Carefreedom Living® | The Wellings

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

Celebrations for Every-Day Living

Long before the calendar flips over to December, my mind is focused on the festive season. I love everything about this month of celebrations. Whether it’s St. Nicholas Day, Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Eve there are countless opportunities to gather and celebrate together.

It’s a time typically when we do our best to gather with family and friends or friends who feel like family. We bring out all the good stuff from special food and décor to heirloom dishware, and silverware, often kept stashed away until such special events. In our home, growing up, we celebrated Christmas and when we were children, there was the promise that if we were on our best behaviour, a jolly man in a red suit would reward us with gifts. That worked on me when I was a child, but now I know that the spirit of Santa Claus is in all of us. I think we’re all deserving of gifts; there’s a lot we can do for ourselves and share with others with minimal financial costs attached.

While the special occasions on our calendar are unique and I for one look forward to many of them, we can turn any day into something special by adding in a few of our favourite joy snacks, which help to lift our spirits and when shared with others become an instant party.

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by.” – Alek Wek, Model and Designer

Let’s set the mood. If you have favourite festive treasures, take them out so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. I wait until December 1st to decorate in full force but a few of my favourite things start to show up around the end of November. During the holidays, I often have a pot of water on the stove; I add a few cloves, some orange peel and cinnamon to create a festive ambience.

In this dark month when we long for the return of more sunlight, we can delight ourselves with twinkling lights, which instantly add a festive touch. You can put them around a window, across a mantle, decorate a plant with them or place them on a shelf. They have some kind of special magic that says festive mood to me. I’ll sometimes put them on during the day, especially if I’ve invited someone over for a visit. Candles are fantastic too; I love the warm glow they add to a cozy winter day.

“Every day is a good day. There is something to learn, care and celebrate.” – Amit Ray, Walking the Path of Compassion

Music makes such a difference in my life, especially around the holidays. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but I love to have either the classic crooners on or some festive instrumental music playing. I find music enhances a celebration and instantly lifts my spirits, even gets me dancing sometimes. Music is a big part of the season for me and now that I’m not doing much Christmas shopping, I make sure to book tickets for a few seasonal concerts and have them on the calendar to look forward to in December.

We’ve set the scene but what to wear? It used to be that dressing up for a special occasion was the norm, however today just about anything goes. If you’re the only guest at this party, you can dress however you like, go formal, casual or wear your favourite pajamas (festive themes are always a hit). If you’re inviting guests, the same thing applies. You can ask them to dress up or dress casually or invite them to come in their favourite pajamas. You might consider an ugly sweater for added fun. Remember the rule is that there are no rules when it comes to spreading joy.

Food is certainly a focus of the festive season, regardless of what you celebrate. It’s a great opportunity to share family recipes and traditions. If you’re inviting guests, why not ask them to bring a dish that is part of their festive tradition. It’s a great way to get a conversation going and it’s fun to learn about how others celebrate the season. If you’re having a solo event, either bring out your favourite snacks, order food you love or have breakfast for lunch or dinner. Some of us enjoy being in the kitchen and others appreciate food but don’t love preparing it. It’s all good; remember the rule is that there are no rules.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is life to celebrate. “ – Oprah Winfrey

While in some ways, it feels like the wheels have come off in our world and there’s no disputing that times are tough. If we want to feel joyful, we must bring joy and when we share happiness with others, we’re tapping into the Santa Claus spirit I mentioned earlier. There are so many fun things we can do to spread joy in our families and our communities. Sharing stories about favourite family gatherings or gifts can spark beautiful memories and sharing those memories can help forge deeper connections with others.

Gift giving is a focus for some festive holidays. Consider wrapping a gift for yourself or donating a gift to a worthy cause. If you’re inviting guests, you can ask them to either bring something to donate or collect money to contribute to a group in need in your community. These seemingly small acts can make a big difference in someone’s life and that’s the spirit we’re focusing on when it comes to celebrating every day. Don’t wait for a special occasion, you are the special event and I’m so glad you’re here to share some of your joy in the world. That’s a beautiful gift. Wishing you a very happy holiday season.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

The Gift of Forgiving: Finding Freedom in Letting Go

In today’s episode of, The Good Life with Nat and Kat, we explore the profound nature of forgiveness. Alexander Pope’s words ring true: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

Forgiveness is often thought of as something we extend to others, but it’s equally important to forgive ourselves. We tend to accumulate regrets and self-reproach as easily as dust gathers in unnoticed corners. Why do we give such importance to these minor missteps? It’s time to release that severity and embrace the freeing act of letting go.

Many of us carry an incessant inner critic that replays our perceived faults, continually thinking about how we could’ve done better. This is particularly true for those driven individuals, always aiming to go above and beyond. Yet, sometimes, just getting out of bed in the morning is an achievement in itself.

Life, by its nature, is messy and full of so-called mistakes, which are actually lessons in disguise. When we forgive ourselves for these perceived errors, we open ourselves up to growth and learning. It’s a simple, yet profound shift: learn the lesson, apply it, and improve the next time.

This path to self-forgiveness also involves confronting the emotional baggage we carry, whether from our own actions or those of others. We’re taught not to appear weak, especially high achievers who want everything to be perfect. But life isn’t perfect; it’s unpredictable and messy.

In sports, as in life, you have to start somewhere. Falling down and getting back up is part of the process. Clinging to past mistakes or grievances is a waste of life’s beautiful moments. As Brene Brown, the well-known researcher, teaches, it’s important to be courageous and vulnerable in this process.

Beginning the journey of forgiveness starts with looking inward and asking where we feel constrained by bitterness, resentment, or anger. Holding onto these feelings is like taking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. When you start to realize what’s holding you back, that’s when you can begin the process of forgiveness, a process that, like everything worthwhile, is ongoing.

Our future is much brighter when we allow ourselves the kindness of forgiveness. By not dwelling on past hurts, we avoid letting them overshadow our present. Forgiveness is about stepping out of the shadows and surrounding ourselves with people who support our growth and well-being.

Forgiveness does not mean denying what happened but rather changing our perspective on the situation, allowing us to let go for the sake of our personal growth. It’s an essential step in our pursuit of the best life possible.

So, let’s embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, for it is indeed a gift we give ourselves.

Thank you for joining us today, and may you find the strength to take that bold step towards a life free from the weights of the past.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by The Good Life With Kat & Nat

November 3, 2023November 3, 2023

Forgiveness is a Gift we Give Ourselves

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” – poet Alexander Pope

Hands up if you have nothing to forgive yourself or anyone else for. Welcome to the club if you put your hand up. I find there’s always some dust bunny hiding in the back of my mind, a feeling I’ve gotten so used to living with that I don’t see where I need to forgive myself or anyone else. We’re so conditioned, especially in North America, to get over or move past hurt that we bury some of our feelings instead of dealing with them. Research tells us that over time, this type of emotional stress can be linked to mental illness, digestive and immune issues as well as heart disease.

I love what poet Alexander Pope says (above) about erring. To make mistakes is what it is to be a human being; to forgive ourselves and others for making mistakes, is a whole other story.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in the mistake making business all my life. I’ve always been independent-minded and very curious; it’s a mix that has helped me achieve some goals and it’s put me in plenty of precarious situations as well. It’s only in the last couple of decades that I’ve become curious about what lessons I was meant to learn from those situations. Before then, I just thought everything was my fault or someone else’s fault and I felt either disappointed in myself or let down by somebody else.

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” —Lewis B. Smedes, ethicist and theologian

This game of blame, as researcher Dr. Brene Brown shares, is nothing more than a discharge of pain and discomfort. Oops that was me, repeatedly. I felt hurt by something someone did or I felt let down by myself and quickly assigned blame. It seemed like the right thing to do because when I blamed someone else, I felt better and when I blamed myself, I felt that familiar feeling of shame, which I thought was doing something about it. Wrong. Blaming myself was a missed opportunity to explore how I could hold myself accountable for the outcome and that would have felt vulnerable, which I was not familiar with. Vulnerability is another one of those feelings we’re not encouraged to investigate, at the risk of appearing weak.

What I’ve learned though is that being vulnerable is, contrary to popular belief, a strength. When I do presentations and share my story, some people are surprised to hear that I struggled, I mean really struggled as a young person. I had a bit of a stoic nature because nobody around me growing up talked about what was really going on in our lives. My parents taught us that there were home secrets and that was that. So, I invested quite a few years blaming them for the results I saw in my life. It seemed logical until I learned that everything in my life came back to me, so it was my responsibility to forgive them and myself for holding on to so many misguided ideas.

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” —Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Forgiveness for me is not a one and done, it’s a process. First, we must recognize where we’re holding on to anger, bitterness, or resentment. Then we must ask ourselves why we’re holding on to it. What benefit is there for us in holding on to these feelings? Then we acknowledge that forgiveness is not for anyone else but ourselves. That’s where we start the process of forgiveness and choose to no longer allow whatever bitterness, anger, or resentment we’ve been holding on to, to take up space in our life. It doesn’t mean we forget what happened, it means that we choose to see the situation through a different lens. We are choosing to put ourselves and our own peace of mind ahead of everything else. You’ve heard me say that we all need to be reminded that we are important, and we matter, right? Well, here’s another way to demonstrate that to ourselves.

“Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself.” – poet Maya Angelou.

One of my friends has had a years-long challenge with one of her adult children. It’s a complicated situation and my friend has tried every way she knows to reconcile the relationship. Nothing seemed to stick; even after brief moments of connection things would inevitably revert to a strained rapport. Recently my friend heard someone talk about making amends to their family for their behaviour and my friend decided to write a letter to her child, outlining the ways in which she saw herself as responsible for any pain or resentment her child might be feeling toward her. She made it clear that she held herself accountable for the ways in which her child may have felt neglected or let down by her. She read the letter to me; it was powerful. She owned her part in the demise of their relationship and that’s all she could do. She began the process of forgiving herself for whatever mistakes she may have made, perceived or real. She delivered the letter and released her feelings of resentment and frustration with it. I know she felt better about the situation and my hope is that in sharing her story, perhaps you might recognize that there’s some dust bunny somewhere in your mind that has been living rent free for too long and it’s time to go.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi, Indian leader, and activist.

It takes great courage and self-compassion to begin the process of forgiving ourselves and others. The great reward is that in clearing out the clutter of misunderstandings, missed opportunities and resentments, we create space for more goodness and more joy to move in.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

October 20, 2023October 22, 2023

4 Steps To Renew Your Focus and Passion

Our perceptions and priorities evolve at the beautiful age of 55 and beyond. Like the ever-changing reflections on a still pond, our life experiences shimmer with wisdom and grace. At the Wellings, we cherish this shift. How do we renew our focus? And how do we recapture our passion?

Here are four steps to get you thinking in new ways:

1. Refocus: Dive deep into introspection. At this stage of our lives, priorities and our goals evolve. It’s about maintaining our current paths and exploring new directions based on our accumulated wisdom. Embrace the changes and craft a vision that resonates with you.

2. Reconnect: Remember the beauty of the Wellings Community – it’s our togetherness. Cherish the bonds we’ve nurtured over the years and forge new ones. Embrace our shared experiences and memories and use them as pillars to build a future filled with mutual understanding and compassion.

3. Reignite: Find joy in the present. Use the glowing ember of our collective experiences and passions to fuel a new blaze of activities and aspirations. Let’s cherish every moment and every achievement and move forward with elegance and clear purpose.

4. Re-envision: Approach life with mindful passion. Celebrate our transitions, both past and upcoming, as they symbolize our growth and adaptability. Let’s harness the energy of change to craft a future that combines our past experiences with renewed enthusiasm.

Together, as part of the Wellings Community, these steps aren’t just a roadmap; they’re our dance to the rhythm of life, embracing every twist and turn with grace and wisdom.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

Moving Through Grief: Conversations with Nat & Kat

In the latest episode of “The Good Life with Nat & Kat,” the duo dives deep into the topic of grief, a universally felt emotion yet often misunderstood. They explore the varied forms grief can take, from job losses and the end of relationships to more subtle shifts in life such as moving out of one’s home. Notably, they touch upon society’s often skewed perspectives on grief, especially the pervasive notion in North America that people should always present as “happy.”

Delving into personal experiences, they discuss the idea that the past generations, including their own parents, rarely displayed vulnerability, potentially leading to a culture of denial. They advocate for acknowledging grief as it can lead to adverse mental and physical health consequences if ignored. Nat shares an intimate story about her mother’s transition to a new living situation, shedding light on the lesser-recognized areas of our lives where grief can sneak in.

Nat & Kat emphasizes the importance of acceptance and allowing oneself the grace to navigate the ups and downs that come with change. They end on a hopeful note, illustrating that with time, support, and understanding, one can move through grief and find joy once again.

Tune in to hear their insightful conversations and heartwarming anecdotes, reminding us all that every journey of grief is unique, but understanding and support can pave the way to healing.

in Carefreedom Living®, Video Blogs Posted by The Good Life With Kat & Nat

October 6, 2023October 6, 2023

Moving Through Grief

Grief has many facets, and it shows up in our lives in various circumstances, many of them unexpected. Grief is a feeling that we all experience at some point in a life well lived. We may encounter it due to job loss, loss of a loved one, a treasured pet or loss of property, to cite a few examples. While there are tools professionals can offer us, each person’s grief journey is unique. It’s a bit like happiness because learning to grieve is as important as learning to be happy. They’re different sides of the same coin and both are powerful components of the human experience.

“Grieving doesn’t make you imperfect, it makes you human.” – Sarah Dessen

In North American society we aren’t encouraged to grieve for long; rather we are prompted to pause briefly and get on with life. Other societies create space for people to grieve and to help them heal in community. There’s no one way to be in this mystery of grief and sometimes we need professionals to help us navigate. Say you lost a job you loved. That situation requires grieving because you loved your job and it’s gone. There’s no shame in mourning the loss and feeling all the feelings that come with it. When we pretend that we’re just fine, we’re ignoring an opportunity to heal something and that pain, if not acknowledged properly, will stick around longer than it would if it was addressed.

“Grief is love not wanting to let go” – Earl A. Grollman

When we lose someone close to us, the void is so painful that we ask ourselves how we can go on living without them? Initially it feels as though the world stops and in a way your world does stop, so that you can acknowledge your true feelings and accept the loss. It’s unrealistic to think that we move on from grief, rather we get used to new circumstances. I love how American singer songwriter Andy Grammer honours his late mother. When he goes out for breakfast and sees women his Mum’s age in the restaurant, he offers to pay their bill and shares with them how it’s his way of keeping his Mum’s generous spirit alive. Isn’t that the most beautiful way to live with grief? We know that kindness is a powerful force that not only enriches the recipient of our acts of kindness, but we benefit as does anyone who witnesses it or anyone we tell about it. Honouring our loved ones to keep their spirit alive will look different for each of us. Think of the person you want to honour, think of their best qualities, and find some way to share those qualities with others through you.

The one thing we must acknowledge about grief is that it’s real, whatever we’re feeling is real and feelings don’t have an expiry date. Sometimes we hold on to grief because we’re afraid of who we will be without it or we’re afraid of experiencing more loss. But once we begin to slowly move back into life, we can take the spirit of our loved ones with us and keep them close by honouring them in our own special way.

“Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone” – Unknown

Let’s talk about the loss of freedom and independence as something we all grieve for. Even school children grieve at the end of summer before they get into the excitement of a new adventure once they get back to school. Similarly, as our children grow up and move out on their own, we call it “empty nest” but it’s really grief we’re feeling and it’s very real. We grieve when we give up certain things like having a big home to move into a lifestyle without as many responsibilities and with more time to enjoy ourselves. On the surface, especially to those in the foundation building years of life, this can look like living the dream but in truth we are surrendering a part of ourselves that we felt defined us as guardians of the family home, and we may not know who we are without that identity. While it’s important to acknowledge that this transition is challenging and that what we’re feeling is legitimate and perfectly normal, it’s also important to carefully merge into a new lane on this amazing road trip of life.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” – Helen Keller

What we can’t see because fear is blocking our view is that we are granting ourselves an opportunity for a new identity. We have more bandwidth in our mind for creative pursuits instead of worrying about eaves troughs and snow removal bills. I’m joking a little but there is so much potential to embrace in the third act of our lives. If our choice is to move into a community like Wellings, we’ll have a ready-made social life where we can make new friends, we’ll have the freedom to do what we want when we want. Because we’re not focused on all the chores we had as a homeowner, we can enjoy trying new hobbies and experiences for the fun of it. We’re free to create a new identity for ourselves, one that incorporates all our previous experiences with a hefty dose of courage because we’re embracing the unknown. It’s there, on the other side of fear, that our new freedom waits for us.

Here are a few parting thoughts to consider as we move through grief:

Have compassion for yourself. Whatever you’re feeling is real, so be gentle.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Nobody can accurately predict the future and as much as we would love to control it, we can’t. Accepting discomfort creates space for us to make mistakes and learn as we go. See tip #1.
Stay connected with people you love and who are willing to be good listeners. Sharing what’s on your heart with someone you trust helps with healing.
Move your beautiful body. We know that sitting for too long can be detrimental to our health, especially when we’re feeling down. Take a walk preferably in nature to elevate your spirits.
Laughter, like kindness, is good medicine. Watch funny movies or television shows that make you feel good, read a lighthearted book, or spend time with someone who loves to laugh.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023

Boosting Social Wellness through Casual Conversations

Welcome to ‘The Good Life with Nat & Kat’! Today, we’re exploring the transformative power of talking to strangers and its impact on our social fitness.

Nat & Kat, both self-confessed introverts, discuss their journeys and share insights on breaking the ice, building resilience, and fostering meaningful connections. From small gestures to heartfelt compliments, they reveal how small talk can open doors to fulfilling interactions and friendships.

They highlight the essence of a vibrant social life and its role in longevity, concluding with golden nuggets on maintaining a harmonious social environment.

Join us in this enriching conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s build a connected, supportive community together!

Click here to watch the video.

in Carefreedom Living®, Video Blogs Posted by The Good Life With Kat & Nat

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023

How Talking to Strangers Can Benefit your Social Fitness

How do you feel about small talk or talking to strangers? Are you good at it or do you dread it? Some people are gifted this way and find it easy to engage with someone sitting beside them on a plane or waiting in line for coffee. You can feel that they’re relaxed, and it puts whoever they’re speaking with at ease. We’re not all built this way and for anyone who feels socially awkward or shy, talking with strangers can be a challenge. The great news is that when we’re prepared, small talk is easy and sometimes it magically transforms strangers into friends.

“Friendship begins with small talk; then grows into a long and deep conversation, the next thing you know you care so much.”
-Unknown

I used to feel overwhelmed when I thought about all the strangers I was going to encounter at networking events. I had all the same feelings you likely have if you feel socially awkward like I do. What am I going to say? How do I start a conversation with someone I don’t know anything about? Are these people going to judge me?

Now I know that yes people are going to judge me because that’s how we’re wired as human beings. Until we get to know someone and discover what we have in common, our brain tells us to be afraid. What I have found though with years of networking behind me is that we have more in common than we think we do. It’s a matter of engaging and we do this by asking questions of others and sharing information about ourselves. I’ll have some tips that I’ve found useful on this topic for you a little later.

There’s science behind why it’s beneficial for us to talk with strangers and engage in small talk but without looking to science we can say that when a stranger wants to chat with us, it’s likely because they’re curious, we look interesting or both. Just a few questions and answers shared, and we know whether this is a relationship for the moment or one that could evolve into a friendship. Either way we’ll learn something, right?

“Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.”
-Margaret Wheatley, Organizational Consultant

Research on small talk shows that we underestimate how much we’ll enjoy conversations with strangers and how much those conversations can nurture a feeling of connectedness with other people, which is key for thriving, especially as we age. A study conducted at the University of Michigan shows that engaging in small talk can make us feel smarter, happier, and healthier. A surprising result was that casual conversation contributes to a lower risk of heart attack. It stands to reason because we’re connecting with other people, which inherently has a lot of benefit, at any age. It bears repeating that as human beings we are made for socialization and not isolation, so it’s important that we push ourselves beyond what’s comfortable or familiar, so that we can expand our knowledge base, social circle, and our own courage.

You’re only one conversation away from learning something new whether it’s about a family member, an acquaintance, or a community member. I remember recently sitting in a small group of Wellings members, after my presentation at Wellings of Picton. The woman beside me and I struck up a conversation; I learned that she had experienced a car accident a few years ago that impacted her life and her move to Wellings gave her new friends and a community that cared. She was excited about the music we were about to listen to and said that she was looking forward to kicking up her heels, even if only figuratively. A new Wellings member joined the group and introduced herself as Flo, spelling her name with a wide smile; she started asking questions to get to know the people in the group. She joked that her grandson loved Wellings and said that this type of community would be great for young people too. I think he’s on to something. Anytime we can create community and connection we are alleviating some of the stress we all feel in our daily lives, which is magnified when we’re isolated and lessened when we’re in community.

“Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.”
– Steve Maraboli, Behavioral Scientist

It’s important for us to initiate connections with our family, our peers, friends, and our community members, some of whom we may not know yet. While it may feel uncomfortable initially, with practice we become confident and reaching out becomes easier.

Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful when it comes to being prepared for conversation.

I like to open conversation with a compliment whenever possible. It creates an immediate connection; make sure it’s sincere.
Look for commonalities in whatever situation you’re meeting this person. Make sure you’re curious and have a genuine interest in them.
Have a few topics of conversation in your pocket, so you can talk easily. In Canada weather is a great topic to open with and it seems everyone has an opinion. I like to keep it light and focus on what’s good.
Talk about why you’re there, whether it’s a party, a meeting, or some other social event.
Ask open ended questions rather than questions requiring a yes or no answer.
Ask them to tell you a little bit about themselves.
Genuinely listen to their answers and demonstrate it by using verbal and non-verbal feedback like nodding your head and following up with another question.
Wrap up graciously by saying something like “it was a pleasure to meet you” or great chatting with you” and then add that you have somewhere to be or that you’re going to chat with someone else.

I think it’s important to be positive and enthusiastic when we’re getting to know someone. Small talk is the first step in figuring out whether we’re aligned with a new person; it’s also a great tool to deepen a relationship with family or community members without things getting sticky. We don’t have to tell our life story right out of the gate. While we all have an interesting story to share, we can save that for a time when we feel it’s appropriate to go a little deeper with someone, once we get to know them.

What’s really worked for me is practice. The more I’m prepared before I initiate conversation, the more relaxed I feel, and the more I enjoy these encounters. There are so many things we can learn, so many beautiful people we can get to know and so many wonderful stories and shared experiences to uncover when we take a chance and open a conversation, simply by asking “how are you doing?”

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

Unlocking the Epic Life: Active Living vs. Other Options for the 55+ Community

As we gracefully age, the concept of ‘home’ evolves. It’s no longer just a place to rest; it becomes a sanctuary of health, wellness, and empowerment. At Wellings, we understand that our 55+ community desires more than just a roof over their heads. They aspire for an epic life — full of opportunities, diverse activities, and minimal responsibilities. But how does this differ from other arrangements like long-term care or retirement living with respect? Let’s dive in.

What is the Active Living Concept?

Peter Attia, MD, and longevity expert says, “Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, boost metabolism, cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, and contribute to overall well-being.”

You are independent, and you want to stay that way. You want to avoid living in retirement, where health care becomes a daily routine. Well, there is an alternative. Active living prioritizes physical activity as part of your daily routine, honoring your goal to keep your mobility and health for as long as possible. The goal is to get people moving more often. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mental health are keys to living a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle as we age, according to Dr. Attia. Listening to the goals of our members ( seniors) over 55 years of age has inspired us to create an environment that encourages an active way of life regardless of the mobility levels within the community. As a result, we see fitness levels improve, more social interaction, and better eating habits. Keeping active starts with a goal for your future activity needs. If you want to be able to walk up a hill, carry a grandchild, get in and out of a car, or take a trip somewhere, you need to train for it, and there is always time to start.

What is an Example of Active Living?

Imagine starting your day with a brisk walk. You feel your heartbeat, the fresh air on your face. You feel alive. 30 minutes of fast activity is all you need to improve your cardiovascular health and mood daily. You may only sometimes recognize active living as deliberate, but even parking at the furthest end of the parking lot and walking to the front door naturally increases your activity level. At Wellings, we always look for ways our members can get more active without considering additional exercise. Gardening, yoga, stretching, dancing, lawn bowling, and even billiards keep your blood flowing, improve your balance and exercise the mind. Get active and live life the way you want to.

What is the Definition of Healthy Active Living?

Healthy active living is a lifestyle choice that combines regular physical activity, a balanced nutritious diet, sufficient sleep, stress management, and maintaining social connections outside your Family. It’s a holistic approach to life that has the potential to significantly improve quality of life, especially as we age and for our 55+ community.

What are the ten benefits of an Active Lifestyle?

Peter Attia, MD and author of Outlive, The Science and Art of Longevity, often emphasizes the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle. In his world, prevention is the focus rather than waiting until you need to see a Dr. to treat a disease or ailment. If you have healthy lifestyle goals for aging, an active, healthy lifestyle must be a priority. Most of us want to live a long, healthy life, but to do this, we need to start paying attention to our habits and lifestyle. Does it support our long-term goals, and if not, what can we change now to give us the best chance for a long, healthy way of life? This means that on top of regular exercise, optimizing your good food intake, breathing in the fresh air, de-stressing life, and working hard to ensure your muscles stay strong become a priority. He emphasizes there is always time to start.

Some benefits include:

1. Improved Physical Health: Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and better management of blood sugars.

2. Enhances Mental Health: Boosts mood and alleviates some symptoms of depression.

3. Promotes Social Interaction: Decreases sense of isolation, betters mood, and provides more opportunities to meet and connect with people.

4. Boosts Immunity: Exercise helps improve bodily functions, including the immune system.

5. Enhances Mobility: It keeps your body flexible, maintains balance, reduces the effects of arthritis, and better equips us to handle challenging terrain.

6. Increases Longevity: A healthy lifestyle is directly proportional to a longer life expectancy.

7. Improves Sleep: Physical activities help you reduce stress, fall asleep faster, and make your sleep more profound as long as you raise your heartbeats!

8. Sharpens the Mind: Aids in keeping your cognitive function sharper as exercise and nutrition take center stage,

9. Fosters Independence: Physical well-being allows you to be more self-reliant and independent, especially as we age.

10. Elevates Quality of Life: You’re likely to enjoy life more when you’re physically active and socially engaged.

Active Living vs. Independent Living vs. Long-term Care

Active Living (Wellings): A community inspired by energetic and vibrant 55-plus adults. Usually, health care is not offered, and activities may be community-led. Amenities vary by location but typically include a full kitchen and in-suite laundry.

Independent and Assisted Living: Traditional retirement living offers various care levels, including assisted and memory care. It addresses many levels of care that may require qualified healthcare professionals in its administration. It often comes with three daily meals, housekeeping, and organized activities.

Long-term Care: For those requiring advanced medical care and daily assistance beyond what a traditional retirement home can provide.

How Do You Know What You Need?

If you aren’t sure what the differences are in the various living options for seniors, it is essential to do some research. Get familiar with the industry jargon such as independent vs. assisted living, 55 plus living, memory care, and long-term care. Your doctor and family can help you determine what care you may require in the coming years. Some people are on the cusp of needing some daily care and prefer to choose 55 plus living and accessing their local care association to visit the residence as required, such as a blood pressure check once a month or diabetic foot care. These independent seniors can cook for themselves, may still drive, and can carry on mostly without supervision. Others realize that they don’t want to cook and need minimal care now but don’t want to entertain the idea of moving again shortly and may choose a traditional retirement home. Remember that selecting a conventional retirement home when you don’t truly need care usually results in aging more quickly and paying for health care services you won’t use. Fifty-five plus communities offer activities and meals with a more vibrant and active feel. We see various mobility and mental acuity levels, but people connect with busy people. These communities, such as Wellings, are perfect for transitioning between your large family home and a traditional retirement home with care.

Any good General Manager or community leasing representative should be able to outline the differences and ask the right questions to determine the best fit for you regardless of what community you choose.

You don’t need external care daily?

Active Living at Wellings may be the perfect fit if you don’t require daily medical assistance.

Choosing the right community is crucial for your well-being, and we encourage you to research. Make a list of your goals for yourself as you age. Is the new home you are considering going to get you closer to your goals? If you want to be more social or less isolated, look at the social programs offered. If you’re going to stay active, look for fitness programs, walking trails, or nearby paths.

Visit your top 3 choices. Is everything scheduled, or are you free to choose when and where you eat, when you come and go, and how many visitors you can have? We recommend you watch how the staff interacts, test the food, participate in the activities, and even do a trial stay. You can visit as often as needed to make yourself more comfortable with your final choice. At Wellings, we provide you with the best setting to live an active and fruitful life, where every day is an adventure, an opportunity for continued growth, renewal, and re-energizing. Pick up hobbies you loved and never had time for, and connect with people who love living in retirement and are happy to share their life stories when asked. Fifty-five-plus communities are usually less expensive than traditional retirement homes and are a good choice for adults 55-plus who don’t need care but want to live maintenance-free and be more social.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Natalie Tommy

August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

The Magic of Shared Meals: Exploring Food & Friendship at Wellings

Join Nat and Kat on a delightful journey into the heart of Wellings, where food and socializing intertwine to create enriching experiences. In this episode of, The Good Life with Nat and Kat, we’re serving up more than just delicious recipes – we’re also celebrating the warmth of shared stories, the nourishment of companionship, and the exhilaration of trying new things.

At Wellings, we believe there’s more to dining than just eating. There are no designated food times, instead we foster an environment where food serves as an invitation to mingle and connect, reminiscent of our shared human experiences. From casual pub food, enticing pizzas, to elevated profile dishes, our chefs are excited to offer something unique to our members, making dinner not just a meal, but an event.

So, grab a cup of tea, invite a neighbour, and come down to the Atrium. Together, let’s continue to grow, learn, and live life to the fullest. Click here to enjoy the video.

in Carefreedom Living®, Food and Recipes, Video Blogs Posted by The Good Life With Kat & Nat