Creating a Legacy for Future Generations on Earth Day

Sunshine Retirement Living Partners With Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society to Support Global Issue of Ocean Conservation


BEND, OR--(Marketwired - Apr 14, 2015) - More than 2,000 residents from 18 Sunshine Retirement Living communities across the country will participate in several Earth Day events and activities supporting Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society and its mission to protect our planet's oceans and biosphere. Their collective goal is to learn more about the global issue of ocean conservation through a variety of entertaining and educational activities and, in turn, leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The mission of Ocean Futures Society is to explore the global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on the planet.

Jean-Michel Cousteau, at 76 a senior himself, often says, "Protect the ocean and you protect yourself." During the week of April 20, Sunshine managed retirement communities from across the country will embrace his philosophy and will host several events, including a special "Under the Sea" luncheon featuring sustainable dishes and recipes created by the executive chefs at each community. The luncheons are open to the public as a way to extend the message of eating responsibly without sacrificing variety or flavor, and demonstrate the quality and diversity of the menus at each community.

Throughout the week, residents will also participate in numerous educational activities -- including trivia games, crafts, seminars, field trips to local aquariums and viewings of selected episodes from "SeaScope: An Adventure Underwater." An Ocean Futures Society-produced DVD, "SeaScope" consists of 52 short episodes highlighting the most fascinating adventures and discoveries of Jean-Michel Cousteau and his expedition team. Also during Earth Week, Sunshine Retirement Living will share intriguing and exclusive content via the company's blog, Wise & Wonderful, including a Q&A with Jean-Michel Cousteau. Residents and their guests will learn about some of the most bizarre marine animals ever encountered by Cousteau, to the total hours he has spent underwater, and how to help save the oceans as seniors living in each retirement community.

"Our residents and staff at each of our communities have embraced this opportunity to support Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society, and see it as a way to leave a lasting legacy for future generations," said James Matthews, CEO, Sunshine Retirement Living. "With the wisdom of their years, they realize that they have the chance now to have a positive and enduring impact on our planet. As they learn more about conservation during this Earth Day partnership with the Oceans Future Society, they can pass that knowledge to others around them including their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren."

Members of the Sunshine Home Office team in Bend, Ore., will also join the Earth Day celebration. The team has committed to picking up recyclables and trash alongside the Deschutes River trail, and biking or walking to work or carpooling. "Living and working in the beautiful city of Bend, we can certainly appreciate that it takes everyone doing their part to protect our planet," said JP Mickelsen, vice president of finance, Sunshine Retirement Living. "Jean Michel-Cousteau reminds us that even simple changes to our behavior can make a real difference."

To learn more about the various events and activities at each Sunshine Retirement Living community, please visit www.SunshineRetirementLiving.com. For more information about the Ocean Futures Society, please visit www.oceanfutures.org, or contact Holly Lohuis, (805) 588-0557, or Jacelyn Mandoske, (805) 899-8899.

About Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society
Ocean Futures Society (OFS) is a non-profit marine conservation and education organization that serves as a "Voice for the Ocean." OFS's mission is to explore the oceans, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection and to celebrate their vital importance to the survival of all life on the planet. One of OFS's educational programs, Ambassadors of the Environment, represents the Society's commitment to prepare the next generation for the responsibilities they will inherit to manage the planet's biosphere. For more information, visit the website at www.oceanfutures.org.

About Sunshine Retirement Living
Based in Bend, Ore., Sunshine Retirement Living manages 18 retirement communities in seven states, offering senior apartments, independent living, assisted living and memory care. A family-owned business with 20 years in the senior housing industry, Sunshine Retirement Living's mission is to be the preferred senior living provider offering value, choice and independence while promoting health and social interaction that exceeds residents' expectations and enriches the lives of both residents and staff. By providing meals, housekeeping, activities, transportation, utilities and in-house management staff, Sunshine Retirement Living continues to build an unparalleled community feeling in each property. For more information, visit www.SunshineRet.com or connect socially.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Danielle DiMatteo
Director of Sales & Marketing
Sunshine Retirement Living
(949) 701-2812


Erin Peacock
Peacock PR
(949) 939-1872

Jean-Michel Cousteau