optimum life - winter 2008

Winter 2008

A BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING PUBLICATION

Music ofOur Lives

EndingAlzheimer’s

GoingHollywood

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Las Vegas Commercial Plant

According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Soul music

emerged from the African American experience by combin-

ing rhythm and blues and gospel. While forerunners of Soul

music were performing in the 1940’s the genre earned a great

deal of R-E-S-P-E-C-T in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

Ray Charles, Little Richard and James Brown are some of the

earliest Soul performers; Little Richard even proclaimed

himself as the “King of Rock and Rollin, Rhythm and Blues

Soulin.” Motown, the Detroit-based record label, introduced

many soul artists and songs, even though Motown consid-

ered itself to be a pop music label. However, Motown artists

like Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight did much to popular-

ize the Soul style.

Coming in February to yourBrookdale Senior Living community


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Optimum Life is a publication of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. OptimumLife is published quarterly and is available free of charge to the residents,associates and friends of Brookdale Senior Living communities. Subjects infeature articles are actual residents or associates of Brookdale communitiesacross the country or Brookdale corporate offices in Chicago, Milwaukeeand Nashville. Inquiries about content or suggestions for future articlesshould be directed to the Lifestyle associate at any Brookdale Senior Livingcommunity.

FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTSWelcome to the winter edition of Optimum Life®!A New Year is filled with promise and brings with it new dreams,

renewed hope and, most importantly, fresh opportunities. Iencourage you to embrace the dimensions of living an OptimumLife® this year, and hope the stories in this edition give youinspiration and motivation to commit to living a more fulfilling life.

Featured in this issue are stories highlighting each OptimumLife® dimension, including:

• Social: Read about a resident who followed the “yellow brickroad,” and had the pleasure of reconnecting with old friendswhile being honored with a Walk of Fame star.

• Emotional: Residents from New York are honored with aninclusion in a photographic essay depicting the powerfulrecovery story post Sept. 11 and their role in the healingprocess.

• Spiritual: Check out this issue for an opportunity to connectwith music more than ever before by taking the music themeon the road with Celebrations Road Trips.

• Purposeful: Brookdale helps to find a cure for Alzheimer’sdisease.

• Intellectual: In the spirit of sharpening your brain to preventAlzheimer’s and related dementias, a Sudoku puzzle isincluded to challenge your mind.

• Physical: Residents at The Meadows tell the story of what apowerful impact a good coach and exercise can have on theirOptimum Life®.

Also, read about the Institute for Optimal Aging, and how it hasengaged residents and associates to determine its research agendathat will benefit seniors to age more successfully.

This year we have a new year of Celebrations to anticipate,including a “Music of Our Lives” monthly music theme highlightinga genre of music. We all have a powerful connection to music, andit can oftentimes evoke vivid memories. I can recall a memory oflearning to play the piano at a young age with my mom and themetronome. I still smile about the fact that I never really “complied”with the beat, but chose to play at my own speed. I invite you toengage in all of the opportunities of Celebrations 2008 - “Music ofOur Lives” as it comes to life across the nation with residents andassociates having fun and celebrating life every day.

The New Year will bring many opportunities to engage in anOptimum Life®. This year, make a promise to yourself to focus onliving your life to its fullest.

The company’s commitment and resolution remains to you - ourresidents, associates, family members, business partners, and more– to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect,excellence and integrity.

SHERIDAN RESIDENTGOES HOLLYWOOD

CELEBRATIONS

ROAD TRIPS

FITNESS & FUNAT MEADOWS OF

GLEN ELLYN

STEPS TO ENDALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

MILESTONES

TO RECOVERY

DR. O’NEIL

SUDOKU4


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SHERIDAN PLACE RESIDENTGoes Hollywood

“We’re off to see the Wizard,” said

Gina Ensley Drown, Executive Director

of Sheridan Place in Dublin, Ga.

Instead of following the yellow brick

road, however, the team strolled the

Hollywood Walk of Fame to attend a

historical event in honor of resident Karl

Slover.

Slover was one of the Munchkins in the original

movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Nearly 70 years after the

movie premiered, the Munchkins received a

collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Seven of the remaining Munchkins made a fitting

entrance to the ceremony in Los Angeles on a horse-

drawn carriage followed by a marching band. To add

to the fun, the horse was magically of a different

color – lavender. The red carpet was replaced with

a yellow carpet to symbolize the journey on the

yellow brick road in the classic movie. Above the

stage, there was a huge rainbow of balloons

stretched across the sky.

“It was wonderful,” said Slover. “I was so proud.”

Slover was 21 when he worked on the set of the

movie, first released in 1939. He was one of more

than 120 “little people” bringing the fictional

Munchkinland to life.

“It was fun to work with all of them,” said Slover.

It also brought back many fond memories of

working on the movie. “The apple trees were rubber

and made faces. We all had fun watching themmake

the goofiest ones at Judy Garland (the main

character in the movie, Dorothy),” chuckled Slover.

Slover embodies the social dimension of living an

Optimum Life®. When asked what his favorite part

of the trip was, he answered, “The part I

enjoyed the most was when all seven of

the Munchkins got together in

Hollywood and sat around and talked.”

No stranger to traveling, Slover

mentions that several times a year MGM

will send some of the Munchkins to

events in different areas of the country, where he has

the opportunity to catch up with everyone. A

Munchkin co-star, Clarence Swenson, and Slover

were also in another movie together, and they have

remained close for a long time.

Sheridan Place associates Pam Green, Sue Carr,

Tracie Cannada, Stephanie Bruce and Drown were

there to cheer for Slover. The Mayor of Dublin, Ga.,

coincidentally known as the “Emerald City,” was

also in attendance to support Slover. The local

historian also made the trip.

“Karl is such a nice man,” said Drown. “He has

wonderful, engaging stories to tell. He truly is an

entertainer.”

When he was 9 years old, Slover came to America

with a traveling midget show from Germany. Later,

he worked for a traveling carnival, which brought

him to Los Angeles and, consequentially, his work in

the movies.

Slover’s film resume includes “They Gave Him a

Gun” (1937), “Bringing Up Baby” (1938),

“Blockheads” with Laurel and Hardy (1938), “The

Terror of Tiny Town” (1938), “The Wizard of Oz”

(1939), and “The Lost Weekend” (1945). Beyond

the West Coast, Slover also worked in New York

City at the Hippodrome Theatre with Jimmy

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B R O O K D A L E S E N I O R L I V I N G / 2


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Hit the Open Road withCelebrationsRoad Trips


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Country for six days from April 29 to

May 4. Beginning in Memphis, travelers will stay two

nights at the Peabody Hotel, home to the famous red

carpet parade of ducks to the lobby fountain. While

in Memphis, travelers will visit

Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home; cruise

along the mighty Mississippi; visit the

Center for Southern Folklore and the

National Civil Rights Museum; and

enjoy dinner and music at the

legendary B.B. King’s Restaurant on

Beale Street.

In Nashville, travelers will stay at the

unique Opryland Hotel, a city in itself.

Outside of the hotel, travelers will be able to

experience the Loveless Café, a spot featured during

May on Celebrations’ Dinner Dance,

live and in person for lunch; a city

tour; a visit to the Ryman Auditorium,

home of the original “Grand Ole Opry,”

the Country Music Hall of Fame and

The Parthenon, the only full-size

replica of the Greek Temple in Athens.

Also, travelers will visit The Hermitage,

President Andrew Jackson’s home,

along with a dinner cruise on the

General Jackson along the Tennessee River.

Other trip itineraries have yet to be finalized, but

possibilities include:

New York City - Celebrate Broadway and

Opera

• Attend a Broadway show.

• Go see an opera at the Metropolitan

Opera.

•Enjoy drinks and dancing at the

Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza.

This is an opportunity to make June’s

Celebrations’ Dinner Dance event –

“Dancing with the Stars at the Rainbow Room” –

come to life.

St. Louis and Chicago - Celebrate the Blues

Celebrations 2008 will not only open hearts and

minds with music and all its potential, it will also give

residents opportunities to participate in trips of a

lifetime.

This year, Brookdale Senior Living is in

the process of coordinating and planning

trips corresponding with Celebrations

2008 – “Music of Our Lives.”

“Celebrations continues to offer more

and more opportunities every year,” said

Sara Terry, Vice President of Optimum

Life®. “We encourage our residents to

participate in enriching, memorable

experiences by celebrating our lives and

hobbies together.”

The trips will not only give residents memories

of a lifetime, but they will embody

each dimension of Optimum Life®.

Intellectually, travelers are sure to learn

fun and historical facts. The trips will

offer many physical options, including

walking and dancing. As travelers come

together, the social dimension will be

opened more than anticipated and life-

long friends will be discovered. Many of

the places on the itineraries will open

the spiritual and emotional dimensions. Experiencing

a historical site firsthand oftentimes creates a

powerful connection. Finally, the

purposeful dimension is fulfilled as

residents wake up each morning during

the trip, eager to experience what the

day has to offer.

“With these trips, our culture of

caring goes beyond the walls of our

communities,” said Terry. “We are here

to help residents achieve life-long goals

with these new opportunities.”

Three trips will be offered throughout 2008 with

itineraries and opportunities to celebrate new

learning and the musical theme.

One trip focuses on Memphis Blues and Nashville




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Exercise has been deemed the single most

important health behavior people can incorporate

into their respective lifestyles. The physical dimension

of living an Optimum Life® includes taking actions

to improve cardiovascular fitness, as well as

strength, flexibility, and balance.

Engaging in a regular fitness program can help

retard and even reverse some of the effects of aging.

Many are trying to find the fountain of youth in

vitamins, supplements, and cosmetic surgery, but

none of these things compare to the benefits

realized in a regular exercise program. Not only

is exercise good for the body, but it can help

emotional and intellectual aspects as well. Regular

exercise can be a wonderful antidepressant, and

may even help avoid mood-enhancing medication. In

addition to keeping brains fit through intellectually

stimulating activities, regular exercise can help

preserve one’s cognitive function.

Developing FITNESS AND FUNat The Meadows Glen Ellyn

Brookdale Senior Living has demonstrated its

commitment to fitness through its Optimum Life®

culture. Whole person wellness is achieved through

fulfillment in six key dimensions of wellness -

physical, emotional, purposeful, social, spiritual, and

intellectual. The dimensions are dynamic in the fact

that what is done in one dimension influences the

others. Therefore, a regular physical fitness program

will have a positive impact not only in the physical

dimension, but the other dimensions of wellness.

“The good news is we are never too old to start

exercising,” said Dr. Kevin O’Neil, Brookdale’s

Optimum Life® Medical Director. “The benefits of

regular physical activity have been demonstrated

even in centenarians.”

The Fitness Center at The Meadows of Glen Ellyn,

an independent and assisted living community in Glen

Ellyn, Ill., has proven a great success in the physical

and social dimensions of living an Optimum Life®.

Opened in January 2006, the Fitness Center

features a full physical program including machines

to strengthen the upper and lower body, and a

stationary bike and treadmill for cardiovascular

conditioning.



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“I have been interested in fitness and exercised

for many years,” said Bernice Wunderlich, a resident

at The Meadows. “I was very excited when The

Meadows opened the Fitness Center. Bob has a

professional eye and noticed things that I would not

have seen myself, such as my posture and swelling

in my legs. He is very considerate and strives to help

the residents live a healthier lifestyle. I come down

three times a week and feel it has helped me

considerably.”

“At first I did not sign up,” admitted Hope Marsh,

a resident. “Now that I have, I feel it has been very

good for me overall. I come to the Fitness Center

twice a week and work out on the treadmill, in

addition to five other machines. Bob and Patty do an

excellent job.”

“I started coming to the Fitness Center in the

hopes of strengthening my legs. At age 90, I’m still

walking without a walker and do not want to use one

sooner than needed,” said resident Bud Etscheid.

“Now, I’m hooked on exercise. It makes me get up

and do something. I have been in the program for

two years and come down three times a week. I walk

mainly on the treadmill, but also use the machines

that strengthen my upper body. I feel that I would

not be walking as well as I am without the Fitness

Center.”

Pates and his staff are very outgoing and interact well

with all the residents. Pates is quite a team player, and

stepped out of the Fitness Center to play the lion in

“Wizard of Oz” when TheMeadows performed the show.

He enjoyed his acting debut so much, he also played

Alfred Doolittle in The Meadows’ version of “My Fair

Lady,” performed in November 2007. LeBlanc also

appeared in “The Wizard of Oz” as a Munchkin, and

danced in several scenes in “My Fair Lady” as a street

vendor.

Pates works in tandem with the therapy team as well.

LeBlanc works physical therapy, primarily dealing with

the pain issues and rehabilitation of residents having

difficulty walking or moving. Pates takes the therapy one

Bob Pates is the Fitness Instructor, Patty LeBlanc

is the Physical Therapist, and Mary Hibberd is the

Speech Therapist. Together, they see approximately

30-40 residents daily, with a combined total of

90 residents in the program – which equals about 40

percent of their total residents.

Pates is retired from a career of 50 years in

radio/TV broadcasting. Now, he is a certified fitness

trainer, and certified in training older adults. Pates

practices what he preaches and bikes to and from The

Meadows. He has participated in 63 marathons and

is a tri-athlete. He is also a professional sports

photographer.

In addition to working in the Fitness Center, Pates

also helps out with the therapy department so

residents can maintain peak wellness levels. Pates

helps residents use nautilus equipment to strengthen

upper arms, shoulders, and back, as well as hips and

upper legs.

“Comprehensive rehabilitation, fitness and

education programs specifically designed for seniors

help residents maintain independence,” said Lee

Anne Fein, senior vice president of Innovative

Senior Caresm. “Being proactive and practicing the

physical dimension regularly helps residents achieve

a sense of health, wholeness, and fulfillment.”

“We strive to keep our residents aware of the value

of exercise and therapy to maintain their physical and

mental health,” said Pates.

Many studies confirm the benefits of regular

exercise to improve physical, emotional and mental

health. For example, Medicine and Science in Sports

Medicine, the official journal of the American College

of Sports Medicine, found that regular exercise in

older adults shows improvement in cardiovascular

function and psychological wellness, and overall

functional abilities.

Residents have embraced the Fitness Center and

the benefits of exercise, and look forward to their

sessions. They may come for a variety of reasons, but

they all have the same result – excitement and

progress.




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Brookdale Senior Living

residents and associates broke

records this year while

embracing the Alzheimer’s

Associations’ Memory Walk challenge to “be on the

move to end Alzheimer’s,” and the Optimum Life®

purposeful dimension. More than 200 communities

and the corporate teams from Chicago, Milwaukee

and Nashville raised funds and recruited participants

to support the cause.

Communities and corporate offices conducted

many fundraising events with proceeds going to the

walk, including bake sales, hosting waffle breakfasts,

a chili cook-off, silent auctions and more. This year,

the team flexed their creativity to raise money in

unique ways as well, including selling stickers for

associates to wear casual clothing for an entire week,

and auctioning lake house rentals, prized parking

spots, and golf packages and fishing trips with top

executives of the company.

The Nashville office team

won the award for the “Highest

Fundraising Team” for 2007 –

as well as in the history of the 17-year Mid

South Memory Walk in Tennessee. In Milwaukee,

approximately 175 associates and family members

walked, and the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of

the Alzheimer’s Association honored them as

“Largest Team” along with “Most Money Raised by a

Team.” The Chicago office team raised more than

$14,000, an excellent achievement as well.

Altogether, all of the corporate teams raised a total of

nearly $105,000, along with the hundreds of

thousands raised by the communities as well.

In Milwaukee, Clare Bridge of Brookfield residents

and staff handed out apples at the half-way point

during the walk.

“The residents look forward to this event every

Residents and Associates

Take Steps to End Alzheimer’s Disease

More than 200 communities and the corporate teams from


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year,” said Erick Nowak, Executive Director of Clare

Bridge Brookfield in Wisconsin. “Seeing the

tremendous support and dedication of the walkers

warms our hearts.”

All associates and communities made a strong

commitment to the cause. Each of

them contributed to the cause in

many ways, including making a

commitment to walk, providing

baked goods, making cash donations,

purchasing items at fundraisers,

donating items for sale, volunteering

their time at fundraising events, and

even providing inspiration by sharing

their personal stories of the

challenges of Alzheimer’s.

“Seeing everyone come together to

support this worthy cause is a true

testament to the amount of care and passion each

person has for this industry,” said Mark Ohlendorf,

Co-President and CFO. “This dedication reinforces

our company culture of enriching the communities

in which we operate.”

“Brookdale Senior Living is one of the nation’s

leading providers of Alzheimer’s and dementia care,”

said Bill Sheriff, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “We are

dedicated to the care we provide our residents who

have Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, and

are committed to do whatever we can to raise

awareness and funds to help treat

and find a cure for this disease.”

Fundraising support allows the

Alzheimer’s Association to fulfill its

mission to eliminate the disease

through the advancement of research

and promotion of brain health, and

to enhance care and support for all

individuals, their families and

caregivers.

Clare Bridge communities of

Brookdale Senior Living focus solely

on Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Clare Bridge communities and other select Brookdale

Senior Living communities offer secure environments

and programs for those with Alzheimer’s and

dementia, where trained staff provide memory care

services and help ensure Daily Moments of Success for

residents.

Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville raised funds.

“corporate teams

raised a total of

nearly $105,000

along with the

hundreds of

thousands raised by

the communities”


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Recently The Hallmark Battery Park, an

independent living community in Battery Park City,

New York, had the honor

of residents featured in a

powerful national pictorial

essay, “Milestones to

Recovery.”

The pictures were done

by the award-winning

photojournalist Susan

Watts of the New York

Daily News. In 2006, Watts

was assigned to take

photos of the Battery Park

area for a special section in the Sept. 11 anniversary

edition of the newspaper. During her assignment,

Watts captured the area in an extraordinary way, and

truly showcased the rebirth of the area in the five

years since the tragedy.

One of the photos

highlighted is of several

Hallmark residents,

ranging in age from 85-92,

practicing the physical

dimension of Optimum

Life® during a water

aerobics class at the

community. Featured in

the picture were residents

Edythe Eisenberg,

Marjorie Watson, Jean Poirier, Ruth Harris, Judy

Schwartz, and Bernice Sherman.

Hallmark Battery ParkShowcased in Photographic Celebration

“Milestones to Recovery”



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This exhibit went from the New York Daily News to

a groundbreaking photographic celebration of Lower

Manhattan. The “Milestones to Recovery” photo

exhibition features 30 four foot by six foot

photographs displayed in custom

built aluminum frames attached

to the winding fence spanning

Battery Park’s walkway.

Adjacent to the World Trade

Center Sphere Memorial, the

pictures on the walkway

illuminate an uplifting chronicle

of the recovery and revitalization

of Lower Manhattan. The

photographs are a testament to

the strength of New York City,

Battery Park, and those who have

helped Lower Manhattan

become what it is today.

The exhibit was on display

June 28-Sept. 30, 2007. Whitney

Bryant of the lifestyles

department at The Hallmark,

and the water aerobics instructor

of the class featured in the photo

exhibit, helped organize the

group of ladies featured in the

water aerobics photo for a trip to

Battery Park to see the exhibit

and attend the special ribbon

cutting ceremony.

“I considered it to be an honor

to be part of the entire exhibit

because it dealt with Sept. 11

which affected our community

and the residents living here. Seniors are a very

important part of the rehabilitation of the

neighborhood,” said Bryant. “The exhibit warmed my

heart. Onlookers can tell by the expressions on the

residents’ faces that they truly enjoy the water

aerobics class, and are receiving fulfillment in their

life. We feel rewarded that we were chosen out of the

many photos that were taken for this project and

know that we are such a large part of the revitalization

of the neighborhood.”

“The exhibit was an extraordinary display of the

events of Sept. 11 - the day and

the years of recovery and healing

since then. It captured in

powerful, crystal clear color

photography the tragedy, the

destruction, the heroism, the

human suffering and the

wonderful change that has taken

place since then,” said Ulrich

Wall, Executive Director of The

Hallmark Battery Park. “I lived

through the disaster with our

residents, and some of them

were part of the display. It truly

gives me a sense of pride and

purpose as we relive those

moments and look upon the

phenomenal recovery since

then.”

“I was impressed by the size

and scope of the exhibit. The

location and arrangement was

above and beyond what I had

expected,” said Poirier. “To me,

the exhibit symbolizes a sign of

activity in a growing area. It

shows that someone is interested

in development and portrays a

variety of interests.”

“It was so nice to see us up

there, and the community taking

part in the event,” said Schwartz. “It was a nice

community feeling.”

The most important revitalization is anything built

for the young people that are now living down here,”

said Watson. “The most exciting part about living

here is the fact that there are so many young families.”

Sculpture memorial in Battery Park: For

three decades, this sculpture stood in the

plaza of the World Trade Center.

Entitled “The Sphere,” it was conceived

by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of

world peace. It was damaged during the

tragic events of September 11, 2001, but

endures as an icon of hope and the

indestructible spirit of this country. The

sphere was placed here on March 11,

2002 as a temporary memorial to all

who lost their lives in the terrorist

attacks at the World Trade Center. An

eternal flame was ignited on September

11, 2002 in honor of all those who were

lost. Their spirit and sacrifice will never

be forgotten.



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Institute for Optimal Aging

Determines Focusof ResearchThe Institute for Optimal Aging was recently formed

with help from resources of Brookdale Senior Living.

Governed by a board of directors, including Bill

Sheriff, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Brookdale as

the President of the Board, The Institute achieved

non-profit status on May 7, 2007.

Dr. Kevin O’Neil is the

Medical Advisor to The

Institute, and Caron Petersen is

the Executive Director.

The goal of The Institute for

Optimal Aging is to research

and study what helps people

stay healthy longer, and share

the information. The Institute’s mission is to seek and

distribute funding for research and initiatives that will

enhance the wellness of older adults. All of the

Institute’s projects are tied to the six dimensions of

wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social,

spiritual and purposeful.

Since literally millions of factors impact people’s

health, happiness and sense of worth, one of the

initial challenges The Institute faced was where to

begin when trying to decide which of these factors to

research. How should The Institute determine which

focus should receive priority?

To make the decision process more logical and

manageable, The Institute turned to Concept

Systems, Inc. This research firm has worked with

many large companies in the medical sector,

including the American Cancer Society and the

Centers for Disease Control, and helps groups make

an informed decision and an action plan when faced

with many options and lots of information.

First, The Institute and Concept Systems went to

Dr. Kevin O’Neil


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the experts: Chicago-area Brookdale residents living

at the Devonshire of Lisle, the Devonshire of Hoffman

Estates and the Kenwood of Lake View.

In addition to providing invaluable information,

all participating residents and associates exercised the

purposeful dimension of living an Optimum Life®.

Residents were truly making a difference for

themselves and all Brookdale residents. Associates

were helping to perform the mission of care on a

whole different level. The results of everyone’s

assistance will be seen in months and years to come,

a complete fulfillment of the purposeful dimension.

The Executive Directors and associates at these

three communities devoted months to talking with

residents, using the following prompt as the opening

for a conversation “One specific topic that should be

examined to better understand what seniors need to

live a healthy life is …”

Multiple sessions were held to get just under 500

responses from residents, associates, and friends and

family members. The 500 responses were reviewed,

and combined to around 90.

Then, residents and executives sorted the 90

phrases by putting the statements into groups and

naming each of the groups. Rating came next; for

each of the 90 statements, each person rated how

important each of the items is using a scale of one to

five.

Meanwhile, a group of selected professionals in the

field of healthy aging were busily reviewing current

literature related to the wellness dimensions.

Concept Systems then came in and took all the

rating and sorting information and combined it with

the research reports prepared by the professionals.

The data was analyzed and the result is a Concept

Map.

Thanks to the work of generous volunteers in the

Chicago area, the Institute for Optimal Aging now has

guidelines for its research and education efforts. Keep

watching future editions of Optimum Life® for

updates on the specific focus areas.

“The goal of The Institute for

Optimal Aging is to research

and study what helps people

stay healthy longer, and share

the information.”


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Continued from page 4

Hit the Open Road withCelebrations Road Trips• Attend a Blues festival.

• Go to famous Blues clubs.

• Participate in historical boat and walking tours.

• Eat at the Walnut Room in Macy’s on State Street.

December’s Celebrations theme, holiday, highlights

“Holidays at the Walnut Room.” With this trip,

residents have the opportunity to experience the

celebration firsthand.

“The goal of Celebrations is to offer exceptional

exploration,” said Terry. “We are giving residents the

opportunity to have fun and stimulate their minds by

discovering the birthplace of some of the most


SHERIDAN PLACE RESIDENTGoes Hollywood

Durante, the famous singer, actor, comedian and

pianist from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Some of Slover’s past hobbies include traveling

with MGM to promote events surrounding “The

Wizard of Oz,” and training poodles for show. “I even

taught one to ride a skateboard,” said Slover.

“I love Karl’s cheerful personality and positive

outlook on everything,” said Drown. “Even though

he is a “famous personality” he is down to earth and

is just one of the family members here.”

The event was a culmination of both the social and

purposeful dimensions of living an Optimum Life®,

and Slover couldn’t be happier.

He has been a resident at Sheridan Place for three

years. “The people are very nice, and I like my little

garden spot,” he said. After spending several days in

Hollywood, however, Slover was glad to come back to

the community, because “there's no place like home.”

influential music firsthand.”

Trips will be anywhere from five to six nights and

will be fully escorted. Select meals, transportation,

admissions and tips will be included in the total price.

Residents can sign up for one, two or all three of the

trips. A designated travel agent will take care of all

bookings, and residents will have the option to fly out

from their preferred airport. Trip opportunities will

be offered to all residents and a caregiver or family

member. Watch for final details, including prices and

dates, coming soon.

Celebrations 2008 - “Music of Our Lives” is a

yearlong event designed exclusively for Brookdale

residents, and is all a part of Brookdale’s ongoing

efforts to provide an exceptional lifestyle experience

for residents.

step further and keeps residents going with a regular

fitness plan so they don’t regress again. Pates and LeBlanc

confer on many issues regarding the resident to give him

or her the most effective program.

Hibberd is in the department as well, and helps

residents who have problems with speaking, swallowing,

and memory. She teaches residents to strengthen their

muscles to improve articulation, volume of voice and

prevent drooling. She also teaches strategies to retrieve

words and remember appointments, instructions, TV

news reports, and more. The therapy is structured to be

fun while improving an aspect of a residents’ life that may

be causing frustration.

“In addition to being very knowledgeable, Bob is also

very personable,” said Etscheid. “He treats each resident

as if he or she is the only resident.”

“He has helped me in many ways,” said resident Al

Stevenson. “Bob has given me a fresh look at what my


The Meadows of Glen EllynFitness and Fun


Date: 08-02-05Time: 13:34:35

Name: ____________________________


Signed: ___________________ Date: _________




Hallmark Battery ParkShowcased in Photographic Celebration

Milestones to Recovery

“I thought it was very nice to have an exhibit

showing individuals who are a little older maintain

an active lifestyle,” said Eisenberg.

This truly was an Optimum Life® event

incorporating all six dimensions for the community.

Viewers were affected spiritually when viewing the

transformation of the area, and how it has overcome

huge obstacles to be what it is today. The residents

being in the water aerobics class, attending the ribbon

cutting ceremony and a trip to Battery Park with all

residents to walk through the exhibit fulfills the

physical dimension. Socially, this event brought so

many generations and cultures together – both in the

pictures and during the exhibit. The purposeful

dimension is shown by all those, named and

unnamed, that have helped the area not only survive,

but thrive.

“It was such an honor for the Hallmark to

participate in this event. It was a true feeling of unity

among our residents and the community of Battery

Park City,” said Allison Miller, Director of Lifestyle

Programs. “This event incorporated all the

dimensions of Optimum Life® on such a personal

level for each one of us, as we were all directly

affected from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.”

Sherman has lived in Manhattan since 1948. She

“loves living here because the area has so much to

offer – the parks, the winter garden, and more. She

is pleased that the area has been developed.

Poirier agrees, “I chose this neighborhood

specifically for its beauty, convenience to public

transportation, and access to cultural activities and

events.”

“I enjoy living in the Battery Park area very much.

I moved from New Jersey, and this is the only part of

New York that I would live in. It is quieter and has

many parks,” said Ruth Harris. “My favorite part of

the neighborhood is the parks. The community is

next to Tear Drop Park and there are parks lined all

along the river. My favorite is “Penny Park” – the one

with all of the interesting sculptures.”

“It was very exciting to see our residents and our

community featured in this exhibit,” said Cheryl

Bambach, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We are

the only retirement community in Lower Manhattan

and our residents have played a very active role in

bringing culture, adversity, and history to Battery Park

City. It is always nice to see our residents interacting

within the neighborhood. They had fun with it.”

health is and certain exercises to correct problems. At first

my primary reason for coming was just to exercise, but

now Bob has helped to address hip and back issues. He

is a great guy to deal with as he knows what he is

talking about. I come in to the Fitness Center doing

a few little dance steps and Bob always joins me. I

have been coming three times a week for the last year

and a half, mostly working on the upper body

machines.”

“Bob makes me feel very comfortable on the

machines. He is very motivating, personable, and is

spiritually, physically, and emotionally involved with

all the residents,” said resident Lorraine Burmeister.

Pates and his staff has ventured into the social

dimension as well, and made the Fitness Center a

gathering area for residents where they come to laugh,

tell jokes, and make new friends while exercising.

“He is part of our better and different story,” said

Marie Gurnik, Executive Director of The Meadows of

Glen Ellyn.


Date: 08-02-05Time: 13:34:35

Name: ____________________________


Signed: ___________________ Date: _________



8

8

88

1

1

1

2

2

22

3

3

44

44

5

5

5

6

66

6

7

7

7

9

99

SudokuWhile living an Optimum Life®, keeping your

mind sharp is just as important as exercising your

body. The intellectual dimension can be enhanced

through many fun options, such as playing word

games, solving puzzles, and learning a new

language.

For many, numbers are intriguing. Sudoku, a

mind puzzle featuring digits, was developed by a

74-year-old retired architect, Howard Garns, in

1979. Known as a Japanese mind game, the game

became popular in the United States recently and is

featured in several major newspapers such as The New

York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe.

Test your ability with the puzzle below, rated

“medium” in level of difficulty. The object of the game

is to insert the numbers 1 through 9 in the boxes

below so each row, column and box use each number

only once.

�


Date: 08-02-05Time: 13:34:35

Name: ____________________________


Signed: ___________________ Date: _________


“Proud to serve the residents and associates of Brookdale Senior Living,and in support of everyone achieving an Optimum Life®”

S P ON S O R S H I P P R OG R AM

PLATINUMSPONSOR

SILVERSPONSOR

GOLDSPONSOR

SILVERSPONSOR

SILVERSPONSOR

SILVERSPONSOR


Date: 08-02-05Time: 13:34:35

Name: ____________________________


Signed: ___________________ Date: _________


Enhance Your Diet to Include “Super Foods”“Super foods” refers to food items that are full of nutrients,studied and proven to support good health.

“We help our residents tap into the benefits of these “super foods” by usingmany of these in the daily menu choices at our communities,” said Joska Hajdu,Senior Vice President of Dining Services for Brookdale Senior Living.

It has been found through recent research that whole foods are the best way togain the benefit of these nutrients.

Some examples of “super foods” include:

NUTS• Have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.• Are an excellent source of protein, Omega 3 fats, fiber and important antioxidantssuch as vitamin E and selenium. Antioxidants may help protect the body from freeradical damage. Free radicals destroy normal, healthy cells and cause disease.

POMEGRANATES• Contain some of the highest levels of beneficial antioxidants.• In fact, pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most otherfruit juices, red wine or green tea.

BERRIES• Are full of vitamin C, folate, and fiber.• Are some of the most powerful disease-fighting foods available.

TEA• Contains polyphenols, which give tea its antioxidant properties.• Interestingly, most herbal teas, however, do not contain the “beneficial”antioxidants.

TOMATOES• Contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce some cancers andheart disease.• The most compelling evidence so far is the role of lycopene in prostate cancerprevention.

CHOCOLATE• Contains flavonoids, a type of good antioxidant.• Especially dark chocolate contains about eight times the antioxidants found instrawberries.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES• Help prevent cancer and strokes.• Studies affirm that eating more fruits and vegetables may prevent breast cancerfrom returning among breast cancer survivors.

Job Name: 80260_Winter MagPDF Page: Revised_BC.p1.pdf

Date: 08-02-05Time: 13:33:34

Name: ____________________________


Signed: ___________________ Date: _________


optimum life - winter 2008

Documents

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ol winter mag

winter magpdf page

brookdale corporate

winter edition of optimum

actual residents

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