Givens Communities is proud to launch the Givens Longevity and Brain Health Program, a significant new initiative designed to advance whole-person wellness by supporting residents and team members in living healthier, more engaged lives for longer. This effort reflects Givens’ long-standing commitment to innovation in aging and positions the organization as an emerging leader in proactive brain health and longevity.
The program is led by Taryn Tindall, Director of the Givens Longevity and Brain Health Program, who brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in senior living with a focus on clinical practice and whole-person wellness. A Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner, licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and MBA, Taryn brings a rare combination of clinical fluency, operational insight, and regulatory understanding to this work. Her background enables her to translate emerging science, innovation, and thought leadership into evidence-based initiatives that can be embedded sustainably across the organization. She approaches longevity as the extension of healthspan, with work centered on building infrastructure that supports sustained function, independence, and agency. Previously, Taryn led wellbeing initiatives at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, where she oversaw resident services operations and partnered closely with residents and teams to launch new programs and strategic partnerships that enhanced engagement, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Across the country, there is growing recognition that longevity is about more than extending years of life—it is about enhancing quality of life. Research shows that everyday factors such as physical activity, nutrition, social connection, lifelong learning, and stress management meaningfully influence cognitive health and overall vitality. While Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia remain serious public health challenges, evidence-based lifestyle choices can help strengthen resilience and support brain health across the lifespan.
At Givens, wellness, life enrichment, and health services have always been central to community life. The Longevity and Brain Health Program builds on that foundation through a shared framework that aligns best practices across campuses and service lines. By integrating brain‑healthy principles into dining, engagement, fitness, education, and care, Givens is empowering residents and team members alike to take proactive steps to support cognitive vitality and overall well-being.
This organization-wide initiative serves residents across Givens Life Plan Communities, affordable housing, Givens Outreach, Givens Home First, and Givens Choice. Team members will also benefit from expanded education and training that strengthens knowledge, confidence, and collaboration across the organization.
Year One: Building the Foundation
In FY26, the program moves from vision to action. The first year is intentionally focused on building a strong and sustainable foundation—establishing shared understanding, strengthening team member capability, and launching a carefully selected pilot that translates research into lived experience.
Creating a Shared Culture of Brain Health
A system-wide dementia education initiative will establish a common language and baseline of understanding across roles. Beginning with a foundational in-person session supported by short digital modules, the program will ensure that team members—from resident-facing staff to operational leaders—are equipped with practical knowledge and interactional confidence. Over time, this infrastructure will expand to include advanced, role-specific training and the development of internal Dementia Support Leads and Educators.
Launch Pilot: The Brain Health Studio
The most visible Year One initiative is the introduction of a Brain Health Studio at Givens Highland Farms within the new Wellness Center. This dedicated space will offer residents dual-task cognitive-motor training through specialized exergaming equipment—an approach designed to challenge the brain and body simultaneously. Research suggests that combining physical movement with cognitive engagement may support balance, executive function, and overall vitality.
Beyond providing an engaging new wellness resource, the Brain Health Studio will serve as a learning laboratory. Resident participation, lived experience, and operational insights gathered during this pilot will guide thoughtful and financially responsible expansion to additional Givens communities in future years.
Two additional brain health initiatives are currently in early conceptual planning. While not yet finalized, these pilots reflect the same guiding principles that underpin Taryn Tindall’s leadership approach: grounding innovation in evidence, testing carefully, and scaling responsibly as learning occurs.
Looking Ahead
FY26 is about building wisely and intentionally. By strengthening education, launching targeted innovations, and learning from early implementation, Givens is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and integrated approach to longevity-focused living.
Importantly, this new initiative is fueled by philanthropic support. Generous gifts from donors make it possible for Givens to invest in innovation, pilot emerging models, and expand access to brain health resources across communities.
Through the Longevity and Brain Health Program, Givens affirms that aging well is not defined solely by care. It is shaped by opportunity, engagement, connection, and the ability to thrive at every stage of life.
Join us to support the Longevity and Brain Health program by making a gift today: givensphilanthropy.org/giving/