Social Media Gets Profitable

New research shows that companies with the highest levels of social media activity averaged an 18 percent jump in revenue over the past year.
The study, conducted by social media platform Wetpaint and digital consulting firm Altimeter Group, looked at the largest U.S.-based companies and scored their social media activity based on their levels of interaction [...]

Senior Living to the Rescue

USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey has made national news of yet another way senior living companies are serving seniors and their families. Yancey writes about “respite stays” that welcome seniors for temporary stays, while caregivers take vacations or just take the time off they need to re-energize.
The article points out that respite stays in [...]

The Fight Against Ageism

It’s time to stand up and say that stereotypes and ageism in our society is unacceptable, says Dr. Joaquin Anguera, professor at San Diego State University’s Department of Gerentology. Anguera argues that American society made great strides in combating racism, sexism, and homophobia – but that when it comes to ageism, crude jokes are still [...]

Advocate Now, Provide for the Future

ALFA Update recently covered a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, which says the aging U.S. population could fuel an increased federal deficit. Between now and 2030, the number of adults over the age of 75 will double and the number over 85 will triple. But here’s the challenge: 60 percent of those older adults [...]

ALFA on National Public Radio

National Public Radio’s popular segment called “Marketplace Money” featured input from ALFA President/CEO Richard Grimes on Friday. The story, filed by NPR reporter Ashley Milne-Tyte, focuses on how the housing market slump has affected retirement plans and strategies, particularly for older Americans.

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Social Media Spread

The Chicago Tribune ran an article today that talks about cities in Illinois that are using Twitter as a reverse 911 system for the city to send information to residents. Cities are using the platform to communicate road closings or construction, missing persons, gypsy moth spraying, and other information to residents who sign up for [...]

Good News for Mr. Haubner

An article in ALFA Update quickly received more than 100 hits from the e-newsletter’s readers yesterday. This coverage of Larry Haubner – a 107-year-old assisted living resident who has outlived his savings (twice) – was part of a recent media push to tell Mr. Haubner’s story and raise awareness about the benefits of assisted living. [...]

Tune in Tonight for a Live (and Lively) Discussion on Senior Living

Tonight, BlogTalkRadio welcomes Jayne Sallerson, senior vice president of marketing for Seattle-based Emeritus Senior Living. Sallerson will participate in a discussion on financial options in assisted living. She also participated in a BlogTalkRadio show last month on the changing face of assisted living. Listen to that broadcast and be sure to tune in tonight.
Live broadcast: 7/1/09, 7:00 pm ET
Host: Patricia Grace
Call-in number: [...]

Even more proof that seniors thrive in assisted living communities

Senior living executives, frontline caregivers, nurses, and executive directors nationwide have heart-warming and inspiring stories about residents who are thriving in their communities. Once-depressed residents become active participants in community activities. Residents with mobility challenges become regular exercisers on the community fitness trail. And as the number of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s continues to rise, so [...]