#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench Schlegel Villages

Episode #68 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the joy of chatting with the remarkable Lillian Parker, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph, who has an extraordinary story to share.
Lillian is a true thrill-seeker. She recently went skydiving and described the experience as "fantastic" and "better than a bird." Even though she broke her ankle upon landing, her enthusiasm for adventure hasn’t dimmed one bit. Lillian shared her lifelong love for flying, having also tried gliding and hot air ballooning. She’s already eyeing her next adventures: helicopter rides and ziplining.
Lillian’s story is about more than just the thrill of skydiving—it’s about inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones. She encourages everyone to seize new experiences, no matter their age. Her adventurous spirit shows that you’re never too old to set new goals or dream new dreams.
We were also joined by Bryce McBain, the General Manager at Riverside Glen, who was instrumental in organizing the skydiving experience. Bryce shared how the idea came from a younger resident’s bucket list and quickly gained traction, leading to 32 residents, team members, and family members taking the plunge over the summer of 2023.
Bryce emphasized that age should never be a barrier to living life to the fullest. He highlighted how such experiences help residents forget their limitations and embrace the joy of living. With the support from the community and the Schlegel Villages team, these adventures became a reality, proving that with the right support, anything is possible.
As we wrapped up the episode, we reflected on the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones and the value of elder wisdom in combating ageism. Lillian’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived fully, no matter your age.
 
Learn more about our partners at Skydive Swoop: www.skydiveswoop.ca
 
Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.
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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.
"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel
This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.
#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #67 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of speaking with Murray Woods, a man with a wealth of life experiences and wisdom (Recorded at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph). Murray, born in 1932 on a farm in Dufferin County, shared vivid memories from his childhood, including a daring ride on the back of a car at the age of five, which became a defining story of his early years.

Murray’s career journey was equally fascinating. He spent 19 years as an egg grader, explaining the intricate process of grading eggs and the technological advancements in the field. He also had a significant tenure with Masterfeeds, where he witnessed and contributed to the evolution of the poultry industry, including his involvement with the early days of Swiss Chalet restaurants in Toronto.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Murray has been actively involved in both baseball and curling. He shared his experiences as a fastball pitcher and his long-standing love for curling, a sport he continues to play twice a week at the age of 91. Murray’s insights into the spirit of curling, the changes in the sport over the years, and his personal achievements, including being part of a rare seven-ender game, were truly inspiring.

Murray also imparted some timeless wisdom, emphasizing the importance of counting blessings, courage, and health over crosses, fears, and wealth. His guidelines for a fulfilling life resonated deeply with us and are sure to inspire our listeners.

We wrapped up the episode with a light-hearted note, leaving the age-old question of what comes first, the chicken or the egg, up in the air for our audience to ponder. 


*Schlegel Villages is proud to sponsor the Grand Slam of Curling 2024/25 Season and look forward to joining everyone at the WFG Masters, hosted in Guelph at the Sleeman Centre, January 14-19, 2025.


Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

”The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions

Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #66 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle delve into the pervasive issue of ageism with renowned author and activist Ashton Applewhite. The discussion opens with personal anecdotes from Kathy and Evelyn, who share their experiences of ageism in professional and personal settings, highlighting its subtle yet impactful presence in everyday interactions, especially in the workplace and healthcare.

Ashton Applewhite, known for her advocacy and extensive work on ageism, defines it as discrimination and stereotyping based on a person’s age.

This episode not only sheds light on the nuances of ageism but also inspires a collective movement towards a world where age is celebrated and valued, rather than used as a criterion for exclusion.

Learn more about Ashton at https://thischairrocks.com/

Find resources, campaigns, tools and more at https://oldschool.info/ 




Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

”The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #65 - In this inspiring episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Emily Jarratt, who at 99 years old, shared her rich tapestry of life experiences with us.  Emily joins us from The Village of Tansley Woods retirement in Burlington.
Emily, originally from England, moved to Canada in 1952 seeking a better life post-war. She and her husband chose Canada over Australia, a decision that led to a fulfilling life, including raising a family in Vancouver. Emily's journey is a testament to embracing change and the importance of family.
A former medical assistant and later a registered nurse, Emily's passion for learning and helping others shone through as she recounted her career shift at the age of 52. Her dedication to her profession and her ability to adapt to new roles is truly inspiring.
Emily's zest for life extends to her hobbies, which range from woodworking and sewing to playing the ukulele and keyboard. She emphasized the importance of hobbies in combating loneliness and staying mentally active. Her adventurous spirit was evident as she spoke about her travels with the Tansley Trippers and her love for destinations like Bermuda.
Technology plays a significant role in Emily's life, from using a computer for daily tasks to embracing artificial intelligence. She encourages everyone to keep up with the times and to use technology to stay connected with loved ones.
Emily imparted wisdom on living a long and healthy life, stressing the importance of not smoking, moderate drinking, eating right, and staying mentally engaged. Her advice to make younger friends resonates as a way to ensure companionship and shared learning.
Emily's story is a powerful reminder that age is just a number and that it's never too late to learn, explore, and enjoy life. Her anticipation of turning 100 is a celebration of a life well-lived and an encouragement to all of us to embrace every moment.
 
Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.
----more----
The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.
"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel
This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.
#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

”The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions

Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #64 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of chatting with two very special guests, Shirley, a resident at The Village of Glendale Crossing in London, and Rob Dore, chaplain and baking aficionado of the community.

Shirley shared her journey of moving into the village to avoid the risks of living alone in a townhouse. Known affectionately as ”the hugger,” Shirley has embraced her new community with open arms, literally, offering hugs and peppermints to fellow residents and staff. She actively participates in various activities, including euchre, bingo, and especially Rob’s cooking classes, which she attends without fail.

Rob, on the other hand, brings people together through spiritual programs as well as his love of baking/cooking. He hosts weekly cooking classes where residents can socialize, enjoy fresh treats, and learn about different cuisines from Rob’s travels. From Detroit-style pizza to English flapjacks, Rob’s classes are a hit, drawing in crowds eager to taste his creations and share in the camaraderie.

The conversation also touched on the importance of food in fostering community and how it can evoke memories of travel or childhood. Shirley and Rob both emphasized the significance of staying active and social to avoid the loneliness that can come with age.

Shirley’s advice to anyone considering a move to a Schlegel Village is simple: relax, talk to everyone, and you’ll make many friends. Her approach to life at the village is a testament to the power of community and the joy that can be found in the simple act of giving a hug.




Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

”The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions

Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com

Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com