PRESS RELEASE 

5 tips for healthy ageing

Johannesburg, xx May22: It is never too early to start looking after your overall health, and research shows that the earlier one commits to a healthy lifestyle, the greater the benefits in one’s older years.

Healthy ageing has become a major focus for many global health organizations, and for good reason. As the world’s population of older adults increases both in number and in proportion to overall populations, it is becoming more important to explore ways in which people can enjoy their longer lifespans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” According to the WHO: Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value. This includes a person’s ability to:

• meet their basic needs
• learn, grow and make decisions
• be mobile
• build and maintain relationships
• contribute to society

The term “wellness” has come to be applied as a holistic concept which encompasses physical, mental and emotional health. Auria Senior Living, which develops and operates gold-standard senior living communities around South Africa, encourages residents to participate in wellness programmes developed by in-house professionals, and based on global best practice. “The benefits of staying healthy and living a balanced life as one gets older are well documented. We see the benefits in our residents who have committed to healthy lifestyle choices on a daily basis,” says Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living. “They include better general physical health, the ability to recover from illness or injury faster, and reduced likelihood of chronic disease. These in turn promote continued ability to participate in meaningful activities, leading to increased overall wellbeing.”

According to Kaganson, there are 5 key tips one can follow for healthy ageing, namely:

1. Be proactive

Being proactive about one’s physical health in the following ways is one of the most powerful things one can do over the course of a lifetime.

Getting enough exercise and physical activity is an important factor at any stage of life, and it is never too late to start. “Aside from the other benefits of physical fitness, the ability to stay agile is crucial as one gets older,” says Kaganson. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head trauma.

Having regular check-ups at the doctor, dentist and any other relevant medical professionals is also advisable. The earlier one can identify a potential problem, the easier it is to address and the less likely it is to have a serious impact on quality of life later on.

Nutrition plays a key role in our physical health. Just as we take care of our children’s diets as they are growing and developing, so we should pay the same attention to our own nutritional needs, which change as we age. “Auria Senior Living provides nutritionally optimal meals for seniors, designed in consultation with an experienced chef. However, for those who still enjoy being in the kitchen, it is relatively easy to educate oneself and cook accordingly,” says Kaganson.

Getting a good night’s sleep is also important at any stage of life, but many older people report having struggles with sleep. Good sleep is frequently tied to good exercise and nutrition, but it can also be promoted by having a consistent sleep routine and getting the correct amount of sleep for one’s age and life stage.

2. Break unhealthy habits

Many of us develop unhealthy habits over our lifetimes, and these can have lasting negative effects on our health. In our younger years, it may be easy to exercise more to offset a few extra bars of chocolate, and even as we get older it is relatively easy to give up poor dietary choices. However, there are other habits that can have serious health consequences down the line, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and even taking unnecessary medications.

“The sooner one can give up some of these unhealthy habits and replace them with better ones, the sooner improvements in health can be seen,” says Kaganson. “The health benefits people can feel by kicking unhealthy habits are significant, as stopping them removes a great deal of stress placed on the body.”

3. Maintain mental agility

Mental agility is just as important as physical agility as one ages. Many of us don’t think about this much during the course of careers which can challenge us mentally or even home schedules that keep us busy and planning, but once those demands are removed, the opportunity for mental ‘exercise’ can decrease.

Staying mentally active helps stave off cognitive decline, and it is thought that it may even play a role in reducing the impact of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. There are many ways to stay mentally fit, whether you learn a new language, take up crosswords or Sudoku, develop a new hobby or even stay in touch with your old workplace in a consulting capacity.

4. Look after your emotional wellbeing

The more our understanding of wellness grows, the more we know how important emotional wellbeing is to overall health. At all stages of life, there are certain things which are known to take an emotional toll on a person. These include stress, anxiety, depression, and a lack of purpose in life. Just as we need to take time to work on our physical health, so we need to take proactive steps to reduce stressors in our lives, get appropriate support when we are struggling, and find ways to reconnect with our deeper selves. This might be through religious or spiritual practices, through therapy, or through something creative such as art.

“Recent research has shown that there are also tangible health benefits to having a strong sense of purpose in life,” says Kaganson. “It is often through such practices that we reconnect with this sense of purpose.” This then translates into better physical and emotional health.

5. Keep up social contact

Social isolation and loneliness are considered significant health risks in older adults – rivalling smoking, obesity and physical inactivity as a cause of premature death, according to the CDC. Social isolation is also associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia. “Having regular social contact and feeling part of a community are some of the best ways to counteract depression and low mood, and to give people a reason to get up in the mornings,” says Kaganson. This is one of the reasons why senior living communities work so well – because people become part of a community and get to benefit from human contact, whether it be at social events, exercise classes or a hobby circle.

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About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

Auria Senior Living’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities which are currently under construction: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg golf course in Sandringham and Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

For more information on Auria Senior Living visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

Press Contact:

Mantis Communications

Kerry Simpson

Tel: 079 438 3252

Email: kerry@mantiscomms.co.za

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging
3. https://www.paho.org/en/healthy-aging
4. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/healthy-and-active-ageing
5. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
6. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

The post 5 tips for healthy ageing appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

“The importance of these different aspects in promoting general wellbeing is clear in older adults,” says Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, which develops and operates gold-standard senior living communities in South Africa. “What we see each day in our communities is borne out by current research: that a holistic approach to wellness and a strong sense of purpose are key to quality of life.”

Some of the most modern senior living environments are now designed with this in mind, providing opportunities for residents to socialise, integrate with the community, pursue hobbies and interests, and take care of their mental and emotional health. This is in addition to other healthcare supports such as opportunities for exercise, and various health screenings and check-ups.

A 2018 paper published in the medical journal Population Health Management[1] looked at how purpose in life (PIL) contributes to ageing well. The researchers defined PIL as “having goals, a sense of direction, and a feeling that there is meaning to present and past life.” They stated that PIL has been associated with positive health outcomes among older adults, including fewer chronic conditions, less disability, less reliance on medications, and longer lifespans. The research further stated that: “The strongest characteristics of medium and high PIL included social support, resilience, reliance on faith, high health literacy, and good health status. Individuals with medium and high PIL had significantly lower health care utilization and expenditures, increased preventive services compliance, and higher quality of life (QOL). PIL is strongly associated with improved mental and physical health outcomes among older adults. Thus, interventions to improve and/or maintain higher levels of PIL over time may promote successful aging.”

The paper further stated that long-term studies which track respondents over time have shown that physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviours in mid-life are strong predictors for delays in the onset of disease and disability later in life. The research shows that there are several ways in which psychological wellbeing and physical health in later life appear to be linked. One is that those with high PIL or strong social support tended to demonstrate lower cardiovascular, endocrine and immune biochemical markers – i.e. biochemical compounds in the body which are sufficiently altered that they can help in predicting or diagnosing disease. Another, is that as a sense of PIL increased, people’s medical and drug expenditures tended to decrease.

In numerous studies, higher PIL has been associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic diseases (such as strokes and heart attacks), reduced pain, less disability, less dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and reduced mortality. People with greater PIL take better preventative care of their health, are more likely to be physically active, engaged in meaningful activities, and have fewer sleep problems.

Having a strong sense of PIL appears to be strongly associated with resilience and social support too, according to this research. It is thought that these help to buffer stress, help people cope with life’s changes, and give people an increased sense of the value of their lives. Higher PIL is also tied to high engagement in life, and researchers believe it can be used as a measure of motivation to take care of one’s health, either for its own sake or as a strategy to achieve higher life goals. Those with higher PIL appear more likely to engage in positive health behaviours and consequently benefit from better health.

In providing all-round support for the wellbeing of residents and in line with international best practice, Auria Senior Living has developed a cutting-edge programme which draws on the latest research to help tailor-make a comprehensive wellness package for each individual resident. “Certainly, successful ageing is more than longevity or the absence of disease and disability; rather successful ageing implies health, physical functionality, and psychological well-being,” says Kaganson. “Our programme focuses on various aspects of wellbeing, such as positive emotions, engagement, relationships, accomplishment, meaning, and of course, physical health”.

“Our promise to our residents is that they get to live their best quality of life, every single day and we strive   to provide the right support for holistic wellness,” says Kaganson. “Simply put, we want our residents to have a reason to get up in the morning, look forward to their day and really enjoy their golden years.”

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About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

Auria Senior Living’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course in Sandringham and Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

For more information on Auria Senior Living visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

Press Contact:

Mantis Communications

Kerry Simpson

Tel: 079 438 3252

[1] Musich, S., Wang, S.S., Kraemer, S., Hawkins, K. and Wicker, E. (2018). Purpose in Life and Positive Health Outcomes Among Older Adults. Population Health Management, 21(2), pp.139–147. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/pop.2017.0063

The post Purpose and meaning key to wellbeing in later life appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

Around 40% of baby boomers say that they will work until they die. For some, it’s about continuing to find meaning and engagement in their lives – but for others, it’s a matter of retirement being unaffordable. In a world where people are living longer and living expenses are rising, how do you ensure that you can grow older living the life you want to, and not the one you have to? 

According to Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living (Auria), a leading developer of gold-standard senior living communities in South Africa, one aspect that doesn’t always get looked at in detail is how and where you plan to live in your later years – and what financial impact that choice can have. Some people want to live as long as they can in the home they have known for years, while others plan to move in with their adult children. Some simply downsize to a smaller home. There is also the option of moving to what is popularly known as a retirement village.

“Each of these options has financial implications,” says Kaganson. “However, not all senior living options are the same, and it takes time to research the differences in order to make the best decision.”

Auria operates what are correctly termed as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) – the most modern and comprehensive lifestyle choice for older adults today. CCRCs combine residential accommodation with lifestyle amenities and health and wellness services for older adults. The continuum of care model allows residents to receive appropriate care and support should their needs change, without them having to move away from the community.

“Your choice of where to live will be informed by various factors, and budget is very likely to be one of them. It makes sense for as many of your expenses as possible to be economical and predictable,” says Kaganson.

There are three clear benefits to moving into a senior living community from a financial perspective:

1. Your biggest expense de-risked: a home

Owning a home always comes with expenses. Most retirees are no longer servicing a home loan but there can still be significant costs attached to insurance, maintenance and repairs – not to mention the hassle factor. Moving to a life rights community ensures that you have a home for the remainder of your life, but without the unpredictable and often expensive costs that can wreak havoc on a limited budget. “In addition, when buying into a CCRC, residents know that they will be able to fix certain living costs and budget for increases in any others predictably without any financial ‘surprises’, while costs related to factors such as home maintenance or security are eliminated,” says Kaganson.

• On-site services and healthcare are more affordable

One of the benefits of moving to a senior living community is the fact that so many services can be accessed on site. Residents have access to a variety of healthcare providers such as doctors, physiotherapists and biokineticists within each community. Specially tailored fitness and other wellness programmes are available, as well as lifestyle services such as hairdressers and coffee shops, and various entertainment and dining options. Aside from being quick and easy to reach, one of the chief benefits to residents is that they are able to benefit from the economies of scale involved. In other words, the costs to residents can be kept reasonable, and predictable.

• Greater savings are possible with an earlier move

There are many reasons to think through the timing of your move carefully. The most obvious might be making sure that you get into the community that you want to be in, and to be able to make your decisions when there are multiple choices available rather than when a crisis forces you to compromise. “One of the other important benefits is the fact that you can save a significant amount of money just by moving earlier. The sooner you fix your living costs around a predictable set of expenses, the more financial certainty you will likely have,” says Kaganson.

Although the average global age of entry into a senior living community is currently 78, Auria’s communities are all aimed at people aged 70+. “The benefit of moving into a CCRC early on is that you can move in and live completely independently, just as you would anywhere else, knowing that care is on hand should you need it,” says Kaganson. “Such a move also allows one to delegate many day to day chores to an on-site management team, which enables people to focus on doing things that they want to, rather than what they have to. This is a game-changer, at any age!”

With its emphasis on enabling residents to live their best quality of life, every single day, Auria communities support residents in living active and engaged lives. “We aim to dispel the outdated notion that moving to a senior living community is a compromise or the beginning of a decline. This is about making a choice that is absolutely a life-enhancement in every way,” says Kaganson. It is well worth considering that an earlier move to a senior living community can help eliminate certain financial stresses, in addition to the multitude of other lifestyle benefits on offer.

About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

Auria Senior Living’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course in Sandringham and Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

For more information on Auria Senior Living visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

Press Contact:

Mantis Communications

Kerry Simpson

Tel: 079 438 3252

Email: kerry@mantiscomms.co.za

The post Top financial benefits of moving to senior living sooner rather than later appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

With advancements in medicine and a focus on healthy lifestyles, people are living substantially longer. According to the World Economic Forum, in an article published in 2021, ‘’Global life expectancy at birth has now topped 70 years for men, and 75 years for women. And the population living to 100 and older is predicted to grow to nearly 3.7 million by 2050, from just 95,000 in 1990.’’ The number of adults over the age of 80 is predicted to triple by 2050.

A well-planned and comfortable lifestyle is therefore necessary to enhance and enjoy an exceptional quality of life in one’s senior years. Coral Cove provides this, and more, and is the first development of its kind in KZN. ‘‘Given the growth on the North Coast over the past few years, the provision of lifestyle environments for senior citizens hasn’t been catered for fully, and Coral Cove is the first to comprehensively address this need,’’ says Auria Senior Living CEO, Barry Kaganson.

He explains that Continuing Care Retirement Communities, (CCRCs), such as Coral Cove, are purpose-built, secure residential communities in which older adults can live an enjoyable, hassle-free life with access to a wide variety of hospitality services, amenities, care and support. Auria Senior Living owns and operates CCRCs throughout South Africa, and has received numerous prestigious international awards, placing them amongst the best in the world.

Currently, the KZN North Coast has limited retirement facilities, few of which offer a continuum of care with amenities and services as extensive as offered by Auria Senior Living. As a result, there has been strong interest from older adults on the KZN North Coast. Interest from those who are planning to, or have retired on the South Coast, Upper Highway and Midlands area and who want to be closer to family and amenities in the KZN North Coast node, has been high, with enquiries coming from the Gauteng and Western Cape markets on the table too.

Coral Cove offers intentionally designed freestanding garden villas, maisonettes, semi- attached garden villas and apartments to suit independent living and assisted living as residents may require. The majority of these properties offer sea views, with research showing that coastal living has many life-enhancing advantages. Coral Cove, according to Kaganson, “will be, to the very best of our research and knowledge, the only senior living community of its kind in the world with direct beach access to the pristine north coast shoreline.” Pricing ranges from R1,690m for apartments to R3, 360m for villas.

This residential community forms the third and final phase of acclaimed Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate, a premium residential estate developed by Collins Residential. On completion, Coral Cove will comprise 21 hectares housing 230 residences within the larger 160-hectare community.

This leading retirement community will offer extensive lifestyle facilities, such as an outdoor and indoor heated swimming pool, air-conditioned cinema, entertainment facilities, a gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, fully equipped wellness centre and state-of-the-art care centre, catering for frail and dementia care. The Care Centre will be operational as the first residences are occupied.

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. The company is setting a new benchmark in the continuing-care community for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments. Auria’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington golf course in Sandringham and now Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

Estate developers, Collins Residential, have welcomed Auria Senior Living, saying their confidence in entering the KZN market is testament that the North Coast presents an investment opportunity in a market that is still underserviced, particularly in this part of the region.

‘’Coral Cove is an attractive location for local citizens, semigrants and foreign buyers seeking senior living in a desirable location close to nature,’’ says Murray Collins, director at Collins Residential, the estate developers.

Visit: www.auria.co.za/coral-cove/ or contact Leon Smith leon@smithsprop.co.za | (083) 327-2903 to enquire.

The post World First for KZN Coral Cove Retirement Community Launched appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

Senior Housing News, an Aging Media Network publication based in Chicago, USA, holds an annual competition focusing on 12 design and lifestyle categories in senior living. The purpose of the awards is to give credit to service providers for their innovative and creative efforts to position their senior living communities as global leaders in their class.

Melrose Manor was selected from more than 90 entries, earning first place in the international category ahead of entries from Canada and China. Projects were judged by a panel of 17 global industry experts, with entries being evaluated on various factors, including design and aesthetics, landscaping and community functionality.

“These nominations represent the spirit of innovation and cutting-edge design from around the United States and the world,” said George Yedinak, founder of Senior Housing News, in announcing the launch of the awards. With the announcement of the winning projects, he commented: “This year’s winning entries are a look at the future of senior living architecture and design. SHNA’s showcase of best-in-class builds has yet again set a new precedent for senior living facilities as the industry shifts and new demographics flood the market.”

Melrose Manor is one of a growing portfolio of gold-standard CCRCs developed and operated by Auria in South Africa. In 2019, Auria’s Bryanston community, San Sereno, received second place in the international category as well as in the renovation and repositioning category of the SHN Awards.

Auria’s mission since inception has been to change perceptions around senior living in South Africa. Inspired by international best practice and cutting-edge research on senior living, CCRCs like Melrose Manor are designed as places in which seniors can enjoy their golden years, hassle-free and supported in a holistic manner. “Our promise to our residents is that they will enjoy their best quality of life, every single day,” says Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria.

Auria communities offer a range of independent residential, assisted living and care options that provide a total continuum of care and ensures that residents and their families have the comfort of knowing that their unique requirements can be adapted to as their needs change. Auria’s team also provides information, advice, support and a range of options so that residents can make informed decisions about how to live in their later years of life.

Melrose Manor offers independent and assisted living in a beautifully renovated old building set in spacious grounds. Driven by Auria’s holistic, person-centred approach, it offers a continuum of care within an environment that supports physical, mental and emotional wellness

together with opportunities for social interaction and recreation, both within the CCRC and the community.

The revamp saw the creation of a brand new, state of the art Wellness Centre offering doctors’ consultations, physiotherapists and biokineticists. There is also a hair salon and the popular Café Auria, a bistro offering light meals, coffees and treats to residents, that spills out onto a deck with a pergola connecting the interior and exterior spaces. All these amenities are well used and enjoyed by residents and neighbours. The comprehensive offering at Melrose Manor is of significant benefit both to residents and the surrounding community.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised among global leaders in the senior living industry, as we continually explore ways to help our residents enjoy their best quality of life, every single day,” says Kaganson. “These awards inspire our team to continue being innovative and to follow global best practices to provide our residents with extraordinary environments in which to live and be supported. This accolade is proof that a proudly South African business can stand head and shoulders amongst the best in the world.”

About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

Auria Senior Living’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course in Sandringham and Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

For more information on Auria Senior Living visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

Press Contact:

Mantis Communications

Kerry Simpson

Tel: 079 438 3252

Email: kerry@mantiscomms.co.za

The post SA Senior Living Community, Melrose Manor, scoops acclaimed international award appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

Melrose Manor, a gold-standard senior living community by Auria Senior Living (Auria), situated in the Johannesburg suburb of Melrose, has received recognition from the Pretoria Institute of Architects (PIA) for its inspiring design. Auria, a leading developer and operator of senior living communities in South Africa, has turned notions of what it means to have excellent quality of life as an older person around, with Melrose Manor and its other communities around the country.

The 2021 PIA Awards, which were announced on 22 October, recognised Kunz Raubenheimer Architects for the work they had done in transforming a dilapidated building into the setting for a thriving senior living community which is now an asset to the area. The large-scale renovation was awarded a Commendation for Architecture in the Alterations & Additions category.

Raising the bar on senior living in SA

Melrose Manor’s overhaul was driven by Auria’s vision to raise the bar on senior living in South Africa. “Our vision from the outset has been to set a new standard for senior living and to provide older people with supportive, engaging and vibrant settings in which to live. We strive to create the complete opposite of the uninspiring and institutional environments that are so often the norm,” says Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living.

Auria’s flagship community, San Sereno in Bryanston, has already received international acclaim – it received top honours last year alongside four other communities (all in the USA) in the prestigious Argentum 2020 Senior Living by Design Awards. Receiving recognition for Melrose Manor builds on this success and confirms that the market has been overdue for a model of senior living which encourages and supports an active, happy and meaningful lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

“We believe that people should be able to enjoy their golden years free of hassles, supported in their wellness needs, and to live their best lives. The design of our communities encourages and facilitates the many important aspects that we now regard as part of overall wellness – including physical, mental, social and emotional – all within an aesthetically pleasing, hospitality-style environment,” says Kaganson.

Engaging, contemporary and user-friendly design

The revamp of Melrose Manor required substantial changes to the building structure, a rethink of the spaces, a totally new take on interior design, and even a new landscape and garden design. The result is a practical and user-friendly set of spaces which is also sophisticated and charming. The design reflects the intention of Auria’s mission to have a positive impact on residents’ lives through their daily use of the spaces, enabling them to enjoy their best quality of life.

Melrose Manor – now a spacious and modern residence – provides a mix of 90 independent and assisted living units to approximately 100 residents, living in studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. There is a wide variety of amenities available to residents including a state-of-the-art wellness centre; a restaurant, a café / bistro, and several private dining rooms. There is also a cinema, a bridge club, an art studio, a hair salon, a library and a variety of lounges. The gardens are attractively landscaped and there is a heated outdoor pool.

Services for residents include a concierge; 24-hour assistance and nursing care on site; and on-site access to an exercise studio, gymnasium, doctors, physiotherapy, biokinetics and a geriatrician. An interprofessional team performs routine screening of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) – something which is key to decision-making with respect to care and therapies.

All these uses are beautifully accommodated in spaces which are contemporary and user-friendly. The original Mediterranean character of the building has been retained but reinterpreted with a sophisticated modern edge. The public spaces are light and inviting with natural light, carefully thought-out views and connections to the garden and exterior. The apartments were redesigned with open-plan layouts and tasteful modern fittings and finishes. The design provides residents with a well thought-out selection of spaces which form the backdrop to a variety of activities – be they social or quiet, indoors or outdoors. As such, they support the unique lifestyle that is so important for all residents to enjoy.

“Receiving an award such as this reaffirms that our drive to lead the market in the creation of sophisticated and modern senior living communities in line with international best practice is well on track,” says Kaganson.

Quintin Mills Photo & Video

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About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

Auria Senior Living’s current portfolio includes the award-winning San Sereno in Bryanston; the magnificently revamped Melrose Manor in Melrose; the recently acquired Woodside Village in Rondebosch and two new purpose-built communities: Royal View, a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course in Sandringham and Coral Cove, a breath-taking senior living community at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

For more information on Auria Senior Living visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Magnificently revamped Melrose Manor receives recognition from Pretoria Institute of Architects appeared first on Auria Senior Living.

Johannesburg, October 21: Mental health is just as important in one’s senior years as it is at any other stage of life, and older adults can be just as susceptible to mental health difficulties as anyone else. We are living in unprecedented times and the events of the past two years have highlighted the challenges that we all can face in this regard, irrespective of our age.

Much of the personal development advice one reads these days is dedicated to the idea of designing a life of balance and self-care, in the knowledge that prevention is generally better than cure. At Auria Senior Living, we take this a few steps further by designing senior living environments that support the full range of requirements that make for excellent quality of life, including mental health. Every day, we see how it is possible for seniors to live a full life by taking good care of the physical, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of their lives.

While we believe that the best way to achieve this balance as one gets older is to live in an environment that provides the right support, there are steps that every senior (and their families or carers) can take to look after their mental health.

Have a good routine

There are many factors in our current environment which can affect the structure of our days – ranging from lockdowns and self-isolation to less pandemic-related factors such as retirement or a move. Personal routines which include planned time for exercise, socialising, connecting with family, participating in hobbies or other meaningful activities make a great difference to the quality of one’s life and contributes to overall better mental health.

Have a sense of purpose and connection

Feeling connected to others around us and having a sense of purpose in life has immense value. It is often important for seniors to replace the sense of purpose and identity that they had in their working and parenting lives with something new. Getting more involved with one’s community or a good cause can be a way to achieve this. Some people use the time to become more involved with their families, helping out with grandchildren, for example.

Including social connection time as part of one’s routine also has value, as people feel part of a social group and have a sense that they will be missed if they aren’t there. Once again, as people’s life circumstances change, these opportunities may no longer be there. Being part of an active and vibrant senior living community can make a big difference. At Auria, we specialise in creating communities where people feel at home and have daily opportunities for interaction and socialisation in both structured and unstructured settings.

Maintain your physical health and fitness

We know all too well that a healthy body and a healthy mind are connected. While getting older can come with challenges, continuing care retirement communities like ours are able to support seniors in looking after their physical health and fitness. Within our Auria communities, we conduct regular health and wellness screenings which ensure that any causes for concern are identified and addressed early. We also include a variety of exercise and wellness programmes aimed at enabling our residents to live as well as possible.

We have regular on-site clinics by experienced general practitioners, as well as some of the country’s most respected specialist geriatricians, all of whom are available within our communities and form part of our multi-disciplinary teams to advise, support and assist in monitoring the health and wellness of our residents. These teams help residents and their families to navigate the options for managing changing health and daily needs; advise on optimal care and lifestyle enhancements or interventions; encourage them to rely less on medication if possible; and enable them to retain an appropriate degree of independence even if their health status changes.

Have a good support base

At any stage of life, humans need to feel that they have support and care as they navigate life’s challenges. Maintaining contact with friends and family is obviously ideal under any circumstances, but many seniors find themselves with diminishing options as family members or friends move away or as their life circumstances change.

In our Auria communities, our dedicated care team members build one-on-one relationships with each resident. This not only has immediate connection value, it also enables team members to pick up on subtle changes that could be early indicators of problems, be they mental or physical. We also find that people forge new friendships within the circles of residents as they connect over shared interests or activities. All this creates a more solid support base around each individual than they might otherwise have had.

Getting older doesn’t mean that one has to live a diminished life. We believe that in a well-managed setting with professional care, a holistic focus and a true interest in every individual, every person can live the fullest life possible.

– Ends –

About Auria Senior Living
Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments.

The company’s flagship is San Sereno in Bryanston, and it has just upgraded Melrose Manor in Melrose North. Its latest Gauteng project, Royal View, is a 122-apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course, due to open in 2022. Woodside Village, Auria’s first senior living environment in the Western Cape, is currently being refurbished and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Further Auria communities are planned across the country.

For more information on Auria Senior Living, visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

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A COUP FOR COLLINS RESIDENTIAL. A FIRST FOR KZN!

A total investment estimated at R1billion will give rise to a senior living community of international standards at Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate located on the shores of Sheffield Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Estate developers, Collins Residential and leading senior living developer and operator, Auria Senior Living have concluded this landmark deal – resulting in a first for both parties, the region and a significant coup for the province.

Director Murray Collins, speaking on behalf of Collins Residential, stated that welcoming Auria Senior Living onto the North Coast will have, “A catalytic impact beyond Zululami’s borders. We’re extremely proud of this provincial coup, and welcome Auria with the same vigour and dynamism with which the new generation of active seniors approach and enjoy life.”

The display of confidence by Auria Senior Living conclusively illustrates that the North Coast continues to present as a formidable investment opportunity, with Collins commenting, “Auria’s incredible reputation and quality delivery will contribute to the growth of the greater North Coast footprint. Investment potential within KZN will also be significantly enhanced, and this is certainly a positive indicator for future investment opportunities within South Africa.”

This is the first foray for Auria Senior Living into the KZN market – the outcome of five intensive years of research to identify a suitable environment and like-minded partnership. The company has established a trusted reputation for the development, ownership and management of a sizeable and prestigious portfolio of internationally acclaimed continuing care senior living communities in South Africa. The success of their international award-winning flagship community, San Sereno in Bryanston, Gauteng is testament to Auria’s commitment to ensuring residents: “Enjoy their best quality of life, every single day,” CEO Barry Kaganson comments, describing this sentiment as core to the ‘The Auria Way’.

Auria Senior Living’s community, Coral Cove within Zululami, will consist of a wide range of intentional and beautifully designed residences, an engaging lifestyle and superlative wellness and care offering – all on par with leading international retirement communities. Living options will include independent living (freestanding houses and apartments), tailored assisted living accommodation and extensive dining, recreation and hospitality services, as well as specialised care facilities.

Stressing the importance of choice, Kaganson says: “We put our resident’s lifestyle needs at the forefront, respect their choices and are on hand to provide advice, care and support as required. An appreciation of personal preferences, interests and backgrounds means that our residents and their families choose how they want to live and we will support them.”

Additional bespoke facilities enhancing the community include a heated swimming pool, air-conditioned cinema, entertainment facilities, a top-tier restaurant, coffee shop, fully equipped Wellness Centre, Care Centre and more.

The extraordinary Zululami landscape and lifestyle is integral to the overall offering. Here, all residents enjoy a lifestyle which centres around luxurious yet relaxed coastal living within a rich sub-tropical indigenous landscape that boasts iconic facilities for all to share in. On the appeal and market sentiment specific to Zululami’s latest offering, Murray Collins holds that, “This is a high-end product that will attract locals and foreigners seeking senior living in an unparalleled location. The Auria community will offer an extraordinary level of development, service, hospitality and care. Coupled with access to Zululami’s magnificent environment, the sublime KZN climate, our prized beaches, bush, sporting, cultural and tourism drawcards, this will be, without doubt, the most desirable place to spend one’s finest years.”

Being positioned right on the shores of the North Coast’s warm Indian Ocean puts Auria Senior Living into a league all of its own. Direct beach access to Christmas Bay and Sheffield Beach through Zululami and Collins Residential’s neighbouring Seaton Estate alone, is a major attractor. “We’re unaware of any other development of this nature in South Africa, or indeed globally, with a location as exceptional,” comments Kaganson. “The majority of residences and recreational areas within Coral Cove will have magnificent sea views. Research shows that coastal living has many life-enhancing advantages. The Auria community will have beach access and moreover simply entrenches the fact that the North Coast is currently a highly desirable location” he concludes.

As evidenced in all of Collins Residential’s estates, community dynamics have always been front and centre. Collins says, “The ecology of any healthy community must accommodate every stage of life and support the full spectrum of family living. The natural synergy and a shared vision between Collins Residential and Auria Senior Living therefore makes for a ideal partnership, “With multi-generational living as a cornerstone of the Zululami ethos and with Auria’s substantial commitment and investment into the Estate’s third and final phase, Auria Senior Living’s community enhances this dynamic at Zululami, seamlessly closing the generational circle.”

As one of the most respected and trusted residential developers in KZN, Collins Residential is recognised for their portfolio of award-winning, upmarket developments located in prime, pristine locations. Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate is one such development. “The Auria team have conducted extensive global research and bring the highest level of international best practice to senior living. Their sophisticated, trusted product perfectly aligns to the Zululami masterplan. This high-end, seamlessly integrated offering will set the gold standard in multi-generational estate living. Auria Senior Living offers the best that the world has to offer and we couldn’t have found a better partnership to complete our vision.”

Zululami is in the final stage of development, with only 60 land opportunities left and all civil infrastructure due for completion by November 2021. The North Coast’s supply of retirement opportunities is in short supply while demand continues to increase, and the Auria offering will no doubt be a most welcome compliment to the area. “Many people are opting for active ageing instead of retirement – which is becoming something that our parents did. In the U.S., 72 is now considered middle-aged. Collins Residential believes in the importance of remaining active and engaged in one’s later years, and this is why Auria Senior Living is an ideal fit for the community at large,” concludes Collins.

Auria Senior Living will commence sales at Coral Cove in early 2022.

For media related enquiries:

Mercia Swart: 072 233 0674 | mercia@huntpr.co.za | Maxine Gibbon: 063 403 8121 | maxine@huntpr.co.za | Louise Hunt: 083 708 6078 | louise@huntpr.co.za

About The Developers, Collins Residential

With roots spanning 4 generations, Collins Residential is one of the largest and most respected property development businesses in KwaZulu-Natal. With a laudable track record for conceptualising and developing exceptional residential estates, the company has earned the trust of both investors and end-users for creating visionary environments through a portfolio that provides the South African market with property products that are family-focused, in great locations and competitively priced.

Collins Residential has perfected the art of creating communities where places, people and purpose matter. With a core value of environmental rehabilitation, preservation and care under-pinning all property development activity, each development is extensively researched and customers are always provided with an innovative offering that speaks to their unique choices and requirements. Prime developments successfully undertaken by Collins Residential located in and around the sought after KwaZulu-Natal North Coast include (amongst a stellar array of established and thriving residential estates) Emberton Estate, Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village, Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate and Seaton. Headed by Murray Collins and Geoff Perkins, Collins Residential is positioned as a major role-player in sustainable and meaningful urban transformation in this gateway province.

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Johannesburg, September 21

The occurrence of Alzheimer’s Disease is on the rise worldwide, and South Africa is no exception when it comes to what this means for healthcare. Although the majority of people suffering from Alzheimer’s are older, the disease can strike at any age and is currently incurable, meaning that all Alzheimer’s patients need care for the remainder of their lives.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative brain disease that progressively affects memory and cognitive functioning. It accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills, and can be caused by a variety of conditions. It is important to note that dementia, and Alzheimer’s as a specific form of dementia, is not a normal part of ageing.[1]

Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, a leading developer of senior living communities in South Africa, says: “It is estimated that globally, about 50 million people are living with dementia, and this is projected to increase to 152 million by 2050[2]. The World Health Organization estimated that in 2019, the total global societal cost of dementia was US$ 1.3 trillion, and these costs are expected to pass US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030[3].”

The World Health Organization estimated that in 2019, the total global societal cost of dementia was US$ 1.3 trillion, and these costs are expected to pass US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030.”

While it is not a normal part of ageing, prevalence is higher among older adults. Most people with the condition are over the age of 65. After 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years[4]. With a growing global population, which in turn has a higher proportion than ever of older people, this has enormous implications for healthcare.

There are a number of risk factors to be aware of for Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia:

• Age: although age does not cause dementia, one’s risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other dementias does increase with age.
• Genetics: there are certain genes that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, and a family history of the condition can be an indicator.
• Smoking and alcohol use: smoking puts one at much greater risk, as does the consumption of large amounts of alcohol.
• Head injury: people who have experienced head injuries are at risk for developing dementia.
• Heart and vascular conditions: Current research points to a strong link between heart. health and brain health. Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all increase one’s risk for Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia.

“People with dementia, and particularly Alzheimer’s Disease, require very specific care,” says Kaganson. Auria’s international award-winning flagship community, San Sereno in Johannesburg, operates a dedicated dementia care facility. While such care is necessary and can have its complications, there are some inspiring examples which show how people with dementia can still live a meaningful life. “Our clinical-social hybrid approach is based on that of a leading care providers globally,” says Kaganson.

“International research has shown that through a deeply person-centred approach which seeks appropriate ways to provide meaning in people’s lives, wellbeing has measurably improved for dementia patients,” says Kaganson. Not only were positive mood and behaviour changes evident – many people were able to reduce the amount of medication they took; and significant numbers regained the ability to walk or feed themselves where they had been unable to do so before[5]. “We now know that many of the activities which improve overall wellness for every adult, can slow the progression of dementia or assist in altering many of the manifest behaviours,” says Kaganson.

Auria’s senior living communities provide gold-standard care for all residents, and the dementia care approach is inspired by the best-practice example mentioned above. “We establish authentic and caring relationships with our residents and support meaningful engagement in a variety of activities, whilst providing whatever assistance they require. Dementia care facilities are also integrated socially within our secure and controlled communities,” says Kaganson.

Not everyone with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia has access to cutting-edge healthcare. It is estimated that some 94% of people living with dementia in low to middle income countries are cared for at home[6]. Many of these people do not even have a formal diagnosis. Even in developed countries there is pressure on healthcare systems which are undersupplied in terms of dementia care specialists.

According to the USA’s Alzheimer’s Association, people over 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease live for an average of four to eight years after their diagnosis. However, some live as long as 20 years.

According to the USA’s Alzheimer’s Association, people over 65 who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease live for an average of four to eight years after their diagnosis. However, some live as long as 20 years. “New paradigms of treatment which seek to make life as normal as possible for dementia patients are important to explore as they may help to take some of the burden off healthcare systems as well as removing some of the stigmas surrounding dementia,” says Kaganson. “Furthermore, if patients are going to live with such conditions for many years, it is the dignified and respectful thing to do as a provider of care is to help find ways in which they can live out the remainder of their lives with a quality of life and an enjoyment of daily living.”

[1] https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

[2] https://www.dementiastatistics.org/statistics/global-prevalence/

[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

[4] https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors

[5] https://www.silverado.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/silveradostory_chapter1_nexus_080717.pdf

[6] https://www.alzint.org/u/worldalzheimerreport2015summary.pdf

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The development will comprise around 122 apartments on a 2-hectare site overlooking the golf course. Units range in size from around 52sqm one-bedroom serviced apartments to three-bedroom units, with entry prices starting at R1.5 million.

Extensive hospitality services will include a concierge, a fine dining restaurant and a café / bistro with an outdoor deck with beautiful views over the golf course. There will also be a cinema, a hair salon and a heated indoor pool. The entire development will have a solar water heating system as well as a full back-up generator and back-up water supplies.

What differentiates an Auria senior living community, or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) as they are also termed, is that they provide a continuum of care for all residents. This means that whilst the vast majority of residents live totally independently, over time they may find that assistance is necessary with a few of the smaller things or activities of daily living (ADLs). Over time, this need might grow to encompass more assistance. The idea of ageing in one place is that there is no stage at which the level of assistance needed is not on offer. One can go from living independently to needing help with most of one’s daily activities, all in the same living environment.

“Notions around ageing and what it means to live a fulfilling life in one’s senior years have been changing. Gone are the days when a ‘nursing home’ or ‘old age home’ were the proverbial end of the line. We don’t even use those terms in our organisation,” says Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living. “Why should people wait until a home becomes unmanageable or a spouse can no longer cope before they move to a place where they can live an enjoyable life, hassle-free and with the care they need?”

When buying into an Auria senior living community like Royal View, one can expect that the everyday worries of home maintenance and security are taken care of. Auria senior living communities are focused on providing five-star living. Residents have access to a variety of wellness-oriented activities as well as personally enriching activities such as social events, interest groups, hobbies and clubs. All this is aimed at providing a full spectrum of opportunities for people to live their best physical, emotional and mental lives. Concierge services and a 24-hour care team provide round-the-clock support.

“We believe that people are increasingly seeing communities such as Royal View as appealing lifestyle options, and we expect good uptake in the market,” says Kaganson. However, for those who want to consider the opportunity, the time is now. “With more people buying into developments like this for the lifestyle component, there can be long waiting times for those who haven’t secured a unit at the outset,” says Kaganson.

– Ends –

About Auria Senior Living

Auria Senior Living (Auria) develops, owns and manages a portfolio of senior living communities throughout South Africa. Auria is setting a new benchmark in continuing-care community living for the over-70s, providing for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of its residents, in attractive and well-located environments. Auria’s deeply human-centred approach, together with its commitment to creating supportive and beautiful physical environments, has seen it receive international recognition. San Sereno was named one of five winners of the Argentum 2020 Senior Living by Design Awards. It was the only non-USA senior living community to receive this award. Based in the USA, Argentum is America’s leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centred senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve.

The company’s flagship is San Sereno in Bryanston, and it has just upgraded Melrose Manor in Melrose North. Its latest project, Royal View, is a 122 apartment senior living development on the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf course, due to open in 2022, with sales having commenced in July 2021. Woodside Village, Auria’s first senior living environment in the Western Cape, is currently being refurbished and is expected to be complete before the end of 2021. Further Auria communities are planned across the country.

For more information on Auria Senior Living, visit: www.auria.co.za, or contact 087 654 8833.

Press Contact:

Mantis Communications

Kerry Simpson

Tel: 079 438 3252

Email: kerry@mantiscomms.co.za

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