fbpx

Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging

Category: Healthy Aging

Redefining What’s Next: Living with Purpose, Connection, and Joy After 55

September has that back-to-school vibe. There’s an invitation in the air, to take stock, to let go, and to step forward into something new. It may be a new hobby, a new address, even a new job, or volunteer opportunity. The change of seasons, especially going into autumn, feels like it’s time for a fresh start. Those of us, over 55, are in a season of life that asks us to pause and reflect on our current circumstances. We dance around the question: what do I truly want and need at this stage of life? It’s a time for mindset adjustment because for years we may have been professionals, partners, caretakers, and providers. And while we appreciate the value of those roles, many of us wonder what’s next? It’s a great question and the answer starts with us giving ourselves permission to be curious about what could be next.

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” – philosopher Elbert Hubbard

Living fully in our later years isn’t about winding down. It’s about gaining clarity about what makes us feel fully alive, about what and who nourishes us and about what we’re ready to let go of. In the process of refining what’s important to us, we can easily feel overwhelmed because there are so many choices to make, and we fear getting something wrong.

Let’s start with what we can get right. Research within yourself what will make you feel good. Do you crave solitude or connection? Maybe both? Do you want convenience and the comfort of community? Do you want to stay where you are or step into a space that reflects who you are becoming? At Wellings we’ve seen repeatedly the gentle joy that arises in people who gave themselves the fresh start they didn’t know they needed.

It’s not so much about downsizing although that’s part of the process, it’s more about right-sizing your space, your life and your energy. That’s the freedom that awaits at Wellings. If you’re not sure what to expect, let me tell you. You’ll find both solitude and social connection: your choice and as much of it as you want as well as the convenience and power of community. You’ll easily make new friends because there’s something magical that happens when you feel safe enough to be vulnerable. Sharing a difficult time with people who are at the same stage of life becomes easier and their sage advice can feel affirming, like a warm blanket in a time of need. Realizing you aren’t alone and don’t have to figure everything out on your own is both comforting and empowering. You have a community, a new friend group that has more than likely been through what you are going through. You’re surrounded by supportive, nurturing people, who all share a common goal of wanting to own their choices and remain independent, without having to explain themselves. They just get it.

“You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt.” – Oprah Winfrey

We humans underestimate the importance of belonging in our later years. Perhaps that’s because we take it for granted in our early years when we’re working full time or we’re immersed in raising our family. It’s when we’re no longer part of those groups that we can feel left out or unseen. In my opinion what sets Wellings apart is the importance placed on belonging. While there’s a deep respect for independence, there’s also an open invitation to connect over coffee, trivia, conversation, movement or meals shared with neighbours who can easily become new friends. When we feel seen and valued in our community, something in us softens. We can exhale, relax, and be more open. We can laugh more, and we can live more.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”
–Wayne W. Dyer

It’s in this new chapter, possibility expands, and new purpose can emerge. It’s not about pressuring ourselves to live a life of meaning, it’s more quiet and subtle than that. It’s about starting the day with gratitude, offering kindness to a neighbour, giving someone a compliment, making someone smile or learning something new just for the fun of it. Living with purpose at this stage is about being awake to life, choosing to keep growing and evolving while honouring where we’ve been.

If you’re at a crossroads wondering about your next right step, start by listening to yourself. There’s a wise voice inside each of us looking for ease, independence, connection and inspiration. Following our own inner compass, we can create a next chapter that’s fun and fulfilling like a well-chosen adventure with a dash of wonder, a splash of wisdom, and a touch of mischief.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

Let Them Shine ✨

Ever catch a senior saying something bold like, “I’d love to bike to the park today”—and your first instinct is to respond with, “Oh no, that’s too far… too dangerous… too much”?

We mean well. Our hearts are in the right place. We want to protect the people we love. But sometimes, in trying to keep our seniors safe, we unintentionally clip their wings.

More Than Just “Seniors”

It’s easy to forget that the older adults in our lives are the same people who:

  • Raised families.

  • Made big decisions.

  • Built businesses and communities.

  • Travelled, dreamed, and took risks.

They’ve lived full, vibrant lives—and that spark doesn’t disappear with age. So why should their sense of freedom and adventure stop now?

Shifting the Question

What if, instead of jumping to “no,” we paused and asked:

  • “How can I support you in doing that?”

  • “What would make that possible?”

That small shift changes everything. Suddenly, it’s not about shutting down their idea—it’s about opening the door to possibility.

Empowerment Over Protection

Sometimes the most empowering thing we can do is look them in the eye and say:
“Go for it—I believe in you.”

That belief doesn’t just give permission. It gives confidence. It tells our parents, grandparents, and neighbours that we see them for who they are: capable, energetic people who still have goals, passions, and the desire to lead their own lives.

Why It Matters

When seniors feel empowered:

  • They stay active and healthier longer.

  • They feel more connected to their sense of self.

  • They continue to dream, create, and contribute.

And perhaps most importantly, they feel free.

Letting Them Shine

The truth is, our seniors are not done dreaming. They’re not done living. They still want to take the lead, make choices, and feel the wind in their hair—whether that’s on a bike ride, in the garden, or trying something new for the very first time.

Let’s give them space to shine.
Because when we encourage, support, and believe in them—at any age—we all benefit from the light they bring. 

in Carefreedom Living®, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

😊 The Power of a Smile

Have you ever looked up… and noticed the senior walking past you?
Maybe with a cane. Maybe carrying groceries. Maybe just out for their daily stroll.
You catch their eye—but do you smile? Do you say hello?

For some, that may be the only conversation they’ll have all day. For them, your simple “good morning” might mean everything. Seniors in our city carry stories, wisdom, and quiet resilience—and sometimes all it takes is one friendly face to remind them they’re seen and valued.

In our busy, often distracted world, it’s easy to rush from one task to the next without pausing to notice the people around us. But for many older adults—especially those who live alone—those brief human connections can be a highlight of the day. A smile or a wave says: I see you. You matter. It’s an acknowledgement that goes beyond words, touching something deep within us all—the need to feel part of a community.

One act of kindness often leads to another. Your smile might spark a conversation, which might lead to a shared laugh, which could brighten not only their day, but yours too. Kindness has a way of growing. Research shows that positive interactions can boost mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even improve overall well-being. For older adults, that little moment of connection can be the difference between a quiet day and one filled with warmth.

At Wellings, we see this truth in action every day. Members greet each other in the hallways, stop for a chat in the clubhouse, or lend a hand with groceries. These small moments weave together to create the fabric of community—something that enriches everyone’s life, no matter their age.

So tomorrow, look up. Smile. Say good day. You never know how much it might mean to the person receiving it—or how much joy it might bring to you in return. Because in the end, connection doesn’t just change someone’s day—it changes us all.

in Carefreedom Living®, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

Look Up and Connect

Look up and connect with the world around you.

There is so much to notice, to appreciate, to be thankful for.
The trees lining our streets.
The schools, the parks, the communities we call home.

So much of what we enjoy today was built by the hands, hearts, and hopes of those who came before us—our seniors.
They taught.
They volunteered.
They paved roads—literal and figurative—so we could walk a little easier.

Every corner of our towns and cities holds stories. Behind the park benches, the libraries, the community centres, and the quiet neighbourhood streets are decades of dedication from people who believed in building something lasting. Many of them are still here with us today—our neighbours, friends, and family members—continuing to inspire us with their wisdom, resilience, and generosity of spirit.

Today, take a moment to look up.
Notice the sunlight through the trees, the sound of children playing, the cheerful songs of birds in the air, and the way a neighbour tends their garden.

Smile at someone walking by. You never know how much a small gesture can brighten someone’s day.

Ask yourself: What can I do today to say thank you to a senior in my life or in my neighbourhood?

Sometimes it’s as simple as a friendly wave or a heartfelt “thank you.” Other times, it might mean offering your time, listening to a story from the past, or lending a helping hand. Every act of kindness—big or small—reminds the people around us that they matter.

At Wellings, we believe connection is the heartbeat of a thriving community. When we pause to look up, to notice, and to engage, we strengthen the bonds that make our neighbourhoods feel like home.

So today, and every day, take a moment to look up and connect. Because in the end, it’s these shared moments that make life richer—for all of us.

in Carefreedom Living®, Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

Interdependence: The Heartbeat of Community

At Wellings, we talk a lot about the importance of community: what it means, how it feels, and why it matters. Social connection isn’t just a feature here; it’s the heartbeat that gives meaning to what we do. Whether it’s gathering in the atrium for a friendly chat or sharing a laugh in the clubhouse, our communities are designed to bring people together in ways that feel natural and uplifting.

If you’re thinking about making a lifestyle change, maybe moving out of a house that no longer serves you and into a new kind of freedom, you might be wondering what it’s really like to live in a carefree community like Wellings. It’s a shift, for sure. Many of our members have spent decades being the CEO of their own home. Transitioning to community living can feel unfamiliar at first. But here’s the beautiful surprise: you’re not giving anything up. You’re gaining a circle of like-minded people who genuinely care, and who want the best for you.

That’s the essence of interdependence: we still live independently, but we’re surrounded by support when we need it from our neighbours and can offer support when we want to.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to belong to a community. While it’s easy to embrace connection when it’s comfortable, the deeper value and the deeper reward comes when we stretch into empathy, when we replace judgment with kindness, and when we choose to see one another through a lens of compassion.

When I was in grade one, I had a classmate named Vicki. She wore leg braces because she had polio and moved in a way that made her stand out. We became friends, and I saw past her appearance to the kind, funny, resilient person she was. Vicki taught me something I’ve carried my whole life: when we judge based on what’s visible, we miss the heart of the human in front of us.

“Above all else, treat those in the community how you want to be treated.”– Anonymous

Here’s a gentle truth: we’re all here to take care of one another. None of us knows what tomorrow brings: a shift in health, a change in energy, or simply time passing, all of it can affect how we live day to day. That’s why living in a community like Wellings is such a gift. Independence is still deeply valued here, but not the kind that isolates. Instead, we create independence within connection. That’s what makes Wellings feel like home.

“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.” – Millard Fuller

So how do we nurture kindness, compassion, and empathy whether in a new community or the one we’re already in? Here are a few ideas we live by at Wellings:

  1. Pause before judging; practice active noticing.
     Look around with kind eyes. A smile, a wave, or a simple “how’s your day?” can shift someone’s mood; even turn their whole day around.
  2. Lead with curiosity, not assumptions.
     Everyone has a story. Ask questions. Listen generously. You might be surprised by what you discover.
  3. Make room, physically and emotionally.
     Kindness is about creating space for others to be as they are, not how we expect them to be.
  4. Remember, connection is our common ground.
     We’re here not to compete or compare, but to connect. That’s what strengthens the kind of community that feels like family.

As ambassador for Wellings, I believe in the power of community: one that includes, uplifts, and honours every season of life. If you’re imagining a new chapter for yourself, one with more connection, and more freedom, you might find that Wellings is exactly where you belong. Because in the end, we’re better together; we’re not just neighbours.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

The Little Things That Matter Most

In a world that moves fast and feels increasingly digital, it’s easy to underestimate the power of the small moments—the simple, human gestures that connect us to each other. But it’s in those moments that something deeply meaningful happens. We remind one another: “I see you. You matter.”

We often don’t realize how much impact we have in the lives of others just by being present, by choosing kindness in the everyday. Holding the door a little longer. Helping carry groceries up a flight of stairs. Clearing snow off a neighbour’s walkway before they even ask. Taking a moment to ask someone, “How are you today?”—and genuinely listening to the answer. These aren’t grand gestures. They don’t cost anything but a bit of our time and attention. And yet, they can mean everything.

Especially to seniors in our communities.

A kind word or thoughtful gesture might be the only meaningful interaction a senior has all day. For those who live alone, who may have outlived partners or moved away from family, a small connection becomes a lifeline. For someone with limited mobility or chronic pain, a little help can ease a tough moment and bring a sense of dignity. These aren’t just tasks—they’re expressions of care, of community.

Calgary is full of incredible seniors—quietly contributing in so many ways. Volunteering their time. Sharing wisdom. Supporting neighbours. Showing up, even when it’s not easy. Many have spent a lifetime giving, building, nurturing. What would it look like if we paused long enough to give something back? Not out of obligation, but out of appreciation. Not because they need help, but because we see them—and choose kindness.

It doesn’t take much.

You don’t have to rearrange your whole life. Just be where you are, and be present. Notice the people around you. Smile. Ask questions. Offer a hand when you see someone struggling. If you know a senior on your street, say hello. Check in. Ask if there’s anything you can do. Sometimes, it’s simply being willing to take that extra moment—to see people, not just pass them.

This isn’t about pity. It’s about connection. It’s about remembering that the way we move through the world affects the way others experience it. Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to lift someone up—or to be the one bright spot in their day.

There’s a quiet kind of power in that.

In a culture that often celebrates busyness and big accomplishments, there’s something radical about slowing down and choosing kindness. There’s something deeply meaningful in holding space for others—especially for those who might otherwise go unseen.

Because no act of kindness is ever wasted.

What you do matters. Whether you realize it or not, your presence—your attention—can transform someone’s day. And not just for seniors. Children notice. Friends feel it. Strangers carry it with them. Kindness has a ripple effect we can’t always measure.

So, this week, try something small. Say hello to a neighbour you usually pass by. Hold the elevator door. Offer your seat. Start a conversation in the checkout line. Shovel a little farther down the sidewalk than you normally would. Be open to connection.

These little things—they matter. More than we know.

And to someone, they might just mean everything. 



in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

Adventure Has No Age Limit: How Canadian Seniors Are Redefining Aging

In a world that often associates adventure with youth, older Canadians are rewriting the narrative — one hiking trail, kayak trip, and plane ticket at a time.

Take inspiration from Angela Voroby, an 89-year-old from the U.K. who became the oldest person to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Her story reminds us that adventure isn’t reserved for the young — it’s a state of mind. And here in Canada, many seniors are proving that age is no barrier to bold new experiences.

Canadians Are Exploring More Than Ever

According to ParticipACTION’s 2023 Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults, older Canadians are increasingly engaging in outdoor recreation. Activities like hiking, cycling, paddling, and even snowshoeing are gaining popularity among those aged 60 and older — and the benefits are significant.

“Outdoor activity improves physical health, lowers stress, and builds social connection — all vital to aging well,” the report notes. ParticipACTION encourages older adults to embrace movement in nature as a powerful way to stay mentally and physically vibrant.

The Health Benefits of Adventure

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) recommends that adults aged 65+ engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week. Beyond fitness, adventure and novelty stimulate the brain and improve mental health. Trying something new — whether it’s exploring a local nature trail or learning how to paddle a canoe — keeps us curious, connected, and confident.

A 2022 survey by the Environics Institute found that 68% of Canadians over 60 planned to travel or take on a new hobby in the next five years, with a strong interest in nature-based experiences. These aren’t just bucket list items — they’re wellness strategies rooted in curiosity, freedom, and fun.

Canadian Trailblazers Redefining Aging

Across the country, seniors are making headlines with their adventurous spirits. In British Columbia, Evelyn Kirkaldy, an artist and educator in her 70s, leads wilderness painting retreats that combine hiking and creativity. In Quebec, Yves Durocher took up paragliding at 78. “You don’t stop dreaming because you get older,” he told Radio-Canada. “You stop dreaming when you stop trying.”

Programs like Parks Canada’s Learn to Camp, Seniors in Motion, and local community centre hiking groups make outdoor adventure more accessible to older adults — with many offering beginner-friendly options and accessible trails.

Adventure Can Be Whatever You Want It to Be

Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing the tallest peak. For some, it’s a guided kayak tour on Lake Ontario. For others, it’s joining a hiking club or taking a solo trip for the first time. It might even be volunteering abroad or trying a new sport.

The key is to say “yes” — to new experiences, new friendships, and the belief that it’s never too late to try something for the first time.

What’s On Your “Someday” List?

If there’s one thing older Canadians are proving, it’s that aging can be a beginning — not an end. Whether you’re 65 or 95, your next great adventure could be just around the corner.

So, what dream will you chase next?

in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

Did You Know? Happiness Increases with Age

Aging joyfully in Canada — and loving every minute of it. 

Hello friends,

Here’s some happy news: the golden years might just be the happiest years of your life!

While many of us grow up thinking youth equals joy, research shows that Canadians over 65 often report greater life satisfaction than those in their 30s or 40s. According to Statistics Canada, adults aged 65–79 consistently rank their life satisfaction higher than younger age groups — and those 80+ aren’t far behind.

So what’s driving this wave of well-being among older adults? Let’s take a closer look.

More Time, Less Stress

As we age, many of us step away from the pressures of full-time work and career-building. The shift into retirement — or semi-retirement — opens up space to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: a walk by the lake, a good book, or coffee with friends. For many, the reduction in stress alone is a major contributor to feeling happier and more at peace.

Wisdom Brings Perspective

Older Canadians tend to focus more on what really matters. After decades of life’s ups and downs, they’re often more emotionally resilient and content. A study published by McMaster University found that older adults report a stronger sense of purpose and identity — two major building blocks of long-term happiness.

Connected Communities

It’s a myth that seniors become isolated. In fact, many are more socially active than ever! Programs across the country help older adults stay connected. Here are a few inspiring Canadian resources:

  • Seniors Centre Without Walls (Alberta): A free phone-based program offering group conversations, wellness talks, trivia, and more. Great for those with mobility or transportation challenges.
  • Active Aging Canada: Offers resources on everything from physical activity to mental health, designed specifically for older adults across the country.
  • Connected Canadians: A non-profit that helps older adults build digital literacy so they can stay connected to loved ones online.

Healthy Body, Happy Mind

Today’s seniors are more active than ever. Many local community centres offer free or low-cost programs like yoga, swimming, tai chi, and walking clubs for older adults. Studies — including those supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) — show that regular physical activity boosts both mental and emotional well-being at any age.

Let’s Share the Joy

So, what’s your secret to happiness?

Is it spending time with grandchildren? Keeping a journal? Volunteering in your community? Whether it’s a big adventure or a quiet daily ritual, your story matters — and it could inspire someone else.

Reply to this email or join the conversation on our Facebook page — we’d love to hear from you! 

Happiness doesn’t fade with age — it blooms.

Here’s to joyful aging, in all its wisdom and wonder.

in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

Soak up the Sun: How Nature, Friendship, and Laughter Enhance Wellness

What is it about sunshine that can turn a blah day into something special? Feeling its warmth encourages us to go outdoors and sparks us to remember the simple joys in life. The great news is it’s not just about having a healthy glow; sunshine is good for our well-being in many ways. No wonder it’s called Vitamin Sun, it helps our body produce vitamin D, which supports our immune system and our bone health along with helping keep our muscles and brain cells working. Catch 15-20 minutes of early or late day sun for a noticeable impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.” – Preacher, Henry Ward Beecher

Maybe it’s beyond science but sunshine feels like an invitation to live fully. Getting outside where life happens, catching up on a walk, meeting up on the golf course, around garden beds, on a patio or on a park bench beside the water all contribute to our wellbeing. If we were to try to describe freedom that might be it, especially in Canada, where warm and sunny days are precious. We feel vibrant and more present somehow, whether we’re digging in the soil or parked in a chair watching birds flitting through the trees. We’re engaged in a kind of connection that’s good for our body, mind and spirit. Mix in a dose of laughter, which I think of as a tonic, and you’ve found an easy recipe for joy: one that contributes to longevity as well as diminishing both stress and cognitive decline.

“There is peace even in the storm when you listen to the birds.” – Unknown

It may be a function of aging and if it is, thank you because I love to listen to and observe birds. Watching them reminds me to listen more to my intuition because they certainly do. I love the dance hummingbirds perform at our feeder when two of them show up at the same time. Sometimes one leaves and on occasion they give me a gift and both perch to feed together. Listening to birds singing lets me know that all is well. When they’re quiet you can be sure something’s up like a weather event is moving in. They know everything before we do, and they respond without second guessing themselves. I recently read something so fascinating about birds: their song first thing in the morning, wakes up the flowers so they can start to open for the day. Certainly, listening to birds singing is good medicine as it is said to reduce anxiety and foster a feeling of calm. Maybe that’s beyond science too but I love it.

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” – conservationist, Rachel Carson

Spending time in the great outdoors is an investment in ourselves, whether we join a gardening club, walk with a group or savour a glass of iced tea on the porch, we’re connected to something larger than ourselves. Nature and the company of other people keep us grounded, calm and fill us with energy and purpose.

This summer, you’re invited to soak up the sunshine, breathe in fresh air, laugh often and spend time with others. Whether you’re planting seeds in the garden or sharing stories with friends and family under a summer sky, you’re not only making memories to cherish, but you’re also nourishing yourself in every way that matters. No matter what age, our best years are the ones lived with intention and connection with nature and other people.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

Timeless Treasures: Celebrating the Influence of the Wisdom Generation

It is true that wisdom comes with experience but so does resilience, courage, great stories and cautionary tales to tell. We tend to focus on what we’re losing as we age but in truth we will gain so much more when we appreciate aging as a privilege instead of a curse.

You’ll often read that getting older is like entering the winter of our lives, but I respectfully disagree. It’s more like summer really: we’ve navigated many of life’s challenges, we’ve rewired and reinvented ourselves to arrive at a place where we’re reflowering in the garden. In this season, we require less weeding although we may want more support for our stems and other parts. We’ve lived in our bodies for decades, so it stands to reason that it’s our time to receive whatever assistance we need. Strong people can be very proud but asking for and being willing to receive support is a great gift to give those who want to help.

“Senior citizens: the true treasures of our society, whose value only appreciates with time.” – Unknown

June is seniors’ month; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people who make up the foundation of our families, our communities and our society. It’s a chance to recognize the contributions our elders continue to make, as they pave the way forward for all of us.  In celebrating our seniors, we’re fostering deeper bonds in our circle, we’re helping to address the issue of loneliness and we’re inspiring young people to respect and appreciate the experiences their ancestors navigated to create the world we live in.

With the shift from intergenerational living to more urbanization, busy lifestyles and independent living, our connection with our elders can be weakened. Being helpful and supportive of our parents, our older friends and relations is a privilege, and it can be a very meaningful experience when we’re mindful of how important all parties are in this interdependent relationship. Let’s ensure that we’re mindful to meet our seniors where they are, being compassionate and respectful. Sometimes it’s us who need to slow down instead of insisting that they keep up. Our goal should be to lift others up when we’re together, so that when we leave, they know they’ve been seen, heard and appreciated. Don’t we all want to feel valued this way?

Here are a few tips to get the conversation going. Ask how their week is and listen to what they tell you, reminisce with them about the good old days, ask questions about the highlights and even the lowlights of their life. There’s so much value in the life lessons gained through lived experience and we can all benefit from slowing down and being a good listener.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cherishing the hard-won qualities we possess as seniors, the ones that make our lives meaningful: our values, the compassion we feel for others and the courage we draw on to support us as we navigate, all help guide us through the labyrinth, that is life in the latter years. Our inner character matters most when we’re challenged; we can call upon the resilience we have stored away to help make life’s trials less daunting. We hear a lot from our Wellings members about how the feeling of being part of a community helps them feel cared for and gives them an opportunity to care for others. We see kindness in all forms blossoming in our communities and that’s certainly something we love to celebrate.

“One of the great things about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.”  -Author, Madeleine L’Engle

Are there clothes in your closet that you keep for special occasions? Special dishware, crystal and silverware that you break out for holidays? Every day in this chapter of our life is a celebration, so bring out the good stuff, get dressed up if it makes you feel good. Savour the feeling that you’re well worth making a fuss over.

Important message: we are the sum of all the lessons we’ve learned in life rather than the sum of our experience.

I think it’s a fabulous gift when seniors live their lives fully, sharing their wisdom, life lessons and favourite memories. What do you think about a personal memoir? Your story has dips and twists, highs, lows and probably more than a few funny moments that your friends and family would enjoy hearing about. Don’t let the idea overwhelm you, just take some small action like choosing a few areas you’d like to focus on, using those subjects as prompts and begin. I might suggest focusing on one topic at a time and please don’t rush. This is supposed to be fun. It could be written down in a journal or done interview style with a friend or family member asking questions. How about recording a video to share with friends and family? However you choose to share your story, I know you’ll be happy you did.

How about organizing a luncheon, an afternoon tea or a cocktail hour to celebrate a senior, (it could be yourself). Highlight their achievements or allow them to share their favourite memories and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Try something unexpected. Take a dance class, sign up for a language class or book yourself a massage. Someone recently shared with me that she’s enrolled in a beginner ballet class at almost seventy years of age. Now that’s celebrating life.

Plan regular fun days with friends or family, so you always have something on the calendar to look forward to. It could be a lunch or coffee date, a movie, a visit to the gallery, a play or a spa day. Sharing these fun events with others makes it a special day for everyone.

Write an appreciation letter to yourself, acknowledging all that you’ve accomplished in your life. I like to use the analogy of standing on your mountain and looking back at how far you’ve come. You could also write a letter of appreciation for another senior, letting them know how much you admire who they are as a person. It doesn’t take much to turn someone’s day around with a few kind words.

I love the idea of a memory jar filled with messages collected from friends and family as a meaningful keepsake to treasure.

“Age is an attitude.” – Anonymous

It is true that how we perceive aging can impact our mindset and our daily life. Let’s maintain a vibrant outlook to help shape our experience and influence our friends, family and our community. Let’s keep celebration top of mind as we go through our day, looking for joy and new experiences to give us hope and to remind us of what Frank Sinatra said: “the best is yet to come.”

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

ARE YOU INTERESTED

In living At The Wellings?

Call us Today

A New Concept in 55+ Community Living

You’re too young to live in a retirement home, so why consider it? Discover Carefreedom Living® in a community lifestyle, with larger apartments, fully-equipped kitchens, a full range of amenities to choose from. The Wellings concept promotes complete independence, lots of amenity choices, and modern conveniences you will appreciate.

CONTACT OUR TEAM

Natalie Tommy

Chief Marketing Officer

FREDDI RODIER

Community Builder

1-866-449-9693

LIFE@MYWELLINGS.COM

Address

MAIN OFFICE:

555 Legget Drive, Tower A, Suite 920,
Kanata, ON K2K-2X3

© 2025 – Wellings. All rights reserved. Terms of use and Privacy Policy