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Living with Purpose and Health: The Emerald Heights Approach to Longevity

Sandra Cook on March 7, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of aging is evolving. No longer is retirement solely about relaxation; it’s about thriving—physically, mentally, and socially. At Emerald Heights and Heron’s Key, we embrace a holistic approach to aging, ensuring that longevity is not just about adding years to life, but life to years.

Many senior living communities are only now beginning to adopt wellness-based cultures, but at Emerald Heights, wellness has always been at the core of our philosophy. Our residents frequently outlive the national average for those in retirement communities, and we believe this is no coincidence. A combination of purposeful living, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to health-focused initiatives contribute to their vibrant and extended lifespans.

Take, for example, Marge—one of our cherished residents—who, at 103 years old, continues to live independently. Her story is inspiring, but she is far from the only example of the vitality found within our community. Every resident has the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that fosters growth and well-being in seven critical dimensions of wellness: emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical, and vocational.

At Emerald Heights, wellness is an action, not just a concept. This commitment is evident in our vast array of programs and activities, designed to engage every facet of well-being. With over 40 resident-led committees and more than 400 activities offered each month, residents have the opportunity to pursue lifelong interests while also exploring new passions. Whether it’s through social gatherings, lifelong learning initiatives, fitness programs, or volunteer work, our residents find fulfillment and purpose in their daily lives.

A key component of our approach is the emphasis on nutritious, sustainably sourced meals. Diet plays a crucial role in longevity and quality of life, and our dining services ensure that residents have access to meals that nourish both body and mind.

Ultimately, longevity is only meaningful when it is paired with purpose and vitality. At Emerald Heights, we provide an environment where individuals can continue to grow, contribute, and lead fulfilling lives—at every age and every stage. Wellness is not just a goal; it is our way of life.

Boost Your Heart Health with These Simple Tips

Sandra Cook on February 7, 2025

*Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in older adults.*

As we age, taking care of our heart health becomes more important than ever. At Emerald Heights, a leading senior living community in Redmond, WA, we understand that maintaining cardiovascular health is key to living a long, vibrant life.

February is Heart Health Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on simple, practical steps to protect your heart. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, ensuring you can continue enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.

Why Heart Health Matters for Seniors

As we age, the risk for heart disease increases, making heart health a top priority for seniors. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for older adults, but the good news is, with a few lifestyle changes, many heart problems can be prevented or managed.

At Emerald Heights, we’re committed to helping our residents lead heart-healthy lives, whether through physical fitness, balanced nutrition, or ongoing wellness support. Here are a few heart health tips to incorporate into your routine today.

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall heart function. Focus on nutrient-rich foods that support your cardiovascular health:

Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
Whole Grains: Foods like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, to reduce harmful cholesterol.

At Emerald Heights, our residents enjoy meals that are carefully crafted to promote heart health, ensuring they get the nutrients needed for optimal well-being.

2. Stay Active with Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to boost heart health and keep your body strong as you age. Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure, manage weight, and strengthen the heart.

At Emerald Heights, we offer a variety of fitness programs tailored to seniors, from low-impact activities like walking and swimming to chair yoga and strength training classes. Even small daily movements can make a big difference in your cardiovascular health.

Tips for Staying Active:

Walk Daily: A 20-minute walk each day can improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
Join Group Classes: Socializing while exercising can be motivating and fun! Look for group classes or walking clubs at your community.
Strength Training: Two or three times a week, engage in light strength training to keep muscles strong and improve heart function.

3. Manage Stress and Prioritize Mental Health

Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart health, raising your blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease. Finding ways to manage stress is essential for a healthy heart.

At Emerald Heights, we emphasize the importance of mental well-being with activities designed to relax the mind and reduce stress. Some effective strategies include:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help lower stress and improve mental clarity.
Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your nervous system.
Socializing: Spend time with friends and family in your community, or engage in activities that make you feel happy and connected.

4. Get Regular Checkups and Monitor Health

Regular health screenings and checkups are crucial for preventing heart disease. At Emerald Heights, we encourage residents to stay on top of their health by scheduling routine checkups with our healthcare team. Early detection of issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help manage risk factors and prevent future heart problems.

Tips for Regular Heart Health Checkups:

Blood Pressure Checks: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, so it’s important to monitor it regularly.
Cholesterol Screenings: Keeping cholesterol levels in check is vital for heart health.
Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes can lead to cardiovascular issues, so maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential.

5. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Smoking

Proper hydration plays an essential role in keeping your heart healthy. Water helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular function.

Additionally, avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Whether you’re just beginning your heart-healthy journey or looking for ways to stay on track, our dedicated staff and resources are here to support you every step of the way.

Heart health is crucial for seniors, and with the right steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. At Emerald Heights, we’re proud to offer resources, support, and a vibrant community to help you live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Make the most of Heart Health Month and start incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine. Remember, small changes can lead to big results—your heart will thank you!

Visit our website or contact our team today to learn more about how Emerald Heights can support your heart health and overall well-being.

Socialization in the Corwin Center

angelleditor on September 10, 2024

At the Corwin Center, Emerald Heights’ onsite assisted living community, staff is always available to ensure residents are getting the right level of care at all times.

The goal of assisted living at Emerald Heights is to help residents remain as independent as possible and step in when needed. However, in the spirit of helping residents live a full, independent life, there are a multitude of social activities for all residents to enjoy.

Socialization, activity, entertainment and recreation play a key role in Emerald Heights’ standard of living. Assisted living is not just about catering to basic needs but making sure residents have everything they need for mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, 30% of assisted living residents nationwide have experienced depression symptoms at some point while living in their communities. Emerald Heights and the Corwin Center are doing all they can to mitigate these feelings by promoting socialization, activities, and enrichment opportunities.

Types of Socialization Offered

There are dozens of physical fitness classes for residents led by instructors that have the goal of supporting daily activities. There are also walking groups, personal training, and outdoor physical activities to promote wellness.

If a resident’s care plan does not focus on physical activity, there are many other ways to socialize and connect with neighbors at the Corwin Center. There are daily activities including art, music, games, educational lectures, religious services, and so much more.

Some of these activities are for assisted living residents only, however many activities are for both assisted living and independent living residents. This is a great way for residents to socialize with people from all over the community.

This is also one of the largest benefits of the continuum of care offered at Emerald Heights. If a resident finds themselves moving to assisted living from independent living, they are still able to connect with all the friends they have made and participate in many of the activities they have grown accustomed to.

Why Does Socialization Matter

No matter what interests a resident has, the act of socialization in any shape or form can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of residents in assisted living.

Research shows socialization and activity can mitigate depression, loneliness and isolation. Mental health is a huge focus for Emerald Heights and making sure residents have a sense of belonging and purpose is always top of mind.

Many of these activities can also stimulate the mind and foster positive emotions which can improve brain health. Participating in group discussions, attending weekly activities, joining resident groups and sharing ideas with others helps to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive declines such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The benefits of socialization in assisted living are endless. By ensuring there are opportunities around every corner for residents to connect with one another, Emerald Heights is helping residents live a fulfilling life.

Love to Travel, But Not so Keen on the Trip Planning? Consider a Senior Travel Tour

angelleditor on February 10, 2023

Retirement typically makes traveling easier: You’re not limited to a specific allotment of time because of work. You don’t have to plan around school breaks (unless you’re taking the grandkids with you). And most likely, your choice of destinations is wide open.

Although many people plan to travel more after they retire, any number of reasons — including procrastination — can keep them from following through on their intentions.

Even those who previously were avid travelers have had to curb their wanderlust the last few years. Fortunately, most options are open again for both domestic and international travel.

So, if you’re itching for a change of scenery, it may be time to dust off the luggage and go!

Advantages of Travel Tours for Seniors

Planning a trip can be time-consuming and the checklist lengthy, especially when traveling abroad. Leaving the details to a dependable tour operator can lead to a more pleasant experience even before you leave home.

Along with making transportation and lodging arrangements, a travel tour company can:

Inform you of any documentation requirements (e.g., visas) and vaccinations that might be necessary if you’ll be traveling to a foreign country
Advise you on matters such as currency exchange, travel insurance (including coverage for emergency medical assistance) and how to address potential language barriers
Offer tour options you might not be aware of otherwise, such as special interest tours, volunteer vacations and tours with less impact on the environment
Help you avoid potential single supplement fees if you’ll be traveling solo (Overseas Adventure Travel, for example, touts its “solo women experience”)

Additionally, many tour operators offer a selection of trips designed with older adults in mind. For instance, they may specialize in walking tours based on the degree of physical challenge involved (i.e., easy, moderate or advanced). Most senior tour operators also have options for travelers who use assistive devices for mobility.

You may also find that you feel safer when traveling as part of a group.

What to Look for in a Senior Tour Program

When you start searching for a tour operator, it may be helpful to have in mind where you want to visit, how you want to get there and how long you want to stay. Some specialize in trips to certain destinations or a specific mode of transportation, whereas others offer a wider variety of options.

On the other hand, if you’re open to suggestions, you may want to see what types of tours are available through various businesses and organizations. AARP® is a good place to start, particularly if you’re already a member.

Read online reviews and check the Better Business Bureau® website to make sure a tour operator you’re considering is legitimate. Then, read the fine print on everything before you sign up or pay a deposit.

See what’s included in the tour package and what extras there may be — like the single supplement fees mentioned earlier. Those can turn out to be quite expensive.

When possible, find out how experienced the tour guides are and whether you’ll be able to interact with your guide. The smaller the group size, the more likely that will be.

If you’re going to shop several tour operators to see which offers the best price, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. If meals and tips are included in a tour package that’s only slightly more expensive, it may be the better deal. Or, you may discover that a cheaper package doesn’t include air fare.

Check out the itineraries, too. You may find some more appealing than others. Some tour operators allow you to customize the activities to better align with your interests and energy level.

Today’s Tours Go Well Beyond Sightseeing

If you’re a first-time traveler or have only limited experience, you may not be aware of just how many options are available. In addition to the destination, you can choose tour packages based on:

Group size (cruises, large bus tours, small group tours, custom tours)
Transportation (some people love taking tours by train!)
Length of stay (in some cases, you can choose to spend several weeks or even months if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture)
A specific activity (e.g., hiking, bicycling or bird watching)
Interest (e.g., cuisine, history and culture, art, opera, genealogy or nature/wildlife)

Businesses With a Focus on Tours for Seniors

As noted earlier, AARP is a helpful source — not only for tours but for travel tips as well. You may also want to take a look at these:

Road Scholar® – Tours center on lifelong learning opportunities; also offers Grandparent Adventures for those who want to travel with their grandkids
TravelStride – Information hub featuring hundreds of tour companies
ElderTreks – Small group exotic adventures for adults who are 50 or older
Access Tours — Tours of the American West; see their profile on TravelStride
Walking the World — Good selection of immersion tours in more than 30 destinations
Adventures Abroad – Small group tours for adults age 50+ in 120 countries
Firebird Tours® – Mostly European tours, offering themed, private and small group tours
Globus® – Many categories of tours, including “undiscovered” destinations
Trafalgar – Tours in 72 countries and on all seven continents
Grand Circle Travel – River and small ship cruises, land tours, solo-friendly
YMT Vacations™ – Land tours, river cruises and combination tours featuring destinations on every continent
Senior Cycling – Bicycle tours for adults age 50+ in the U.S. and Canada; hybrid bike rentals available
Vacations by Rail – Train vacations and ocean and river cruises in the U.S., Europe and Canada

Senior Travel Clubs

An online search of senior travel clubs will turn up many of the organizations listed above, but this category also includes smaller groups, like those you may learn about at your nearby senior center or place of worship. Other senior travel clubs are affiliated with volunteer organizations or local chapters of organizations such as the American Hiking Society.

Some travel clubs charge an annual membership fee. Due diligence is particularly important if you’re contemplating a trip offered through one of these smaller groups.

As an alternative, you may want to start your own travel club, beginning with a few family members and close friends. Everyone can pitch in and help with the trip-planning process, and you may be eligible as a group for discounts that aren’t available to solo travelers.

Living at Emerald Heights Makes Traveling Easier

Travel is a favorite pastime for many residents of our community — in fact, some deliberately chose to live here because it’s so easy to simply lock the door and go whenever they want. There’s no need to worry about their home while they’re away.

Plus, whether they’re in independent living or assisted living, being here at Emerald Heights frees up more of their time for adventures near and far.

If you’re a globetrotter at heart or you enjoy an occasional excursion closer to home, you’ll find that living at Emerald Heights is the perfect home base. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about half an hour away, and several cruise lines sail out of Seattle. If you prefer road trips, there’s a multitude of choices for day trips, overnight stays and longer getaways.

Let us know if you’d like to make a visit to Emerald Heights part of your travel plans. We’ll happily set up a time to show you around.

Introducing: The Emerald Heights Fitness Team

angelleditor on January 10, 2023

One of the best parts of living at Emerald Heights is the state-of-the-art fitness center and programs offered in the community. The fitness department recently was revamped by promoting a new team lead and adding three amazing fitness specialists to the fitness department. The team is excited to offer all they can to residents including new classes and more fitness options. To learn more about the people behind Emerald Heights’ fitness, read about the new team below:

Meet Alexandra “Alex” Clark:

Alex is a certified Zumba instructor and earned her degree in theater from California State University, Northridge. She’s been teaching Zumba classes at Emerald Heights for over five years and is enthusiastic about fitness. Alex is excited to offer new programs for all areas of Emerald Heights.

If you have been living at Emerald Heights for several years, you may recognize Alex Clark who supervises the trips/events department and the life enrichment activities department for independent living and the Corwin Center. In her new role as Wellness Programs Manager, Alex will still be overseeing these two areas of service, but she will also be managing the fitness program as well.

Fitness has been an important part of Alex’s life for as long as she can remember. She played sports as a child, danced and even tried gymnastics for a little while. Before starting her career in senior living, Alex also worked at several gyms.

Alex says, “I am so blessed to be continuing my career at Emerald Heights and I am excited to now oversee the fitness department. With the new team, I know we will be able to offer more classes, develop new programs and offer the best fitness plans we can. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon!”

Meet Tanner Bostian:

Tanner was hired by Emerald Heights in August 2022 as a fitness specialist. Although this is his first job working in senior living, Tanner brings unmatched enthusiasm and excitement to share fitness with residents.

He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from St. John University and has the goal of earning his masters in kinesiology in the near future. Bostian has a personal training certification though the National Strength and Conditioning Association and earned an aging specialist certification though the American Council on Exercise.

He is hoping to add a few new classes to the fitness program that highlight some of the areas he enjoys most such as basketball, boxing, golf, stretching and strength training.

When he is not working at Emerald Heights, you can find Tanner as the head coach for Junior-Varsity boys’ basketball.

“Ever since I started working at Emerald Heights, I have been so lucky to get to know and learn from the residents of the community. I love hearing their stories and getting to build a relationship with them,” says Tanner. “Another thing I love about working at Emerald Heights is my co-workers! They make coming to work fun and I am glad we have such a collaborative relationship which ultimately benefits the residents.”

Meet Katharine Manter:

Katharine also joined as a fitness specialist in August 2022 and has loved working with the residents at Emerald Heights ever since.

She has been working with ageing adults for several years. Katharine comes from a medical background so she has a vast knowledge of medications, proper breathing techniques, diabetes management and exercises to improve one’s quality of life.

Manter earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education with a kinesiology concentration followed by a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology. She is also a certified clinical exercise physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Katharine teaches several group fitness classes and is happy to take on new personal training clients. She also works with the physical therapy team when needed. She is most excited to grow the posture and balance classes and is hoping to provide seminars to educate residents on fall risk, exercises, proper form/technique and overall health.

“I find it so rewarding to help a resident learn to walk better or perform their daily activities through fitness. A lot of the classes offered help residents regain mobility, strengthen balance and allows them to have a better quality of life,” shares Katharine.

If you are interested in getting to know any of these amazing staff members, now is the perfect time to join the fitness program. There are typically eight to ten group fitness classes offered every day such as aqua-aerobics, total body fitness, weightlifting, tai-chi, yoga, Zumba and even line dancing. If you want to train on our own or have individualized attention, the fitness center is open for use daily and Emerald Heights offers personal training packages.

To learn more, chat with one of the fitness specialists today!