Marilyn Hepburn can often be found working on the computer and she loves to see how her interest inspires other residents. Marilyn is in her early 70s and used to work in the marketing department at Price Waterhouse, so she is quite comfortable online. She also loves to do watercolours, and she and several other residents participate in the monthly book club using Kindles. "Through doing that, it's amazing how many other people are getting curious, [asking], 'What are you doing? How does it work?'" she says. Although she doesn't have hearing issues, Marilyn volunteers for a hearing study at the nearby University of Toronto campus too. She thought about taking a part-time job but she is too busy learning and having fun!
Anne Hopcott knows how important it is to adapt to change she had to give up on higher education to work during WWII, adjust to farm life as a young bride, and after she'd had a few falls in her apartment, move into a retirement community. "It's a huge change in your life," Anne admits, but she also knows that one of the best ways to cope is get involved. At 90 years of age, she takes part in bazaars and weekly pub nights and loves to play cards with her daughter Judy (above) and fellow residents. She still belongs to the seniors' centre across the street and runs the knitting club where her creations are legendary. Her advice on dealing with change? Plan ahead and "make sure that it's your decision, not just your children's."
When Harry arrived at their retirement community, Gertrude saw him "looking so forlorn" so she offered to take him on a tour. "I thought 'Well, I'd kinda like to see more of her,'" recalls Harry. Pretty soon they were spending lots of time together and Gertrude told Harry that since he was at her suite so often he might as well move in. "I don't know what I'd do without her," he says. "She's nurse, cook, manager and all that is excellent. And we get along very well." Gertrude says they have never had an argument. "It's just like a little home, this place," she says. "The best time I've had in quite a few years," adds Harry.
Mamie Ablamowicz retired 20 years ago, but she has a "deep-seated work ethic" and has never stopped working or giving to others. She volunteered to run a crafts group because she had done similar things before. "I've always had a big belief that crafts are very therapeutic because at the end you have got something finished in your hand," she says. She loves shopping for supplies and helping people if they run into a problem with their projects. According to Mamie, there's an added bonus to craft groups: "It's a great scenario for making friends."
Joan Main really cares about the community and she loves to meet new people. She is on the residents' council, participates in crafts, is one of several volunteers in the tuck shop, and is also a greeter, making sure new residents feel welcome. "I try to make sure they have someone to go down to dinner with," she says. For her, the secret to enjoying life in a retirement community is to accept that your life is different than it was before and to live in the present. "You can't dwell in the past. The past is over," she says. "You're here and this is a new lifestyle entirely. You are now in the present and if you keep that in mind, I think that's what makes people happy."
At 84 years old, Lloyd Kitchen can still beat his granddaughter at sports even if it's only on a TV screen.
Lloyd organizes tournaments of Wii bowling for his fellow residents, a task he undertook as soon as a volunteer introduced the gaming system. It keeps him and his opponents in spry shape working their dexterity, flexibility, and eyesight - not to mention their sense of humour and popularity with the grandkids.
Lloyd's Wii games also provide a valuable bonding opportunity between him and his grandchildren, who often play with him during their visits. According to granddaughter Caley (above), it is, "pretty special." While Lloyd schools her in Wii, he also teaches her pool and piano, spreading a legacy of active living.
Sandra and Tibor Haluskay wanted to live in a retirement community by the water so they investigated options as far away as Niagara Falls, but none had "the right feeling". Then they found their corner suite. "You can see the lake from every room. We can go down and walk beside the lake and have our how playground there," says Tibor. He likes to watch the reflection of the Toronto skyline at night while Sandra enjoys the morning sunrise and the birds. It is like being on vacation all the time says the couple, but there's always something new to see. "Every day the water has a different colour," says Tibor, "and it's never boring to look at the lake."
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As a young model for Eaton's catalogues, Claire Gourley always looked like a million bucks. She still does. Coiffed, stylishly dressed and with impeccable social graces, she's so elegant and graceful that initially you might not notice two things about her. First, she was born without a right hand. Second, she's in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. Claire, 82, lives in the Reminiscence neighbourhood of Thorne Mill on Steeles in Thornhill, Ontario. All residents in that secure 30-suite section of the seniors' building have Alzheimer's or another memory impairment. Claire's years of modeling and dance recitals set the stage for a lifelong appreciation of fitness - especially good posture. "I hate to see people like this," she says, demonstrating by slumping in her chair. With infectious enthusiasm, she often tries to gently motivate other residents to sit up straight or take part in activities. "Some of them don't like it, though," she says, laughing, "so I have to be careful!" Limber and supple, she excels at Wii bowling, mimics the steps on TV's "Dancing With The Stars," and does full leg extensions during the group exercise classes. Although Claire is a whiz at word games, she increasingly has to search for words to express herself and requires reminders to go to meals and activities. As her needs increase, so will the level of care, as the facility can accommodate a wide range of needs, from independent living to hospice care. And Claire's loved ones appreciate not only the luxurious surroundings and stimulating programs available to her, but the support offered to families, including information sessions and speakers brought in by the Alzheimer Society of Canada and monthly support groups. |
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Brampton, outside Toronto, where Frances and Lorne Seyler live is "for now." What makes their bright end townhouse different from a conventional townhouse is that the main Chartwell retirement residence-a welcoming building of warm textures and delightful spaces-is just steps away. Their rent includes one main meal a day at the residence, but with Lorne, who does all the cooking, getting used to his new kitchen, they mostly eat at home. For now. "When we moved here, part of the reason was health issues," says Frances, 72. She has difficulty walking any distance; Lorne, 81, has had a heart attack and a stroke, although he seems fighting fit now. In an emergency, a doctor and nurse are available at the press of a button. The couple is switching to the residence doctor because, says Lorne, "Our old doctor is way too busy for us." Lorne is on the residents' council; Frances went over to the library at the residence. "There was a painting class going on. I thought, 'I'll give it a shot.'" Lorne is confident that, especially if they add a lift for tackling the stairs to their bedroom, "We can live here to a ripe old age." Frances says if she were on her own, she wouldn't be so sure. Moving to the residence would mean getting used to a smaller space, but "I like going over there. I am a pretty social person." Lorne and Frances love to show people their attractive new home. The move, says Lorne, "was the best thing." But, he adds, "It's not permanent." It's just the best thing for now. |
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Kay is 86 and Jean is 81. When it comes to activities, they both insist that mental exercise is just as important as physical. And that includes the occasional night out at a bar! "I'm on the activity committee and I insist that we include the mind as well as the body," says Kay. "We have so much to choose from, you could be on the go all day. But we have a new venture - a discussion group. Our first topic was global warming and then we talked about global migration and Canada's immigration policies." "It's heavy-duty stuff - really gets you thinking and broadens your outlook. There are about 18 people in the group. We only have two men so far, but they're the biggest trouble! No, really, there's some good discussion that goes on." But what about those trips to a bar? Every Friday night a residence bus driver takes them on the town. "We go to plays and musical events. And sometimes sit in a bar and talk and watch what's going on. It's really fun. We went to one of the big downtown hotels recently and visited their cocktail lounge," says Jean. "It's all part of wellness and vitality. You really must include the mind," says Kay. "Getting out and meeting people - it's better than sitting in a chair," adds Jean. Kay believes the next generation of senior citizens will be in a better position to enjoy all that a retirement community can offer. "The next generation will be stimulated to go on learning. They've grown up with new ways of eating and healthier living. They'll be more active in retirement," Kay says. "My son teaches philosophy at the University of Toronto. He loves this place. He loves that we're getting people to think." "My son found this place for me," says Jean. "He decided he wanted to move in too!" |
