Seniors briefed on Masterpiece Living

A new retirement lifestyle program could lead to longer and happier lives for residents within senior living communities, according to Roger Landry, a physician who is an expert on aging and a consultant to Las Ventanas, a life care community under development by Westport Advisors Ltd. and Greystone Communities Inc.

Landry said the developers have introduced the Masterpiece Living program at several life care communities they own and manage.

"By bringing together lifestyle elements that allow residents to achieve their personal best throughout various life changes, Masterpiece Living will provide seniors with individualized plans to guide them in achieving personal goals for growth and development. This revolutionary program empowers seniors with the tools to stay productive and fully engaged for a longer, healthier and happier life," Landry told more than 180 people at a recent seminar sponsored by Las Ventanas.

"Through the creation of personalized programs, Masterpiece Living is setting the stage for a revolutionary retirement lifestyle that frees individuals to achieve new heights of wellness, activity and personal growth."

The program will be tested for one year.

Landry said the elements of Masterpiece Living represent conclusions drawn from a 10-year study on "Successful Aging" funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The study found that people can age with vitality if they have self-esteem, a strong network of positive relationships, and a lifestyle encouraging high physical and intellectual performance, as well as emotional and spiritual strength. In addition, the study concluded that the aging process is determined 70 percent by lifestyle choices and 30 percent by genetics.

"Research is showing clearly that we lose what we don't use. It is telling us that it is possible to live long without significant disability if we maintain our physical and mental skills, reduce our risk for disease and injury, and stay productive and engaged in life," Landry said.

The program complements the advice of a personal physician, and begins with a review of factors such as overall health, personal interests and values. From this, a personalized plan is developed based on a wellness profile. Afterward, a lifestyle coordinator and Mayo Clinic resources become key facilitators.

Suzanne Caldarello, marketing director at Las Ventanas, believes the program could be an ideal complement to the life care community.

"We ... are looking forward to the results of the Masterpiece Living pilot programs, and the potential of seeing our residents benefit," she said.

Las Ventanas will be built on 17 acres at the corner of West Charleston Boulevard and Town Center Drive. It will be landscaped and feature independent living luxury apartment homes.

The community will also have 60 private assisted-living suites and 60 private skilled nursing care rooms that can be accessed by an enclosed walkway from the independent living complex, when and if the additional services are needed.

Amenities and services will include all-electric kitchens, washers and dryers, 24-hour emergency call system and security, and paid utilities (except telephone). Meals will also be included as will weekly housekeeping and linen service, valet parking, basic cable television, health and wellness programs, social and recreational activities, and concierge services.

Common area amenities will include a swimming pool; lawn theater; performing arts center; main dining room, as well as several private dining rooms; library; cyber café business center; and barber shop and beauty salon.

Financially, residents may choose a simple traditional plan or a plan that allows for 90 percent of the entrance fee to be refunded to the resident or their estate at any time.

The information center is located on the first floor of Hughes Plaza at 10000 W. Charleston Blvd.

The office is open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

Dallas-based Greystone Communities has provided development services for more than 40 senior living communities in the United States. In addition, the company has worked with more than 250 sponsors in the development and management of other senior living communities nationwide.

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