Known as senior living’s Ambassador of Play, Jessica Daily talks about the value of finding more opportunities for joy, laughter, and fun. She also discusses career opportunities and the progression of her profession from activities and recreation to programs and experiences. About Jessica Jessica Daily is the National Director of Resident Programs for Senior Lifestyle Corporation, a senior living management company based in Chicago IL. Jessica pursued circus arts and clowning for much of her youth. When she enrolled in the recreation program at SUNY Cortland, she disovered she could combine her love of the outdoors and passion for bringing joy to others.  She earned a BSE degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies in 2001. She began her career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a skilled care setting. She then spent 14 years at Walden Place, an assisted living community: 10 years as Director of Resident Programs, 4 years as Sales and Marketing Director.  In 2017 Jessica transitioned from Walden Place to the management company of Senior Lifestyle in a position of Divisional Director of Memory Care and Programming and was promoted to her current position in February of 2019. Jessica is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor, and graduate of the ICAA Leader in Wellness Management Program (2019).  She has been leading programs for older adults for 18years.  Jessica enjoys bringing purpose, passion and a sense of playfulness to programming for people of all ages. Key Takeaways Play has lifelong value. Incorporating aspects of play into physical fitness programs for seniors has been shown to improve energy levels. Senior living communities can build connection through humor and shared laughter. Laughter has multiple benefits including improving immunity, elevating mood, and relieving pain. Play can seem dignified or not age appropriate to older people. Avoid childish toys and supplies, choosing adult materials for art projects and exercise programs. Bring in elements of play through fun music or wearing bright colors. It could be as simple as wearing a pair of crazy socks. A lot of planning goes into creating meaningful experiences. The position of Activities Director has been elevated to Program Directors and Life Enrichment Directors.