In addition, older adults are increasingly integrating technology into their daily lives, and at Vivante, the use of technology by residents is strongly encouraged. The community boasts a full-time director of systems and technology, and all residents are given an iPad preinstalled with a variety of brain fitness-related apps, such as Luminosity. IPad classes are offered regularly, and residents are taught and encouraged to communicate with loved ones through Skype and FaceTime. The Dakim Brain Fitness program is also available in the community library for resident use.

With 150 lunch and dinner entrée selections offered in a seasonal six-week menu cycle, Vivante's culinary program is unmatched. Vivante offers a true restaurant experience inspired by local restaurants, featuring trained fine-dining servers, individual temperature-controlled wine lockers and an open display kitchen complete with a rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven. Vivante relies on specialty vendors to provide the highest quality of food, including Santa Monica Seafood, Premier Meats, Ingardia Produce, Simon's Bakery and Southern Wine and Spirits.

A creative and innovative activity program is available and includes events and outings that utilize the wide array of opportunities in the local surrounding area. In addition, the ever-changing schedule includes daily vibrant entertainment and engaging activities at the community.

GlobeSt.com: What have you seen as the greatest opportunity in senior communities today?

Alder: The success of Vivante is due, in part, to its focus on bringing a fresh perspective to senior housing as the first new community in our market in 20 years. Vivante's success in the market has shown that seniors want and will pay for quality, innovation and exceptional service.

Nexus Development has created an unparalleled model of success by being acutely aware that the team members that serve Vivante's residents must be properly supported and appreciated in order to create a culture of caring. With this fresh approach, Nexus and Vivante have improved the conventional model in every aspect of operations. Nexus and Vivante acknowledge and celebrate that it is the residents, their families and Vivante team members working in collaboration and partnership that is the true key to a thriving community—those three priorities are also what comprise the three rings of the Vivante logo.

Due to the demand for luxury retirement living in the area, Nexus is currently planning an expansion of Vivante on the existing site, adding an additional 148,000 square feet of space with 111 assisted-living units (studios, one, and two-bedrooms). Additional amenities will be added, including a grand entertainment pavilion with space to include the entire community, a second fitness center, new full-service restaurant space and amenity areas. Completion is scheduled for late 2018.

GlobeSt.com: What specifically differentiates Vivante – what has been your model for success?

Alder: Nexus' mission was to create the most luxurious and innovative retirement community in Orange County, a place where their own parents and loved ones would enjoy living. This is a personal mission that is close to home, which is evidenced through the close involvement of ownership with staff, residents and their families. By committing to providing the best lifestyle for residents, working environment for the team and support for residents' families, Vivante experiences minimal staff and resident turnover. In addition, rates are competitive in the marketplace, offering this luxurious lifestyle at market value. From initial design through current operations, the satisfaction and experience of the residents, their families and team members is at the forefront and woven into all aspects of community operations.

Also, Vivante's units are larger than those of traditional retirement communities, ranging in size from 450 square feet to 1,800 square feet in an assortment of studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom plans. Suites boast full kitchens, Caesarstone countertops, solid wood cabinetry, Grohe fixtures, Porcelanosa tile, washer and dryers and patio space.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about senior communities?

Alder: Gone are the days of the “old folks home.” Today's communities are focusing more on creating a social and active lifestyle for residents. For many residents, the move to a senior community is about making a choice to simplify their lives and make more time for the activities they enjoy. Our residents are often thrilled to be unburdened with the upkeep of a home, meal preparation and the loneliness and isolation that can come from living at home. The social aspect of moving to a community, engagement of residents and new friendships that are formed positively impacts residents' minds, bodies and souls.

COSTA MESA, CA—Older adults are increasingly integrating technology into their daily lives, and this trend is being reflected in the new 55-plus communities being developed today, Nexus Cos.' president Cory Alder tells GlobeSt.com. The firm's 55-plus development Vivante on the Coast, located on the border of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, was recently recognized by the 55+ Housing Council of the Building Industry Association of Southern California as part of its 22^nd annual SAGE Awards. The awards recognize visionary professionals, projects and programs that have contributed to the enhancement of life for California residents age 55 and older. Vivante received a Gold Award for Best 55-Plus Assisted Living/Memory Care Community.

We spoke exclusively with Alder about trends in senior living and the greatest opportunities in this sector today.

GlobeSt.com: How is Vivante indicative of trends in senior living today?

Alder: Today's seniors are more active than ever, and demand in the marketplace has shown that communities must evolve with the times. Focused on creating an independent and active environment, Vivante incorporates many of the new ideas in dining, healthcare, fitness and lifestyle that appeal to today's seniors. Vivante boasts more than 10,000 square feet of amenity space, including Motion Fitness, a 1,200-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center, the CRO's Nest, a full bar and dining venue, Splashes indoor saltwater pool, a theater, a card and game room and an art studio, among others.

In addition, older adults are increasingly integrating technology into their daily lives, and at Vivante, the use of technology by residents is strongly encouraged. The community boasts a full-time director of systems and technology, and all residents are given an iPad preinstalled with a variety of brain fitness-related apps, such as Luminosity. IPad classes are offered regularly, and residents are taught and encouraged to communicate with loved ones through Skype and FaceTime. The Dakim Brain Fitness program is also available in the community library for resident use.

With 150 lunch and dinner entrée selections offered in a seasonal six-week menu cycle, Vivante's culinary program is unmatched. Vivante offers a true restaurant experience inspired by local restaurants, featuring trained fine-dining servers, individual temperature-controlled wine lockers and an open display kitchen complete with a rotisserie and wood-fired pizza oven. Vivante relies on specialty vendors to provide the highest quality of food, including Santa Monica Seafood, Premier Meats, Ingardia Produce, Simon's Bakery and Southern Wine and Spirits.

A creative and innovative activity program is available and includes events and outings that utilize the wide array of opportunities in the local surrounding area. In addition, the ever-changing schedule includes daily vibrant entertainment and engaging activities at the community.

GlobeSt.com: What have you seen as the greatest opportunity in senior communities today?

Alder: The success of Vivante is due, in part, to its focus on bringing a fresh perspective to senior housing as the first new community in our market in 20 years. Vivante's success in the market has shown that seniors want and will pay for quality, innovation and exceptional service.

Nexus Development has created an unparalleled model of success by being acutely aware that the team members that serve Vivante's residents must be properly supported and appreciated in order to create a culture of caring. With this fresh approach, Nexus and Vivante have improved the conventional model in every aspect of operations. Nexus and Vivante acknowledge and celebrate that it is the residents, their families and Vivante team members working in collaboration and partnership that is the true key to a thriving community—those three priorities are also what comprise the three rings of the Vivante logo.

Due to the demand for luxury retirement living in the area, Nexus is currently planning an expansion of Vivante on the existing site, adding an additional 148,000 square feet of space with 111 assisted-living units (studios, one, and two-bedrooms). Additional amenities will be added, including a grand entertainment pavilion with space to include the entire community, a second fitness center, new full-service restaurant space and amenity areas. Completion is scheduled for late 2018.

GlobeSt.com: What specifically differentiates Vivante – what has been your model for success?

Alder: Nexus' mission was to create the most luxurious and innovative retirement community in Orange County, a place where their own parents and loved ones would enjoy living. This is a personal mission that is close to home, which is evidenced through the close involvement of ownership with staff, residents and their families. By committing to providing the best lifestyle for residents, working environment for the team and support for residents' families, Vivante experiences minimal staff and resident turnover. In addition, rates are competitive in the marketplace, offering this luxurious lifestyle at market value. From initial design through current operations, the satisfaction and experience of the residents, their families and team members is at the forefront and woven into all aspects of community operations.

Also, Vivante's units are larger than those of traditional retirement communities, ranging in size from 450 square feet to 1,800 square feet in an assortment of studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom plans. Suites boast full kitchens, Caesarstone countertops, solid wood cabinetry, Grohe fixtures, Porcelanosa tile, washer and dryers and patio space.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about senior communities?

Alder: Gone are the days of the “old folks home.” Today's communities are focusing more on creating a social and active lifestyle for residents. For many residents, the move to a senior community is about making a choice to simplify their lives and make more time for the activities they enjoy. Our residents are often thrilled to be unburdened with the upkeep of a home, meal preparation and the loneliness and isolation that can come from living at home. The social aspect of moving to a community, engagement of residents and new friendships that are formed positively impacts residents' minds, bodies and souls.