By Jack Cumming

Hey, guys, I just saw a brand new video that will make you proud to work in senior living, lift your spirits, and inspire you in your work. A Swedish man remembers his childhood in which he would visit homes for the aged in search of a grandparent. That’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Who would have thought that memory could have brought joy to residents at The Redwoods in Mill Valley, California. An exceptional CEO, J. Hunter Moore, saw the wisdom of bringing that joy to his residents.

Yes Theory

Enter an exceptionally creative YouTube Channel, called Yes Theory, and its offshoot, Seek Discomfort. The premise is “that life’s greatest moments and deepest connections exist outside your comfort zone.” Seek Discomfort has complex roots, which explains the involvement of Yes Theory, but for the Redwoods residents none of that mattered.

Staffan Taylor, from Sweden, and Ammar Kandil, from Egypt, partnered to give residents of the Redwoods something they will never forget. You will never forget it either. Imagine a bunch of young people, helping residents to elope for a day to an adventure and a party that sets in relief our shared humanity. The party celebrates Dorothy, Patricia and Barbara, none of whom is under 90 and one of whom is having a birthday.

Dorothy’s Bucket List

But, as they say, that’s not all. Dorothy has visited every continent but one. Her dream is to visit all of them, but Australia is too far away for a woman of her age living in assisted living. Imagine, though, that her dream becomes a reality. This is the joy that creative management dedicated to mission can bring to senior living. It may involve risk. It may not be good business. But isn’t joy what makes life worth living?

J. Hunter Moore embodies the mindset that is needed for senior living. It’s easy to be distracted by administration, family demands, business concerns, but great leaders can be inspired by Mr. Moore to know what senior living is at its best. If we can duplicate this kind of openness to life and living, the industry’s future will be very bright.

Redwoods, a Vibrant Community

It all began decades ago when members of the Mill Valley Community Church created a retirement center for moderate and low income seniors. Those grassroots origins persist in the description of the enterprise today, “A Community of Seniors.”

J. Hunter Moore, “Hunter” to his friends, maintains that communal sense that most of what happens at the Redwoods begins with resident initiatives. He adds that resident involvement gives them a sense of purpose. That shared purpose is what makes a community.

At Redwoods, that’s not just idle talk to humor residents and their families. The glimpse of the community that we gain from the encounter of the Seek Discomfort crew with this down-home group of friends confirms the power of empowerment.

Thus, let’s end this blather and get to the video. You can experience Part 1 now below. Part 2 will be Dorothy’s trip to Australia, and I can’t wait to watch it when it drops.

Click the video for a bit of joy, insight, and emotion that will show you the best of senior living. Even if you can’t finish it now, it will give you renewed energy to start your day.