On a recent afternoon at Emerald Heights, a small group of residents gathered to try something many had never experienced before. Within moments of putting on a virtual reality headset, they found themselves transported into the middle of one of Seattle’s most memorable celebrations: the Seahawks Super Bowl parade.
As the excitement of the parade unfolded around them, residents waved at onlookers, spotted cheerleaders and players, and joined fellow fans in cheering along with the sea of “12s.”
The immersive experience recreates the energy of the historic parade and places viewers right in the middle of the cheering crowd. You can see a glimpse of the experience in this recent feature from KING5.
What began as a fun introduction to new technology quickly sparked a bigger conversation about possibility, connection, and how innovation can expand the way residents experience the world.
“This technology would be my escape into nature, into real life that I physically can’t access anymore. I got excited about that prospect, knowing experiences like this are possible.”
– Emerald Heights Resident
Virtual Reality Designed to Support Connection
The experience was made possible through Emerald Heights’ partnership with Rendever, which delivers immersive technology designed to support longer, healthier, and more connected lives.
With Rendever, residents simply put on a headset and are transported into shared experiences they can explore together. They can travel to destinations around the world, revisit meaningful places from their past, or experience moments like the Seahawks parade as if they were standing right in the crowd.
The platform was designed specifically for older adults and those who support them. Its shared format encourages conversation, connection, and engagement, helping address one of the most important challenges facing older adults today: social isolation.
Research-backed immersive experiences have also shown promise for individuals experiencing mobility limitations, vision challenges, or cognitive decline.
Technology with Purpose
For the team at Emerald Heights, virtual reality is not simply about introducing new technology. It is about thoughtfully expanding the ways residents can stay engaged with the world around them.
Nicole McCarthy, Director of Resident Services, says the community is energized by the possibilities immersive technology is creating.
“We are incredibly excited about our partnership with Rendever and what it makes possible for residents,” McCarthy shared. “It’s one of several innovative approaches we are exploring as an intervention for mild cognitive impairment and early dementia diagnosis. Our goal is always to meet people where they are and create meaningful experiences that support connection, curiosity, and engagement.”
Virtual reality is just one part of Emerald Heights’ broader approach to cognitive wellness. The community continues to explore evidence-based strategies to support residents living with dementia and cognitive changes, including cognitive stimulation therapy and new partnerships focused on therapeutic nature and wellness programming.
McCarthy recalls one particularly powerful moment during a virtual experience when a resident asked to revisit the neighborhood where she grew up.
“She was able to show us the street where she lived and began recalling the names of nearby streets and sharing stories from her childhood,” McCarthy said. “The experience unlocked something for her. Afterward, she became more open with staff and neighbors, and we could see a new level of comfort in her interactions.”
Looking Ahead
At Emerald Heights, innovation is always guided by a simple goal: helping residents continue living vibrant, meaningful lives.
As new technologies continue to emerge, senior living communities are finding thoughtful ways to use them to support connection, curiosity, and well-being. At Emerald Heights, that means continually exploring innovative tools and partnerships that help residents stay engaged with the world around them.
Because living well at every age should include the freedom to keep discovering, learning, and experiencing life in new ways.
