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The Language of Masterpiece Living •
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Masterpiece Living believes that words matter. Before speaking, we ask ourselves: Do these words promote successful aging? Do these words empower and encourage others? Do these words convey strength? Do these words promote a positive culture? Why?
At one time older adults within our community were revered and respected for their wisdom. Unfortunately, modern culture tends to marginalize older adults instead of treating them as vital, contributing members of our society. As a society, we unintentionally set limitations on what is possible with age. For that reason, we prefer a coaching approach when supporting older adults, which allows for the limitless potential that everyone can achieve, at any age. How we view older adults is first defined by how we speak. For this reason, words matter. Wield them wisely. Below, we have provided some guidelines for the words we use, and don’t use, in our everyday language… Here are some examples of words, and what they mean to us…
Masterpiece Living Language: • Communities: Places where older adults live (not “facilities”) • Coaching/Empowerment: We attempt to empower older adults to make informed decisions vs. directing them as to what they “should” do. • Four Components: These refer to Physical Health, Spiritual Fulfillment, Intellectual Challenge and Social Engagement, the key components to a successful aging lifestyle. • Higher Levels of Living: Our term to describe Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing www.mymasterpieceliving.com • Masterpiece Champion Team: Group of people who are “championing” the launch and ongoing success of Masterpiece Living within an organization • Masterpiece Living Initiative: What Masterpiece Living is. (not a “program”). This is also referred to as a successful aging initiative or successful aging culture. • Masterpiece Reviews: A set of three reviews that consist of the Lifestyle Review, the Mobility Review and the (optional) Mayo Clinic Health Appraisal. We try to limit the use of the words “evaluation” and “assessment” whenever possible. • Older Adult: Because the word “senior” is often used with a negative connotation, we prefer to use the term “older adult.” • Team Members: People who work at MPL partner organizations (not “staff,” “employees” or “associates.”) Phrases We Use and Some We Avoid: • USE: “Living with Alzheimer’s” or “Living with dementia” vs. “suffering from Alzheimer’s” or “suffering from dementia” • AVOID: “Still” and “at your/my/their age” (i.e. “He’s 90 and still able to work at his age.”). This sets limits on what someone “should” be able to do or not do with age. • AVOID: “Senior Moment” and any stereotype that suggests that every older adult who forgets something has dementia. Expressions That Reflect the Successful Aging Culture: •
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“It’s never too late.” “It’s about self discovery.” “You can create the future you want.” “It’s not about being busy, but about being purposeful.” “We encourage you to discover what’s possible!” We welcome the opportunity to work directly with the media to ensure
that messaging is consistent with Masterpiece Living language, and are
happy to review any articles prior to publication in a timely manner.
Media inquiries, please email: [email protected] or
phone the Masterpiece Living offices at (561) 624-8797 to speak with a
Masterpiece Living team member.
www.mymasterpieceliving.com