Senior Living Provider Takes Residents on a Journey of the United States

Program for Seniors Rekindles Memories, Encourages Exploration and Awe

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Jan 11, 2010, 01:12 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brookdale Senior Living, the leading owner and operator of senior living communities in the United States, will be taking its residents on a virtual "trip" around the United States during its 2010 Celebrations theme, Amazing Places of America. A yearlong life enrichment and dining program opportunity designed exclusively for its residents and communities, Celebrations offers themed experiences, special events, and enriching programs.

"Through Celebrations 2010, we will rekindle patriotic feelings, and allow ourselves to be awed once again by America's amazing natural beauty," said Sara Terry, vice president of Optimum Life(® )for Brookdale Senior Living. "We travel for the sake of curiosity and learning, but our American grand tour is more than an exploratory vacation. It is a celebration of us as Americans."

The monthly theme destinations are:

January - Las Vegas
February - New Orleans
March - Hollywood
April - The Wild West
May - The Everglades
June - The Carolinas
July - Washington, D.C.
August - The Great Lakes
September - The Grand Canyon
October - The Pacific Coast Highway
November - The Rockies
December - New York City

Celebrations is the foundation of Brookdale's lifelong learning opportunities. According to Terry, it is an innovative and powerful aspect of Brookdale's programming, and provides unique and regular opportunities for residents and associates to enjoy experiences that all tie into one theme.

These opportunities and experiences touch each of the dimensions of Optimum Life(®). A way of life offered exclusively by Brookdale Senior Living at its communities, Optimum Life(® )focuses on six key dimensions - emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and purposeful.

This year, Celebrations will focus on six series within the theme, and all series will be connected to an Optimum Life dimension. The series are:

Food for Your Soul - Emotional Dimension

This series will focus on self care activities that lead to higher levels of emotional wellness.

Creative for a Cause - Purposeful Dimension

This is an intergenerational opportunity to come together through creative activities with the purpose of helping a local cause.

America's Local Treasures - Social Dimension

In this series, specialties that make each individual community a unique place to live in America will be honored and celebrated.

Celebrating My Life - Spiritual Dimension

This series invites residents to celebrate moments of inspiration from their personal history. These life experiences will be shared and recorded. It will provide opportunities to explore the spiritual meaning of their life's history and journey, encouraging participants to pass on their discoveries with others.

Historic Journeys - Intellectual Dimension

Experience the rich culture of 12 Amazing Places of America by exploring the qualities which make each location unique. Residents will learn about historic cities and towns, geographic features, unique landmarks and curious attractions.

Walk America - Physical Dimension

From the famous Las Vegas strip to Times Square in New York City, residents and associates will log the miles walked as they virtually travel across the United States. Physically impaired residents can also earn miles by attending selected programming.

"Each monthly destination will be food for our souls, as we walk America, appreciating our creative accomplishments, rich history, heritage, and cultural identifiers which make us Americans," said Terry.

Just as food defines a region, several dining options will be offered throughout the month that captures the culinary essence of the theme. For example, during the month of the theme "New Orleans" the Dining Services team will be offering hurricane drinks for the mix and mingle activity, chefs will teach residents how to make beignets during the monthly cooking demonstration, and the action station will be ablaze with bananas foster.

"As we highlight the amazing places of America next year, we will also give residents a taste of each of these regions to take their palate on a journey as well," said Joska Hajdu, senior vice president of dining services for Brookdale Senior Living. "With all the flavors and delights of the monthly destinations, we will be offering food and drink that will have a powerful impact on our residents and associates. By planning unique meals and themed cooking demonstrations, the Dining Services team is able to show their passion for food to residents and their families."

"Celebrations encourages the power of the six dimensions of Optimum Life at each community while using a common theme and topic," said Terry. "As we have proved through past Celebrations, there is great value and purpose to having a themed approach to celebrating life every day."

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The company owns and operates independent living, assisted living, dementia care, skilled nursing and continuing care retirement centers. In all, Brookdale operates 565 communities in 35 states with a capacity to serve approximately 53,600 residents, as well as operating a dedicated rehabilitation and therapy group serving its communities and residents nationwide. Brookdale is committed to providing exceptional living experiences within properties that are purpose-built, designed and operated to help residents live well while achieving an Optimum Life®. Brookdale Senior Living communities provide a daily experience of programs, services and care that are unique as a result of the collective talents and inspiration of the residents, their families, and its associates - demonstrating Brookdale's promise of "Our People Make The Difference." Brookdale is a publicly-traded company (NYSE: BKD). For more information, visit http://www.brookdaleliving.com.

Contact: Holly Botsford, Public Relations Manager, +1-414-918-5314, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living