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Page 22 — Health Care Properties Quarterly — April 2018 www.crej.com Senior Housing & Care C ertain images come to mind when we think of a romantic date. Perhaps dinner and a movie, or holding hands dur- ing a stroll through a roman- tic courtyard. While our thoughts often land on young lovers, it’s not uncommon for aging adults to establish romantic relationships – especially after meeting new people within an age-restricted or senior living community. While elder communities often have all the required design and program amenities for day-to-day comfort and health, there are many opportunities for programs intend- ed for meeting, mingling and even stealing away for a little privacy. In fact, many programmatic and design opportunities are inspired by popular modern dates, from outdoor movie nights to painting classes. Yet there often aren’t spe- cific rooms designed intentionally for these types of social or romantic activities. Instead, there are often one or two multipurpose rooms where everything from board games to crafts to social hours can take place. Through thoughtful programming, creative repurposing of the tradi- tional multipurpose room and a few staff considerations, senior care communities can promote small group interactions and encourage one-on-one connections. In this way, we can help foster meaning- ful relationships, playfully known as “senior loving,” within our elder communities. • Mixers, music and mingling. Programs and events designed to encourage socialization depend on the right space in terms of both size and atmosphere. Many senior liv- ing residences are designed with multipurpose rooms for pro- grams and events, and more intimate spaces can help promote small- group mingling and avoid the feel- ing of being mis- placed in too large an environment. If a large environment is all that’s available, strategically placed parti- tions or furniture can help with the flow. Additionally, designing dimmable or programmable lighting within multipurpose spaces can make a difference in affecting the ambi- ence. For instance, brighter light- ing used during the day or early evening can improve opportunities for meeting new faces and making acquaintances. During the later eve- ning or at night, lights that can be dimmed can create a comfortable yet styled effect for a classy happy hour, intimate string quartet con- certo, dance class or even a visiting comedian. When it comes to mingling, furni- ture also can make a big difference. High cocktail tables, low lounge chairs or cozy sofas can offer places for groups or couples to sit and talk comfortably. Portable dance floor tiles can create a quick and easy dance floor, and installing a small, removable stage can make events with musicians and other perform- ers more formal and memorable. Planning for dedicated storage attached to the multipurpose space also allows for multiple configura- tions within the space. With simple re-arrangement of furniture by an activities director or support staff, adapting an existing multipurpose space can be completely manageable and make a big impression. • Outdoor movie night. The words “dinner and a movie” create an image of a traditional date night in a movie theater. Yet outdoor movie screen- ings have become increasingly popu- lar group and date activities during warm summer evenings. Senior living communities with access to outdoor spaces can offer temporary or permanent outdoor seating perfect for socializing and enjoying films in the fading light. In some cases, these outdoor amenities are accessible through French doors directly from a multipurpose room. For programs like this to be suc- cessful, it’s important to plan for a temporary projection screen, or make use of a wide, white wall on an adja- cent building to project the video. What’s more, appropriate power sources for the projection and sound equipment are a must. • Alfresco dinner dates. More and more, architects and designers are incorporating traditional hospitality elements into senior living design. After all, there’s something roman- tic about a resort-style dinner in an open-air courtyard, or a private catered meal on the beach. While a beach scenario may be unrealistic, crafting these types of outdoor dining experiences is indeed possible. In fact, senior living build- ing designers and architects might choose to incorporate a gazebo or other outdoor structure, or even plans for a temporary tent or pavilion to promote such dining experiences. Even a small community patio or deck connected to a multipurpose room can offer a place for small- group or private dining opportunities. For opportunities like this, a col- lection of catering equipment and outdoor cooking implements like barbecue grills can make it easier to control food safety in the outdoors. Plus, fun décor, specialty linens, sun shades and strategic planters can create that “resort” feel. • Cooking classes. Cooking classes, wine tastings and cheese- or choc- olate-making classes are popular date activities, and this holds true for young people as well as elder com- munities. Many senior living build- ings include demonstration kitchens designed into community kitchens or multipurpose rooms, and these are ideal for professional chef dem- onstrations and hands-on cooking or baking classes, which can be fun opportunities for small groups as well as romantic date-friendly pro- grams. What’s more, the opportunity for groups to sit down, enjoy the food they prepared, and sip a glass of wine can be a nice cap on a romantic evening or convivial social program. For special dining experi- ences like these, staff may consider bringing in an outside chef or well- known cookbook author to promote different experiences and teach dif- ferent styles of cooking. ‘Senior loving:’ Love at any age, in any space Colorado’s Leader in Senior Living Quality and Innovation Recognized expertise in memory care, rehabilitation services, and tailored approaches to hospitality, optimal health and wellness, and select high quality housing options. www.Vivage.com 12136 W. Bayaud Ave. #200 Lakewood, CO 80228 303.238.3838 VIVAGE SENIOR LIVING Full Management Services • Consulting Partner • New Development & Design Collaboration • Market Positioning We create models that reflect exciting lifestyle choices for today’s seniors. Jami Mohlenkamp Principal, OZ Architecture Please see Mohlenkamp, Page 24