INVITING NEW COMMUNITIES SHED DREARY OLD MODEL WITH REJUVENATING SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL ENVIRONMENT.
IN AN AGE WHERE SOCIAL MEDIA IS threatening to banish face – to – face contact to a galaxy light – years away, its refreshing to feel the flame of community spirit still flickering – and providing die fuel for 21st century retirement villages across Canada.

While many of the younger, tech – obsessed citizens are busy racking up 5,000 Facebook friends and making twits of ourselves on Twitter, more and more of our senior members are discovering die benefits of modern retirement communities. With their working days banked and lifes ups – and – downs having taken a toll, the emphasis is on reconnecting retirees with the energy and vibe of life. And people.

“We call our residences communities because thats what we try to create,” says Colin Halliwell, COO of Arnica Mature Lifestyles Inc., one of Canadas top providers of all – inclusive retirement living, with locations in Vancouver and Victoria. “Its absolutely critical to foster community spirit within them. Were social animals and many of our residents come into Arnica after years of loss.”“You may be living in a nice home, but if youre not interacting with people or eating well, your quality of life isnt good. Our goal is to restore our residents independence by creating a respectful and supportive commu – nity. Once the difficult decision to enter a retirement home is made, they embrace the lifestyle. The impact is amazing.”

Ross Mayot, VP of community development at the Canadian Association of Retired Persons says community promotes a sense of we and a common cause. “Our members want to be productive, use their skills and experience and continue to contribute to society,” says Mayot. “The feeling of being part of a community of interest and contributing to its good is satisfying and purposeful.”

Seniors should also be an integral part of our wider communities – and not literally banished to die edge of society, says Adena Waffle, manager of senior housing at Concert Properties, whose innovative Tapestry model recently opened its third village at UBC Vancouver.

“Retirement villages and communities used to be built on the cheapest land and often right next to a highway,” says Waffle. “And we thought that was OK. Seniors should be at the centre of our communities. We can still learn a lot by including them in our lives. Thvits exacdy why UBC wanted a retirement community as part of the campus. It keeps die residents engaged and vibrant, longer.”

Bringing a “superior quality of life” to seniors is Arnicas mission – and the company offers everything from independent living condo ownership, to service – rich rental suites, with Assisted Living options. Its unique brand philosophy of Wellness & Vitality™ is at the core of each community – along with a focus on residents.

“We simply ask our customers what they tliink,” Halliwell says. “We need to understand what the barriers to entry are and try to remove them by modifying our design and operation. And our staff is key. We have great people who truly care.”

Concert has been blazing a trail for modern, vibrant retirement communities for around a decade, when its Kitsilano community opened for business. Village Gate West in Toronto followed – and now UBCs Wes – brook Village makes diree. The university community – comprising two high – rise towers widi 46 condos, 134 rental suites and its own fitness centre – was built at the heart of the South Campus Neighbourhoods new village, anchored by a Save – On Foods.

“It opened on Sept. 1 and has come to life as a community very quickly,” beams Waffle. “People are moving into die village because its providing diem more choices than if they stayed in their own homes. Its not about being stuck playing bingo – theres also a hiking club, theatre group and wine club. Its a very vibrant and diverse community.

“Tapestry has taken a very flexible approach to seniors housing. We want to stay away from putting people in boxes. Wes – brook is choice and flexibility on steroids.”

Choosing to link its third community to a university was a groundbreaking move – the first of its kind in Canada. It features cutting – edge technology and 20 flex suites – which can switch from a two – bedroom into a one – bedroom and bachelor.

“Wesbrook provides endless opportuni – ties for residents and die community at large to interact and increase dieir quality of life,” says Bob McKay, Concerts senior VP of new business initiatives, who has driven the eco – friendly Tapestry dream from inception.

John Fleming, general manager of Tapestry at Wesbrook Village, says integrating with the UBC staff and students is extremely important. “We have many residents taking courses at UBC and a growing number of courses being taught here at Tapestry in our state – of – the – art classroom. Theres a real sense of life and activity, with a lot of our residents trying new things and finding new passions.

“Theres no question in my mind Im working in the next evolution of retirement living,” he says. “Tapestry is breaking the mold. The energy, vibrancy and excitement of our communities is contagious and noticeable to anyone who walks through our doors.”

John Oliffc, an associate professor at the UBC School of Nursing, says its an excellent opportunity for young and old to combine their energy and wisdom. “I think its wonderful to have such a diverse community at UBC. Older people have much to offer in terms of experience and knowledge, while die younger residents can offer interactions and assistance where necessary.

“The health benefits afforded by university town transcend age – the beach, forest walks and mountain views. Moreover, diere arc outstanding amenities and retail shared regardless of age. I think its a wonderful blend with benefits for all.”

CARPs Mayot says continuing to exercise and rejuvenate die mind with lifelong learning is as important as staying physically active. “Theres plenty of evidence to show that being open – minded, curious and interested in new things as we age – be it astronomy, woodworking, poetry, learning a new language or a course on the history of jazz – is as important to good health, happiness and longevity as any physical fitness program or diet. The adage holds You dont stop learning when you grow older, you grow older when you stop learning.”

Westminster House, a Christian retirement community in White Rock, als< places a high value on continuing education and community. “We work hard to be a good community partner and utilize services available to us,” says Lori Sidjak, administrator for Wesnninster House. “Our activities department works closely with a local school to create inter – generational programming. This benefits both the seniors and the Grade 3 class we host monthly.

“We also have extensive volunteers from the community. Were supported by a variety of churches from our area and take part in many activities. We also have a wheelchair – accessible minibus which opens tilings up for many residents.”

Both Concerts Waffle and Arnicas Hal – liwell say shattering die outdated stereotypes of retirement living is the big focus going forward. “Were challenging people to go beyond whats been done for years, says Waffle.

“The goal is to eradicate die fear from this decision and simply make it another lifestyle choice,” says Halliwell. “In many ways, peoples perspectives are stuck in the 70s and 80s – when retirement homes were often not very enticing. But thats rapidly changing.

“The Baby Boomers are a good 10 years from entering retirement homes. We want to continue shattering those stereotypes and be well – prepared for that wave when it comes.”