T.K. Wetherell Recognizes Growing Trend of University-Sponsored Senior Living Communities TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 22
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As president of Florida State
University (FSU), T.K. Wetherell leads the charge for tens of thousands of
students looking to the future with their education and careers. Wetherell is
now integral in helping another generation set the course for their future
planning by joining the growing number of adults, age 62 and better, looking
at Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). In the case of Wetherell
and his wife Ginger, the couple has chosen to reserve a residence at Westcott
Lakes at Southwood, the FSU-sponsored community being developed by PRAXEIS
LLC.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080722/AQTU112)
"Education is a lifelong journey and the benefits of FSU aren't limited to
students," said Wetherell. "Ginger and I are passionate about Westcott Lakes
because while it allows us to plan for our futures, including healthcare, if
ever needed, it's a community that fits our lifestyle and encompasses
everything we love about FSU."
While Wetherell and his wife have no intention of slowing down, a
university-sponsored senior living community, like Westcott Lakes, offers
great appeal. It provides a unique connection to a lifestyle enriched by
lifelong learning and access to arts and culture.
"Our connection to FSU is really a draw for so many, regardless if they're
an alum or not," said Mark Griffis, Westcott Lakes Vice President. "Westcott
Lakes members will enjoy faculty-like campus privileges at FSU that will
enable them to audit classes, and have access to research facilities,
libraries and cultural events. In fact, through its Life College initiative,
Westcott Lakes members may already participate in classes as early as this
fall."
The FSU sponsorship is also reciprocal in nature, in that students and
faculty will be involved in various initiatives at Westcott Lakes by being
involved in lectures, healthcare and physical fitness programs, to name a few.
Wetherell is also in a unique position regarding Westcott Lakes because,
not only has he placed a deposit to reserve a residence, he also championed
the university's sponsorship of the community. It is his conviction that
reaching out to older adults is a natural extension of what FSU is all about.
"All universities reach out to alumni in a variety of ways through travel
programs and sports," added Wetherell. "Sponsoring a senior living community
only makes sense, as people over the age of 62 strive for lifelong learning
and have a desire to remain connected with an institution that provides access
to a world of opportunities."
In developing the FSU sponsorship with Westcott Lakes, Wetherell traveled
to other university-sponsored communities, and then worked with a team to
create a partnership that worked for them and the developer, PRAXEIS. He
believes the long-term significance of the partnership between the university
and Westcott Lakes goes well beyond the lifelong learning and
intergenerational aspects.
"In the broader sense, this is about culture and economic development,"
said Wetherell. "Our nation is about to experience a huge age wave with the
Boomers reaching the age of retirement. This sponsorship signals that we
embrace people of all ages and look forward to the untapped potential and
their personal growth yet to come."
On his own personal level, Wetherell admits his decision to become a
member of Westcott Lakes is more about thinking of tomorrow, not today. "When
I'm 85 years old, I want to look back and say 20 years ago, that was a good
decision."
Westcott Lakes at SouthWood -- to be located in the master-planned
SouthWood community in Tallahassee -- is a Life Fulfilling Community(R) for
adults who want to experience the educational, cultural, social and
entertainment benefits associated with an institution of higher education. It
features a wide variety of distinctive maintenance-free apartment residences
and club homes, surrounded by distinguished amenities including multiple
dining options, state-of-the-art fitness club, tennis courts, walking trails,
creative arts studio, theater, ballroom, housekeeping and transportation. As a
true Life Care Community, Westcott Lakes community members also benefit from
guaranteed access to premium healthcare and rehabilitation services, called
the Health Assurance Guarantee. If ever needed, members have on-site assisted
living, memory support and skilled nursing, in all-private accommodations at a
considerable discount to the market rate. More information on the Westcott
Lakes at SouthWood lifestyle is available at http://www.westcottlakes.org or
by calling 866-510-1515.
For more information, contact:
Randy Eilts, 913-754-2341
reilts@glynndevins.com
SOURCE Westcott Lakes at SouthWood
