Communities that provide a high quality of life, including broad-based, innovative  recreation opportunities for their residents age 50+, are attracting seniors to relocate to their communities for retirement and these migrating seniors are providing a significant stimulus to their local economies.   

The population projections for 2010 - 2030 indicate that younger seniors will migrate to Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta - communities that have traditionally been recognized for their youthful profiles.  These migration patterns indicate that factors other than climate are involved in decisions about retirement destinations.   The younger, more affluent retirees are migrating to areas that are rich in amenities, and recreational services are prominent among the amenities that are attracting them. The availability of parks and recreation opportunities in the community is second only to family location as a factor influencing retirees’ decisions about where to live during their retirement years.

Enhancing local recreation services for adults over age 50 is an economic development strategy that will result in a high rate of return on the community’s investments.

An effective leader recognizes there is more than just his or her way of communicating. To influence and motivate others, shape your message so that it uses language and concepts that appeals to the other person’s preferred communication style. The analogy is traveling to a foreign country where you don’t speak the native tongue. You will only be able to communicate effectively by adapting and using the language of the other. Same in the business world.

Research has shown our individual communication style is defined by the different degrees of preference we have for the following four basic communication styles.

Results-oriented - values moving things forward and getting results. Likes to use a direct style to get to the bottom line. Prefers to be given the headline and will decide how much additional information is needed to move forward. The key to communicating with this style is “get to the point.”

Relationship-oriented - believes an enthusiastic, collective effort can deliver phenomenal results. Seeks to build strong work relationships to ensure the most creative and energetic effort. Views conversations and discussions as the primary means for building these connections. The key to communicating with this style is “keep it positive.”

Stability-oriented - seeks to foster a work environment that is stable and relatively, if not completely, free of conflict. Will withhold opinion or ideas if the input might disrupt the group’s progress or consensus. Prefers an indirect communication style. The key to communicating with this style is “keep it non-confrontational.”

Quality-oriented - prefers to take a systematic, methodical approach to work. Values quality, accuracy, and thoroughness. Has high standards for own work and that of others. Prefers to share as much information about an issue as possible. The key to communicating with this style is “keep it factual.”

Influence others by “speaking their language.”