Better Living hosts a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Boomer) press event to launch
a new model of programming for Boomers

TORONTO, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - The Baby Boom generation is approaching senior citizen status and they want something different in seniors centres. Better Living is launching an innovative model of programming that addresses the needs of 'new older adults' and may serve as a prototype for the future look and feel of older adult centres.

A preview of the programs designed specifically for Boomers will be unveiled at:

Date: September 15, 2010

Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Better Living Community Centre in the Auditorium (1 Overland Drive, Toronto ON)

What you'll see:

    
    -   live Hoop-fit demonstration
    -   preview of a new web series "Gettin' Up There" with holistic chef
        Josephine Zappone
    -   Boomers on camera as they answer "Why is it so great to be a Boomer?"
    -   and more
    

Not content to take a back seat, Boomers are demanding programs and services that meet their needs. Better Living is shifting from traditional programs like arts and crafts to activities that focus on health and wellness, education, and social events.

Better Living's new program shift is based on findings from focus groups and a new research study released by the Older Adult Centres' Association of Ontario entitled "Building Bridges to Tomorrow". "One of the goals of the study was to help senior centres plan for the needs of the Boomer generation," explains Bill Krever, Research Coordinator and CEO of Better Living.

According to the study, the market share of Boomers in older adult centres has increased almost 100% over the past decade. The research also strongly supports the notion that senior centres are helping seniors stay healthy and independent for much longer, which reduces dependency on the public healthcare system and improves the quality of life for seniors.

About Better Living

Founded in 1969, Better Living Health and Community Services (previously the Don Mills Foundation for Seniors) has been providing programs and services to support individuals, families and communities in living healthy, happy and independently.

For further information: Sherri Helsdingen, Communications Manager, Better Living Health and Community Services, Tel: [phone] ext. 736, E-mail: [email protected]