“I started Touchmark to improve people’s quality of life. I believed then—and still do— that I could create an active living environment that would make it possible for the last third of people’s lives to be their happiest.”
—Werner G. Nistler, Jr., Touchmark Founder and CEO
Touchmark develops, owns, and operates retirement communities in eight states and one Canadian province. November 10, 2010 marks Touchmark’s 30th anniversary as a provider of services for older adults. Today, more than 2,200 residents directly experience Touchmark’s mission: “To enrich people’s lives.” More than 1,585 team members bring to life Touchmark’s values: teamwork, service, integrity, compassion, and excellence.
“I started Touchmark to improve people’s quality of life. I believed then—and still do— that I could create an active living environment that would make it possible for the last third of people’s lives to be their happiest.”
Werner G. Nistler, Jr., Touchmark Founder and CEO
Werner G. Nistler, Jr. often has told the story of his desire to create communities where residents would want to spend their retirement years. Thus, he developed a setting that provides quality at every important intersection of a life well-lived: spiritual, emotional, physical, social, vocational, and intellectual. Everything—from building design and landscaping to the programs and services—provided in Touchmark communities is built on the concept of enhancing the well-being of residents, family members, and team members as well as citizens in the surrounding cities/towns.
Here are some of the highlights why Touchmark values residents (current and future), family members, team members, volunteers, and others who bring alive our communities:
Individuality and teamwork. All of the unique life stories experiences, talents, strengths, and skills contribute to and identify the heart of each community. Combining the individual attributes and strengths of the entire community allows synergy and teamwork without eroding the distinctive contributions of each person.
New adventures. It’s really true. The last third of life can be an addition to the wishes, hopes, and dreams developed in the first two-thirds. Empowerment and vision are the gifts each person brings to the greater good of all as they step into new territory in lifelong learning, civic engagement, physical fitness, environmental stewardship, and social networking … all with new and cherished friends and neighbors.
Wisdom and perspective. Residents and team members alike bring their accumulated wisdom and lifelong ability to adapt to change, anticipate the future, hang on to life’s lessons, and be open to tomorrow. These are gifts of a life well-lived.
Trust. Current and prospective residents give the gift of trust, as they allow us to help them. Their proactive choice to live in a Touchmark community comes after careful planning to prepare for what life will next bring. In some cases, the decision is made to relieve anxiety and improve a living situation that has become too stressful.
Fun. Residents and team members truly enjoy one another! The benefits of socialization and activities that emphasize fun, humor, happiness, optimism, and shared joy are so strong they almost outweigh the benefits of a good diet and physical activity. In recent years, the research has highlighted the direct correlation of this wellness component to successful aging.
These are only a few of the many contributions that each person has made to Touchmark. We appreciate everyone’s continuing contributions to our mission: “To enrich people’s lives.” On this 30th anniversary, we celebrate each of you and thank you for being part of the Touchmark family.
And for others who don’t know us yet, we invite you to visit and get to know us!
Bill Warner’s story: