities across the country have already included or have the potential of including outdoor music festivals, glass-blowing experiences, mixology lessons, zip-lining, indoor and outdoor sky diving, belly dance classes, and more.
Collaborating with their peers at fellow Lifespace communities, Lauren said the lifestyle teams are challenged to create more new, inviting and exciting offerings. “The key is that we are developing experiences, not just programs. We’re changing the mindset,” she said. “Our teams are creative and capable. This initiative is intentional and is being supported enthusiastically by Lifespace leadership. This is a priority for us enterprise- wide.”
Jessica Lazzara Cashman, Lifestyle Director at Oak Trace, said, “We are very excited to have the opportunity and support to elevate our events and bring more excitement and joy to our residents.”
Setting Sale for Adventures
Lauren likens The Lived Experience lifestyle offerings to those of an upscale ocean cruise. The ‘roadmap’ for the initiative is divided into four categories: Ashore Excursions, All-Inclusive Experiences, Culture on Deck, and Aboard, Not Overboard.
Ashore Excursions
The Ashore Excursions category features outings for experiences, classes, and adventures off-site from the community.
GreenFields residents have recently enjoyed a cruise on the Fox River, with a boxed lunch. They are currently planning a cooking class at a popular area restaurant. “We’re in such a great area so it’s wonderful to be able to take advantage of our location. The residents enjoy being out-and-about together,” said Kaitlyn Melendy, Lifestyle Director at GreenFields.
Trying something new and trendy, Jessica planned an axe-throwing event for residents at Oak Trace. “They were a little bit reluctant but also excited about giving this a try,” she said.
All Inclusive (Exclusive)
This immersive category of The Lived Experience features programs that are hosted at high-end restaurants and on cruise ships but not typically at senior living communities, explained Lauren. Because the event is onsite, it’s more easily accessible and convenient for all residents to participate.
As an All-Inclusive event, Oak Trace fashion plate residents were recruited to strut their stuff as the models at a recent fashion show at the community. Apparel was provided by the popular retailer, Chicos.
Greenfields recently transformed their Friendship Hall into a miniature golf course. “There was a resident who is in a wheelchair, who wasn’t going to ‘bother’ coming to the event as she didn’t think she could participate,” said Kaitlyn. “We put a golf club in her hands, and she was able to play just like everyone else. It was really fun for her and this completely fulfills the objective of creating something exciting for everyone.”
Culture on Deck
Many of the residents in Lifespace Communities are well-traveled. The Culture on Deck category transforms space onsite to provide cultural experiences similar to what residents have enjoyed while also introducing new offerings to explore.
These have included Oak Trace’s celebrations of United Nations Day, Diwali, and the Chinese New Year. GreenFields has festively observed Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, and more.
Aboard, Not Overboard
Focusing on intergenerational programs, Aboard, Not Overboard brings generations together. “This bodes well for residents who love spending or investing time with younger populations. It’s also a great way for the next wave of the workforce to see senior living as a positive, engaging field,” said Lauren.
Experiences include a back-to-school drive, Lego events, kite flying, March Madness competitions, and more.
Turning the Industry on its Head
Lauren said that The Lived Experience anticipates and then meets and exceeds the hopes and expectations for the retirement of today’s active older adults. “Residents and future residents are raising the bar for senior living, and Lifespace intends to lead with innovation. We want to turn senior living on its head and tremendously impact the industry’s future.”
She concluded, “We want to encourage residents to keep living their aspirations. Our residents have worked hard their entire lives to achieve their retirement years. If we create more experiential communities and provide a model for the industry to do better, every resident will forget how they ever had time to work with such fulfilled retirement years.”
