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Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Special Advertising Section 22As a result, Heron%u2019s Key%u2019s schedule ispacked with a dizzying array of eventsdesigned to appeal to a variety ofinterests and abilities.Depending on the day, a resident might discuss %u201cAI and AmericanNational Security%u201d with an expertmoderator, take a cooking class, explore Beethoven%u2019s symphonies, or pick up the rules of pinochle. Residents can take advantage ofworld-affairs roundtables, documentaryscreenings, lectures and workshops inpartnership with guest speakers, local authors, regional experts and local colleges and libraries.Book clubs gather to discuss everything from contemporary fictionto world history. Residents attend courses in person and virtually with theOsher Lifelong Learning Institute at theUniversity of Washington. The calendar features regular, brainboosting cultural excursions, such asgroup trips to the Seattle Art Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Pacific NorthwestBallet and local symphony and theater productions. Overnight or multidaytrips head to destinations such asMount Rainier, Leavenworth andWashington wine country.As past research has noted,the current, well-educated oldergeneration both benefits from andcontinues to contribute to society.Boomers and Gen Z might cometogether for oral-history projects,technology labs, and or resident-plusyouth choir collaborations.%u201cThese exchanges keep learningfresh, meaningful, and socially connected across generations,%u201d Cooksays.Lifelong learning: No age limitsOther research has found that withoutintervention, such as recreationalclasses, older adults ' well-being candecline. Moreover, lifelong learning can significantly improve the well-being ofthose most considered %u201cvulnerable,%u201d or experiencing more frailty or agerelated health problems. Aging can come with some limitations, whether cognitive, mobilityor sensory related. Newer tailoredprograms like SAIDO Learning,developed in Japan, are designed forpeople with dementia and Alzheimer%u2019sdisease. These programs improvecognitive levels through reminiscencediscussions, hands-on art therapy and music appreciation.At Heron%u2019s Key, residents with mobilityor sensory limitations can enjoy on-site visiting lecturers, traveling exhibits,livestreams and in-house presentations from institutions like Tacoma Art Museum and local symphony groups. Or join in on virtual lectures, interactive online courses and book clubs viaZoom and similar platforms.%u201cWe see growing opportunities to usetechnology to expand the world for ourresidents,%u201d Cook says.In the past several years, Heron%u2019s KeySPONSORED CONTENTPROVIDED BY EMERALD COMMUNITIES | HERON'S KEYOlder adults today are generally healthier and living longer than pastgenerations, according to research. Soit%u2019s no surprise that classes, excursions, lectures and other opportunities tokeep learning are in high demand.After all, retirement affords more timeto attend discussions, lectures andbook clubs, travel to mind-expanding,culturally enriching destinations %u2014 ormaybe even discover hidden talentsthrough informal classes.Past research has shown that lifelonglearning or %u201clate-life learning%u201d improvedolder adults%u2019 psychological wellbeing when participating in informal,noncredit general-interest learningopportunities such as music or art classes.That well-being offered both a sense of resilience-boosting autonomy andfulfillment. Ideally, lifelong learning provides both intellectual and social engagement, enhancing socialinclusion and empowerment. A calendar of learning opportunitiesCommunities are finding innovativeways to ensure programs are engagingand diverse enough to meet residents%u2019wide-ranging interests.%u201cOne effective way to keep lifelonglearning meaningful is by having participants themselves drive theexperience,%u201d says Sandra Cook, vicepresident of marketing and publicrelations for Emerald Communities.%u201cWe empower residents to shape thecurriculum, ensuring topics reflect theirpassions and lived experience.%u201dAt Heron%u2019s Key, a Gig Harborbased Continuing Care RetirementCommunity, for example, the LifelongLearning & Programs Committee comprises 8-10 resident volunteers.This group regularly surveys fellowresidents, hosts brainstorming sessionsand collaborates closely with staff topropose and evaluate programs. %u201cThis participant-centered approach empowers older adults to take ownership of their learning whilefostering confidence and connectionand reflecting residents%u2019 passions %u2014from opera to astronomy to climatescience,%u201d Cook says.Lifelong learning helps older adults stay curious and connectedDiscover Heron's Key in Gig Harbor: A Life Plan Community ofering vibrant living, lifelong learning, financial predictability and peace of mind with Life Care. Join a welcoming community where every day is an opportunity to thrive. Learn more at www.heronskey.org.Retirement affords more time to attend discussions, lectures and book clubs, travel, or maybe even discover hidden talents. (Emerald Communities)has invested in enhanced Wi-Fi, smartTVs, portable audio/visual systems,and VR stations to support this deliveryshift. Virtual reality travel sessions let residents %u201cvisit%u201d world landmarks,explore underwater ecosystems, ortour art museums without leaving campus.Yet when there%u2019s a learning curve, technology can be a barrier too. Heron%u2019s Key staff and resident tech mentors offer training sessions to helpresidents master new tools %u2014 whetherthat%u2019s video calling, streaming classesor using VR headsets.%u201cAs the community expands, we%u2019llcontinue to cultivate a culture where curiosity, growth, and intellectualvitality remain at the heart of aging well,%u201d Cook says.