Local senior living community is redefining healthy aging

When you think of senior living, you likely don’t picture residents doing Pilates or eating fresh fish and quinoa bowls. But at The Glades at ChampionsGate in Osceola county, that’s exactly what you’ll find. Residents of the community, who range in age from 62 to 99, are driving wellness initiatives at the community and requesting new fitness classes and healthy menu options that are popular among much younger generations.

“Our residents are very active and they care about things like healthy eating and staying physically fit,” said Heather Corton, executive director of The Glades at ChampionsGate. “They want to stay active, healthy and keep their minds sharp and we are doing everything we can to support them on that journey.”

The Glades at ChampionsGate, which offers independent, assisted living and memory care, offers a full calendar of fitness classes, including Tai Chi, chair Pilates, water aerobics, line dancing, and more. Many of the classes have been added to the calendar based on resident demand. Zumba, for instance, was a class that was requested by several residents and has grown in size since it launched in 2022.

“The residents requested Zumba because it’s something fun,” said Corton. “But when I shared with them that the pace of the class and number of steps can create new nerve pathways in the brain and keep your brain young, the class tripled in size. They want to stay active, healthy and keep their minds sharp.”

The community will also launch pool yoga next year – another class that was created based on resident demand. Corton, who manages the 223-apartment senior living community, teaches water aerobics at the community and is working toward her 200-hour yoga teacher training to expand the aquatic fitness offerings at the community.

“It’s really cool to talk with residents and hear more about what they are interested in, and then develop classes and programs specifically for them,” said Corton. “We have other residents who are teaching art classes and leading Sunday worship and Bible study. It’s really special to have them take ownership of the programs and develop friendships through shared interests.”

Later this year, the community will also open its new restaurant, Taboon. Taboon will be centered around an open-hearth bread oven and will offer Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine that is healthy and flavorful. Dishes include stone hearth portobello bruschetta, roasted feta-stuffed chicken breast, Mediterranean grouper, and oven roasted vegetable salad.

The community’s main dining room also serves quinoa bowls, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes that have been added to the menu at the residents’ requests.

“We have a few vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian residents who have worked with our chef over the years to add more inclusive dining options to our menu,” said Corton. “What they’ve come up with are flavorful dishes that even our non-vegan residents enjoy. We’re so thrilled to open Taboon and offer even more healthy options that promote a healthy lifestyle and support brain health.”

The Glades at ChampionsGate is managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, a top 10 senior living provider that is at the forefront of healthy senior living.

About The Glades at ChampionsGate

Located in ChampionsGate, Fla., The Glades at Champions Gate is a 223-apartment independent, assisted living and memory care community located at 8400 Champions Gate Blvd. Amenities include a fitness center, movie theater, swimming pool, and four unique dining venues, as well as award-winning programming through Watermark University. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Glades at ChampionsGate is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit https://championsgate.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published on Fortune.com. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, and manages more than 65 retirement communities in 21 states coast to coast. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information