3 Ways Our UWRA Connection Inspires Healthy Aging

Finding the secret to healthy aging is something you may ponder at different times in your life. You may have a parent who is getting older and considering a senior independent living community. Or perhaps you’re trying to decide how to navigate your retirement.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But being active and engaged in your community can help you stay healthier and happier.

Era Living promotes engagement by collaborating with wellness leaders right here in our Seattle retirement communities. One of our most powerful collaborations is our partnership with the University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA).

What is UWRA?

UWRA is an organization of current University of Washington (UW) employees and retirees. Their focus is to help UW retirees remain connected and engaged with one another and with the University.

Since 1993, UWRA has partnered with Era Living to bring UW retirees and their families senior housing and programming at University House Wallingford and University House Issaquah. Both communities offer independent living for seniors, as well as assisted living for residents who need extra support. 

Era Living’s partnership with UWRA stems from a longstanding relationship with UW focused on promoting healthy aging. Today, residents throughout our communities continue to benefit from this collaboration, which has been going strong for more than 30 years. 

Here are three ways our UWRA partnership helps Era Living residents thrive.

1. The UWRA partnership helps build a welcoming community with rich living experiences. 

You can’t help but feel better when you’re surrounded by people who make you feel welcome and engaged. An article about healthy aging published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) addresses this topic. It argues that health benefits are higher “where physical and social environments facilitate greater activity and promote feelings of well-being.”

This kind of welcoming and vibrant atmosphere is a key aspect of life at our Era Living communities.

Many activities and social engagements revolve around the community calendar. Residents don’t just attend activities, they get to help decide what is offered. For example, at University House Issaquah, residents can make suggestions at a monthly forum with the Life Enrichment Director.

Calendars offer something for everyone. Activities may range from games and fitness classes to book discussions and planned outings. For instance, past events have included visits to the Smith Tower, Snoqualmie Falls, and Amazon Spheres. Fitness classes include chair yoga, classes with weights, stretches, and more.

UWRA also enriches residents’ experiences by providing opportunities to enjoy speakers and seminars. Plus, support groups offer a way for residents to connect and encourage one another. These groups cover topics such as handling grief, the stress of caregiving, and Parkinson’s disease.

Carrol, a resident of University House Issaquah and UWRA member, serves as chairperson of the Resident Council for her community. In that role, she works to help enhance the senior living experience for fellow residents.

What evidence do we have in our community that what we are doing is working?,” she said in a recent meeting. “Testimonials suggest that is true. At a recent Women’s Coffee Hour, a very new resident recounted that she felt a warmth as she toured the community, not evident in the other senior residence she was considering. Another resident of almost six years expressed the regret that she hadn’t moved in five years earlier to take full advantage of the rich resident life.

Moving into a new community can be a little scary at first. But having a vibrant, supportive group of people to greet you can open up a whole new world.

2. Educational programs through our UWRA partnership support enriching events and intellectual pursuits. 

UW programming provides opportunities for senior living residents to learn and connect with others. It also provides information and resources to help navigate the aging process. Examples of impactful programming include the following:

• • • The de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging – part of the UW School of Nursing – is leading research and innovations in healthy aging. It offers health lectures and programs on topics such as brain health and others.
    • The UW School of Pharmacy provides education, newsletter articles, and other services. Many programs are provided in partnership with the School’s Plein Center for Geriatric Pharmacy Research, Education and Outreach.
    • The UW School of Social Work leads discussion groups for residents coping with different aspects of aging.
    • The UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center offers a dedicated memory care team and services to support seniors as they age. This includes diagnostic services, treatment, and resources for people suffering with degenerative brain disorders.

These kinds of UW programming can provide important information and learning opportunities. 

In addition, residents can enjoy hands-on activities to stimulate the brain – and have fun at the same time!

For example, you may want to join the creative writing group or group crossword puzzle sessions. Or you can challenge your fellow residents in games such as bridge or mahjong. 

Engaging in challenging mental activities supports the brain as you age, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It does this by enhancing the way brain cells communicate and improving cognitive reserve – which can help counteract cognitive decline.

3. Our UWRA partnership promotes cultural and social enrichment for residents.

Are you a lover of art?  Or are you curious about expanding your cultural knowledge? If so, then events like the recent Fine Print art show can provide opportunities to get out with your peers and learn something new!

If you’re more of a film fan, you may want to try activities like movie night, followed by a discussion of the film. Or perhaps you may enjoy lectures like a recent film lecture featuring “My Fair Lady.” Another recent activity involved a visit to the H-Market to sample some of the Korean foods mentioned in a book discussion.

Not only can cultural activities engage your mind (and taste buds!), they can also tap into your creativity and promote your mental well-being. The opportunities to learn and connect with others are endless. They’re made richer through our UWRA partnership.

Staying healthier – and better connected – with UWRA

Getting older can bring different challenges. But it can also bring opportunities to grow and connect with others in a vibrant environment.  

Era Living’s partnership with UWRA promotes lifelong learning and a welcoming sense of community. These are key ingredients to an enriched quality of life in your retirement years.

If you’re considering a Seattle retirement community, including communities in the Seattle suburbs, we can help. Learn more by contacting one of our Community Relations team members today.