Moorings Park Communities’ three Naples locations have been recognized by the International Council of Active Aging as among North America’s Best Wellness Communities.
Across the country, the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) has become the benchmark for recognizing communities that elevate the way older adults live, thrive, and age. Once again, Moorings Park Communities stands at the forefront of that movement, earning national recognition for its leadership in wellness innovation. All three Naples campuses, Moorings Park, Moorings Park at Grey Oaks, and Moorings Park Grande Lake, have been honored among North America’s top wellness communities, demonstrating the organization’s continued impact on the future of senior living.
Wellness Excellence Across All Three Naples Locations
The 2025 ICAA NuStep Beacon Award highlights North America’s top 25 communities fostering meaningful, wellness-driven cultures. Moorings Park Grande Lake and Moorings Park at Grey Oaks secured positions six and seven, respectively, placing them firmly among the continent’s most influential active-aging environments. Moorings Park earned an even higher distinction this year, ranking in the top five and claiming the prestigious Pinnacle Award, a designation reserved for communities that are not only excelling today, but actively shaping the industry’s direction.
"The ICAA recognition is a powerful validation of the work our team puts in across all three campuses,” said Associate Executive Director of Wellness Brett Swanson. “It shows that our focus on personalized wellness and measurable outcomes is making a real difference in how people age. It gives us confidence that we’re heading in the right direction."
A Shift Toward Personalized Wellness Innovation
The conversation around senior living continues to evolve. Older adults are seeking environments that support healthier, more intentional lifestyles, and the ICAA recognizes organizations that respond to that expectation with purpose and creativity.
“It can no longer be a ‘build it and they will come’ approach,” says Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the ICAA. “Forward-thinking senior living communities are increasingly customizing their offerings and leveraging tools like artificial intelligence and wearables to help residents embrace a wellness lifestyle and live better longer.”
Moorings Park Communities has embraced that challenge with forward-looking initiatives designed to deepen personalization. Over the past year, the organization introduced a new leadership role, the Executive Director of Successful Aging, tasked with advancing wellness opportunities across all three campuses. Under this direction, the community created a comprehensive interdisciplinary wellness team that now collaborates across medical, cognitive, fitness, nutritional, and emotional-wellness specialties. Together, they craft individualized plans that evolve with residents’ needs, interests, and long-term goals.
This integrated model allows residents to experience wellness not as a checklist of amenities, but as a deeply personal partnership that supports their daily lives. Concierge physicians and wellness experts work collectively, refining pathways that help residents stay active, engaged, and confident as they age.
The Naples Environment: A Natural Partner in Longevity
The three Moorings Park Communities campuses share an extraordinary backdrop: Naples, one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the country. Here, residents experience a blend of refined luxury and natural beauty that inspires healthier routines. Morning walks along lakefront paths, evenings filled with lectures and performances, and days shaped by movement, curiosity, and community all contribute to a lifestyle rooted in longevity.
Within each campus, residents enjoy access to personalized healthcare, innovative programming, cultural experiences, and wellness amenities supported by data-driven insight. These offerings are designed to strengthen the mind, body, and spirit while honoring the individuality of each resident. Coupled with Naples’ vibrant outdoor lifestyle and rich social fabric, the result is a community environment where wellness flourishes in every direction.
"What excites me most about the future is the opportunity to continue nurturing programs that truly meet residents where they are,” said Jessica Brinkert, Executive Director of Successful Aging. “This recognition affirms the heart behind our work, and it inspires us to keep growing, listening, and personalizing the support we offer. I’m looking forward to creating even more moments that help our residents feel stronger, more connected, and deeply supported in their wellness journey.”
Leadership Recognized on a National Stage
The ICAA’s recognition extends beyond the organization itself. CEO Dan Lavender has been named one of the top five wellness executives in the country, receiving the 2025 Pinnacle Award for leadership excellence. His vision has been instrumental in guiding Moorings Park Communities toward a more personalized, research-informed, and innovation-driven approach to wellness.
Dan Lavender was once again recognized as one of the top wellness executives in North America.
“This honor reflects the dedication and passion our team brings to creating an exceptional experience for our residents,” said Dan Lavender, CEO of Moorings Park Communities. “To be recognized once again as one of the top Life Plan Communities in the nation, is a meaningful affirmation of our longstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and financial strength. It reinforces our belief that residents deserve nothing less than the highest standard in services, amenities, and support.”
“Recipients of the 2025 ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award strive to reach new heights in creating vibrant, engaging wellness environments,” the ICAA announced. Lavender’s leadership embodies this mission, as he continues to champion interdisciplinary strategies, meaningful partnerships, and new technologies that enhance the aging experience for residents.
Advancing the Future of Successful Aging
The recognition from the ICAA this year serves as a powerful reminder of what defines Moorings Park Communities: an unwavering belief that wellness should shape every facet of a person’s life. The Beacon and Pinnacle Awards are validation that a culture built on purpose, innovation, and compassion truly makes a difference in how people age.
As the expectations of older adults continue to evolve, Moorings Park Communities remains committed to leading that evolution. Each award underscores the dedication of the organization’s teams, the vision of its leadership, and the vibrant, engaged lifestyles of the residents who inspire everything they do. With national recognition across all three campuses and a top five ranking among the best wellness communities in North America, the organization enters the future with confidence and clarity.
Ready to discover a retirement lifestyle that truly enhances your well-being? Schedule a tour of Moorings Park Communities today to experience our luxurious residences, exceptional amenities, and renowned healthcare services. Our team is eager to answer your questions and guide you through the journey of finding the perfect Naples luxury Life Plan retirement community. To learn more, visit our website, attend an event, or schedule a private tour.
