Why are Seniors so Special?
August 13, 2014Each month we try to focus on topics that are important to the senior community. Our theme for the month is “Why are Seniors so Special?” I ponder this question on a daily basis as I devote my life’s work to solving the special problems that seniors face. By the numbers, there were 43.1 million seniors in the United States in 2012. Of those seniors, 23 million of them are considered “economically insecure”. By 2050, the senior population is projected to reach 83.7 million and comprise 21% of the population. These seniors will face a myriad of challenges related to economics, health, life changes, loss of independence and the list goes on. What are we doing about it? The answer is- A LOT!
I read the “Senior Housing News” and the “Senior Living Forum” on a daily basis. All over the United States there people working behind the scenes to make sure that seniors have enough resources. I’ll admit there are shortages of resources in some areas, but there are doctors, nurses, social workers, corporations, grass root movements, therapists, care managers and even corporations involved in advancing the causes of the senior population. Here in our own corner of the world we are working to transform Avalon Park into a multigenerational community-one where you can live, learn, work, play AND age. Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living and Memory Care is only the first phase of what we envision. We want to bring all the services and resources to Avalon that seniors need to thrive and live happily as they age.
At Encore we are actively involved in addressing the needs of the seniors in our community. Our Family Education series this month features our own Dr. Ariel Cole and Dr. Martin Hamburg speaking about the special needs of the geriatric population at Florida Hospital East. We have launched the kick-off for fundraising and recruiting for our “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” going on October 18th at Lake Eola. Our fundraising jar will be traveling around Avalon Park in the next month. We will be brainstorming this month with the YMCA for ideas on their “Active Aging Week” in September. Dr. Martin Hamburg will be discussing the latest research and news on Alzheimer’s on the “The Three Wiseguys” radio show on WMFE, 90.7 on August 12th at 6:30. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for all the community educational events and support groups in the area. I am so proud of the warm reception of Encore from the Avalon Park community.
Our construction is moving right along. I will be uploading construction videos this month as well as giving our deposit holders a sneak preview of their rooms! I am looking forward to collaborating with the businesses here in Avalon with providing services to the residents in our own “Carnegie Hall” which is what we have affectionately named our community outreach room. We have a lot to look forward too!
Please feel free to reach out to Tanya or me with any questions you might have about Encore at 407-413-5803.
Warm regards,
Brenda Lecco
