With growing interest in our community, we often get asked similar questions about retirement living. Today’s blog is the first in a series that provides answers to some of your most commonly asked questions.

In many Western societies, including Canada, aging is seen as something to be avoided and fought.   When you pay attention you will see negative stereotypes and perceptions of seniors often portrayed in entertainment, social media, and everyday language.  The Village Wellness team believes aging to be something to be celebrated and enjoyed and has adopted the concept known as  “Positive Aging” -  sometimes referred to as “Aging Well”, “Aging Gracefully”, or “Successful Aging”.

As we get through these last few weeks of the Stay At Home order, our Wellness team continues to find creative ways to connect the Village community and bring people closer together.  This beautiful tree, located in our Atrium lobby, is symbolic.  It reminds us that despite being physically apart, we are together in spirit.  It displays messages of inspiration and hope from residents and team members - each unique leaf brings us closer to better, more connected times.

Although approaches to self-care vary, it is generally achieved when we intentionally look after our health and wellbeing. Self-care is a proactive approach that results in reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Other positive impacts include increased energy, strengthened immune system and better sleep.

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week Janet (LV volunteer) & Edith (LV resident) share their volunteer experiences and why they believe volunteering is so important. This article also explores the benefits of volunteering and provides some community resources that will help you explore volunteering opportunities. 

Everyone possesses strengths and unique personality traits, although they are often hard to recognize within ourselves. There are many benefits to increasing self-awareness in this domain and understanding our value. Not only does it increase feelings of pride and gratitude, but also leaves us feeling more positive, self-motivated and well.

We were honoured when the son of a long-time resident wanted to show his appreciation for the care his mom received over the last twelve years - most recently on the Memory Care floor. He told our Executive Director that he wanted to do something “that would make the nurses lives easier” as he recounted the times he witnessed staff going above and beyond in their care of his mother,

We are pleased to present the first in a three-part series related to self-care featuring Stephanie Pink's expertise. She is a student intern at the Village, pursuing a Master’s in Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. In this series she provides tips and resources grounded in evidence-based research and experience, on three topics: (1) Gratitude, (2) Identifying Our Strengths and (3) Self-Care.

Our neighbor The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is expanding! We had the opportunity recently to connect with our friend and community partner, Jaye Kuntz, Supervisor, Leisure Programs at The City of Waterloo to learn more about this project. We can hardly wait for this new space to open beside our campus!

Let us help you keep your meals fresh and exciting during these unique times. We have put together a list of resources that will allow you to try something new when it comes to your meals. Check out a variety of options from take-out, to DIY meal kits & prepared meals!