What are today’s choices for living an engaged and meaningful life when staying at home is no longer an option?
Jane Fonda, in a TED Talk in her mid 70s, famously referred to the now 30+ years of life expectancy past 70, as the Third Act. “How do we live this time successfully,” asks Fonda, acknowledging that while the aging body has its issues, the Third Act can be a fulfilling one in other ways.
Gerontology research has shown that the benefits of continued socialization and meaningful engagement result in an overall physically and emotionally healthier and joyful life.
Retirement residences, now referred to as Independent and Assisted Living Residences, are working to create environments that welcome Third Act residents. There are choices. Don’t want to live in your home any longer? Can’t manage daily chores on your own? Feel socially isolated because of life circumstances?
Senior residences, like the Origin group, work with the guidelines and research support of the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA).
The goal is to create housing situations that honour and meet the health and well-being needs of seniors. The belief is that the quality of life people experience in their later years can drastically improve by staying physically and socially active and being mentally engaged.
Origin residences also offer support, if required, to fulfill the seven dimensions of geriatric wellness (eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, medication, transferring and housekeeping).
Nanaimo Origin at Longwood resident Penny McClung says, “Living here has been a total change to our lives. There is so much to do.” She and husband Hank say they’re having so much fun and have never been busier. She only wishes they had moved in earlier to have made better use of the extensive facilities.
Creative solutions that successfully address communal living environments for like-minded elders have existed for centuries.
In some cultures, families continue to support elders in their homes, but, given issues such as smaller houses and families spread around the country and globe, this model is no longer as feasible and common as it once was.
Even in 1896, the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi had the vision to found a home for retired musicians and opera singers who were alone or had met with financially hard times. It still operates in Milan, Italy, today.
In Vancouver, the successful PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) was founded in 2006 for retired members of the professional arts and allied industries. It continues today, with an ongoing wait-list of industry retirees.
Neighbourhood residential community initiatives are emerging with the idea of creating “block” or “building” solutions that can support at-home aging, such as sharing services amongst neighbours.
For seniors not linked to specific professional or other interest groups, there are residential options that honour, value and create a quality of life that supports the Third Act for its residents.
Migs Turner, for example, is convinced that moving into Carlton House, an independent retirement residence in Victoria’s Oak Bay, eight years ago, was the right choice for him and his wife.
Migs did plenty of research, which he recommends spending the time on, to find a residence that suited their needs. (See his checklist).
Carlton House met all their criteria. “We are very happy here and we made the right choice,” says the retired navy and coast guard officer, who adds that being able to stay in his former neighbourhood made the transition easy.
Nanaimo’s Oak Tree Manager Paul O’Neil says residents appreciate having others to talk to because many have come from living alone. He also points out that the central location gives residents the freedom to access services and appointments without having to call on family and friends.
“We want residents to feel at home, like our employees, and to feel that their fellow residents are their family. It works, for the most part.”
Jean MacKnight made the decision to move to Oak Tree three years ago. “I love it here”, she says. “I don’t have to do anything.” Except play bingo three times/week, which is what she likes doing and where she’s made friends. “It didn’t take long to get acquainted with others. Everyone is so friendly.”
Residents who have chosen the Independent and Assisted Living lifestyle say they feel at home by being part of an active community of staff and fellow residents in their Third Act.
Evelyn Fleming says, “It’s the place for me to be for this phase of my life,” referring to the Nanaimo Origin residence that she has lived in for two years. “Do I like it here? No, I LOVE it!”
Checklist for Choosing a Residence
Source: Carleton House resident Migs Turner
- Location (Is it close to the community that is important to you?)
- Layout (Does it meet your space needs; is there enough light; what do you see when you look out the window? Are you close to elevators or stairs; is there outdoor access?)
- Meals (Do the meals support your culinary tastes and dietary restrictions?)
- Facility and Programmes (Is there a library, a computer room, an exercise facility, movement classes, cultural opportunities like concerts, movies, opera, and access to a garden or the outdoors?)
- Building (is it soundproof, earthquake proof, well lit?)
- Staff (Are they trained to support their clientele; are they friendly, caring?)
- Residents (Is there some diversity?)
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