Episode 6:6 Helen Foster Talks about Bringing Innovation from Outside the Senior Living Industry

Foster Strategy plays in the space of innovation with some of the country’s top life plan communities. Learn about new consumer preferences, unique ways of delivering amenities, and the types of intergenerational connection breaking down silos and changing the face of senior living.

About Helen

Helen launched Foster Strategy, LLC in 2008, and as principal and lead consultant, she collaborates with a select group of clients to envision and execute wholly new approaches to community development and resident life. Helen’s clients include some of the nation’s most innovative community developers and operators, including Rancho Mission Viejo and Willow Valley Communities – organizations with which she has been affiliated since 2004 and 1996, respectively.

She maintains a specialty in age-qualified (55+) development, and she is Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Lifestyle Residential Development Council. She is also Vice President of the Board for Willow Valley Communities and Co-Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Real Estate & Communities Initiative.

Key Takeaways

• There is a trend away from building redundant amenities and instead purposing intergenerational amenities at different times of the day.
• Amenity utilization should include accommodation of introverts, which was not a discussion 10-15 years ago. Passive amenities include places for relaxation and retreat that are detached from larger social engagements.
• Wellness real estate and wellness communities go hand in hand in a best-case scenario, but they are two different things. Wellness communities are driven by programming and speak to the spirit of connection between individuals.
• The desire to connect with nature intensifies as we get older. Walking paths and nature trails are critically important.
• Redundant programming in the day and in the evening will accommodate both retirees and working older adults.