NASHVILLE, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookdale Senior Living, http://www.brookdaleliving.com, the leading owner and operator of senior living communities in the United States, is pleased to announce the theme for Celebrations 2009. A yearlong life enrichment and dining program opportunity designed exclusively for its residents and communities, Celebrations offers themed experiences, special events, and enriching programs. In 2009, Celebrations, the foundation of Brookdale's lifelong learning opportunities, invites residents on an adventure to Dream. Dare. Discover!
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"Celebrations complements Brookdale's mission of 'enriching the lives of those we serve,'" said Sara Terry, vice president of Optimum Life(R) for Brookdale Senior Living. "In its sixth year, Celebrations is an innovative and powerful aspect of our programming, and provides unique and regular opportunities for our residents and associates to enjoy experiences that all tie into one theme."
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These opportunities and experiences touch each of the dimensions of Optimum Life(R). A way of life offered exclusively by Brookdale Senior Living at its communities, Optimum Life(R), http://www.brookdaleliving.com/optimum-life.aspx, focuses on six key dimensions -- emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and purposeful. The communities provide resources and opportunities that enable residents to understand health and life fulfillment, whatever their real or perceived limitations may be, by balancing these dimensions of personal wellness.
Developed by a team of Brookdale associates, the Celebrations theme of Dream. Dare. Discover! will offer residents and associates many ways to recognize the power of possibilities with unique opportunities supporting each dimension.
"Celebrations can take residents across the country or across the world, and provide opportunities to reminisce and make lasting memories that change lives," said Terry. "With the theme of Dream. Dare. Discover! we are giving residents the opportunity to take their dreams and imagination to places they have never been. We will take a journey to a place, a time, or a state of mind where dreams and adventures come to life."
Some of the monthly topics include exploring new places and learning more about elusive concepts or things. For example, during the Dream Series, residents will explore El Dorado, Atlantis, Camelot and the Seven Seas. During the Dare Series, residents will learn more about speed, film, victory and have a chance to discover the great outdoors. During the Discover Series, residents will venture into space, learn more about flight, discuss highlights of American explorations and venture into the Artic.
Several dining options are offered throughout the month that captures the culinary essence of the theme. During the month of the theme "Sail the Seven Seas" the Dining Services team will be offering a pirate's punch for the mix and mingle activity, chefs will teach residents how to make crab cakes during the monthly cooking demonstration, and the theme dinner will be "Black Pearl," which will offer a delectable array of seafood entrees to residents and guests.
"Dining Services plays a significant role in the Celebrations program," said Joska Hajdu, senior vice president of dining services for Brookdale Senior Living. "We are offered the opportunity to partner with other departments and make sure that this year's theme has 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."
"If we can encourage our resident to use their imagination to 'dream' about new skills, new abilities, new adventures, then we can 'dare' them to do something about it," said Terry. "Our goal is that residents individually 'discover' a new set of possibilities as a result of their dreaming and daring to act."
In addition, "Going Green" is a new offering this year. Each month a purposeful activity will concentrate on ways to go green in conjunction with the monthly topic, including the impact the activity has on the environment. For example, in January, the theme is Discover El Dorado, and residents are heading into the jungle. The "Going Green" activity is Save the Rain Water, and will encourage communities to save water and discuss why this action is needed.
"Celebrations encourages the power of creativity 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."
"Research has confirmed that those who have a sense of purpose and meaning actually live longer with a better quality of life and better health outcomes," said Dr. Kevin O'Neil, a geriatrician and medical director for Brookdale Senior Living. "The Blue Zones project found that a sense of purpose -- something that makes people get out of bed in the morning -- was a common trait in the longest living people in the world."
"Brookdale's Celebrations theme for 2009 encourages residents to dream, explore, and discover -- activities that give life meaning," said Dr. O'Neil. "What a fantastic way to enrich the lives of those we serve through hope and discovery."
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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living
