Episode #54 - Ron Posno joins Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle as our guest on the #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench podcast. Ron has a plan to fight the legislation that does not allow people living with dementia to request medical assistance in dying.  His plans include moving into the currently under construction retirement phase at The Village at Glendale Crossing in London.

Ron has lived a life of planning, and his story begins with his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. After meeting his wife Sandy at age 16, Ron pursued his dream and was accepted into a military college. However, Ron realized that marriage and military life were not compatible and so he left the college to become a special needs teacher.

After 62 years of marriage, Ron recounts an incident in 1970 when he was asked to test fly an experimental aircraft. Unfortunately, the plane crashed and Ron suffered a severe injury, losing his left eye and suffering brain damage. He was in a coma for 12 days, and when he emerged, he was diagnosed with MCI, which is often a precursor to dementia.

Ron and Sandy have a plan to fight legislation that does not allow people living with dementia to request MAID, medical assistance in dying. They are looking to the future by setting in motion their own destiny. Ron and Sandy hope to be able to change the law and give people living with dementia the right to choose how they want to live their lives.

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

Episode #53 - The story of Diane Dupuy and the Famous People Players, a black light theatre company where all the performers are developmentally disabled. The podcast explores the bond between Diane and her mother, Mary Thornton, who lived to the age of 103 in The Village of Humber Heights, and the wisdom and working relationship they shared for 50 years. Have a listen as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Diane Dupuy to share her Story from the Green Bench.

Diane's mother honed in on what she could do and what she was good at rather than what she struggled with.  She excelled in imagination and creativity. 

"My mother built me a puppet theatre when I was a little girl. She told me not to be afraid as the puppets will do the talking for me." - Diane Dupuy

She enjoyed performing closely with her friend at local events, Doug Henning, who went on to become a world-renowned magician.

"As long as your imagination makes the world a better place." - Mary Thornton

"Great spirits always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -Albert Einstein

In creating the Famous People Players Diane chose the black light technique as no one would see the players, and who they are, so they won't be afraid of them. 

"My mother was my partner, my supporter all the way." -Diane Dupuy

Visit famouspeopleplayers.com to see photos, get tickets, and learn more. Follow on Instagram & Facebook

With the support from Humber Heights resident, Freida Griffiths, educational programs were created as part of the Famous People Players organization. 

"There is so much magic in black light, everything floats, everything defies gravity before your eyes. It’s a live cartoon on stage." - Diane Dupuy

Diane & Mary are recipients of the Order of Canada and many awards and recognitions in their 49 years of work.

Diane and Evelyn share the experience of having fighting cancer.  Hear the wisdom from both of them as they encourage others to keep moving forward and living life to the fullest.

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

Episode #52 - Don Hewson is an intellectual property lawyer and resident of The Village of Erin Meadows in Mississauga, Canada. He has a background in engineering and has traveled to 87 countries, and is an avid fan of classical music and author Louise Penny.  Unlock the hidden gems of wisdom as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle chat with Don on the Green Bench. "Encourage your children to do whatever it is they want to do and get involved in collegial activities - don't be loners - and be sure to excel in mathematics and science courses to open up a world of possibilities!" Don Hewson had a passion for music and engineering, but it wasn't until he was a senior partner at a law firm specializing in Intellectual Property Law that he was able to combine these two passions. He quickly learned the technical aspects of patent law and soon was travelling around the world to represent his clients. He was also able to introduce his wife, Yummy, to a world of travel and music. Through his work, Don was able to unlock the potential of a variety of projects, from the chocolate coating on Chapman's ice cream to the revolutionary device that enabled the fast and efficient formation of poured concrete buildings. Don's career also allowed him to inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How did the invention of a revolutionary concrete forming device revolutionize construction? 2. Why is intellectual property law a field that requires a science or engineering background? 3. What are the benefits of taking a music course in high school, and how did it influence Don Hewson's career?

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

Episode #51 - Sharing our gratitude to Erin Davis & Doug Robinson as they pass the microphones to our new co-hosts Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle.  Have a listen to the farewells, welcomes, laughter, tears, singing and wealth of #ElderWisdom as we kick off the 5th season and transition of our hosts.

Introductions:

Kathy Buckworth has a long history as a radio personality and listeners will recognize her as the host of the radio show and podcast Go-To Grandma on Zoomer Radio. She’s a mother of four and a grandmother of two, and she has shared her perspective on the art of parenting in six separate books.

Evelyn Brindle is a resident of The Village of Erin Meadows retirement community in Mississauga and she holds a Masters Degree in Journalism. She’s a two-time cancer survivor, a mother, and a grandmother, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious; many might be surprised to learn that she is in her 85th year, but then that is the point of the #ElderWisdom podcast.   Episode #46 featuring Evelyn.

Doug shares about the Pearls of Wisdom feature being added to this year's podcasts.  We invite seniors from around the world to submit their voices and #ElderWisdom with us with the chance to be on the podcast.

Visit ElderWisdom.ca and click on the pearls of wisdom tab.

You will be prompted to share your answer to 3 questions:

1. Who have you looked up to in your life and what wisdom from them do you keep with you?
2. What has been an unexpected source of joy for you?
3. Are there any words of wisdom that you wish to share with the younger generation?

As Erin and Doug reflect on being co-hosts, they share the memories and wisdom they take with them.

Erin shares about our guest, Jack Paleczny, and the vulnerability in the chaplaincy work that he experienced. (Go back to listen to episode #36)

Doug will always remember the story of Aunt Reta and her skipping rope. (Listen back to episode #37 to hear more)

Thank you Erin & Doug for being such welcoming hosts for our guests in the previous seasons and we look forward to continuing the storytelling into season 5 and on.  Keep up with Erin Davis by subscribing to the Drift with Erin Davis podcast and Gracefully and Frankly podcast.

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

Episode #50 - Harold Quinn, a resident at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph, joins Erin Davis & Doug Robinson to share his story from the Green Bench.  As a person who loves to bring people together, we chat about the importance of community, wisdom, and sharing of stories.

Speaking of the Peer Learning group, an activity group at The Village by the Arboretum community.  Harold was a facilitator, featuring talks from those who live in the community.  

Currently watching a course called, 'The Worlds Greatest Geological Wonders' with her peers in a program created to learn together.

“I lived 64 years without a computer, now I can’t live without one” - Harold Quinn

Book and Author recommendations given in this conversation on the green bench as all three enjoy reading.  We would love to hear your recommendations, and encourage you to share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag.

Not only an avid reader, Harold has written a memoir for his grandchildren.  An idea that came to him as he reflects on not knowing his parents and grandparents stories. 

The recreation department at The Village of Arbour Trails does a phenomenal job, there is almost no day in the week where something isn't happening.  "There are two types of residents: those who wait to be entertained, and those who make their own entertainment and make things happen."  Noticing there was a vacancy on Saturday evening, he bagan the Saturday Night Comedy Hour featuring Carol Burnett, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Wayne & Shuster, Dean Martin Roasts and more.

"Life without laughs is not life." - Harold Quinn

Doug shares a story about dancing with Carol Burnett during Elizabeth Taylors 50th Birthday party.

"For us now, this is home.  When we come home, we come back to Arbour Trails." - Harold Quinn

"Quality of life revolves around still being able to participate in things of interest to you." - Harold Quinn

Thanks for listening to our golden 50th episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, we will be back soon with season 5.

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Episode #49 - Spirituality & Aging in Long-Term Care & Retirement homes can build connection and community.  Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Dr. Jane Kuepfer, PhD, MDiv, RP to the green bench to share about her role as the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, her hopes for the future, how spirituality is embraced and supported in all homes, and why.

What is the difference between spiritual and religious?

"Spirituality is the capacity that we all have for experiencing meaning and connection in life." - Dr. Jane Kuepfer

We have come to miss the connection in our communities over the pandemic.  It is important to find that sense of belonging, the feeling of home.

Jane is the Spiritual Life Facilitator at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.  She shares about her role and what qualities someone who may be interested in joining a team at a long-term care or retirement setting.

How do you approach your day?  "with positivity and honesty … we build each other up"

"Our faith evolves throughout life as we grow and mature.  That doesn't stop when we get to the later years." - Jane Kuepfer

Programs building community through spirituality at University Gates may include a Spiritual Life Gathering, Singing, Storytelling, Flowers, one-on-one discussions and more.

"I'd love to see what's happening in our home as we give permission to talk about mortality and to imagine." - Jane Kuepfer

Dr. Jane Kuepfer is the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging with the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. Join Jane at the 10th International Conference on Aging and Spirituality in June 2023: https://uwaterloo.ca/ageing-spirituality/

“a long-term care home is primarily the home of its residents and is to be operated so that it is a place where they may live with dignity and in security, safety and comfort and have their physical, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural needs adequately met.” - Ontario Long-Term Care Act

"Sometimes spirituality can be the word tacked onto the end of the list of the ways we want to care for people." - Jane Kuepfer

The Residents’ Bill of Rights (The Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils) #10. Every resident has the right to pursue social, cultural, religious, spiritual and other interests, to develop their potential and to be given reasonable assistance by the licensee to pursue these interests and to develop their potential.

"There is such strength in vulnerability, in opening yourself up and telling your story." -Erin Davis

We hear about the Dignity Walk at Schlegel Villages and the power of community as a resident leaves the village for the last time.

What's on your bedside table? Spiritual Resilience: 30 Days to Refresh Your Soul - Robert J. Wicks

“You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone.” – Amit Ray 

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Episode #48 - Learn about what the Director of Lifestyle Options role is within the Retirement sections at Schlegel Villages as Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Branka Matijevic to the Green Bench.  Branka is a relationship-builder, and community-builder, proud to support green bench conversations, and a fantastic DLO at The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton.

Helping seniors and their families not only to choose the right living environment but to help new residents find community, trust, friendship, and a real sense of belonging.

"No matter what age, there is always a chance for love to bloom." - Erin Davis

As a Director of Lifestyle Options, Branka's role is to get to know individuals considering moving into a retirement community such as The Village of Wentworth Heights and working closely with the Hamilton community to highlight what the Village offers.  

Her father's was living with Alzheimer’s and the way she was able to love and relate to him during this challenging time has helped her relate to people who are going through similar experiences.

"It has changed my life completely being able to sit on the green bench and meet so many interesting people." - Doug Robinson

"Having a level of responsibility is important as we get older." - Branka Matijevic

"Older adults have so much that we can learn from. It's great to watch the community gather this power and knowledge from the residents on the green bench." -Branka Matijevic

"We're turning things around.  We are having younger people take the time to sit down and to learn from elders on the green bench." - Branka Matijevic

History of the #ElderWisdom campaign

In 2016, we began a campaign to end ageism in our communities by highlighting the wisdom and talents of seniors all while using the #ElderWisdom tag on social media.

• 2016 - Throughout June, we brought the green bench to 13 cities across Ontario where local seniors shared their wisdom with key influencers and community members.
• 2017 - On June 6, 2017, 80 seniors shared #ElderWisdom on the green bench with students at 16 different high schools across Ontario.
• 2018 - In June, 41 seniors from 19 villages participated in #ElderWisdom in 15 cities with the green bench.
• 2019 - Throughout the month of June, 50 seniors shared their #ElderWisdom in the community for 49 hours on the green bench. A Twitter chat with Ron Schlegel and Instagram experience was held on social media as well!
• 2020 - During June, Seniors Month, residents from Schlegel Villages share their #ElderWisdom digitally through our Stories from the Green Bench videos and our LIVE Facebook events on Tuesdays.
• 2021 - Our focus was on this Podcast.
• 2022 - Green Benches returned to the community visiting 6 locations across Ontario  hosting over 114 hours of conversations with 44 Schlegel Villages residents.

End ageism Ageism is a form of discrimination, often experienced by older adults. Our elders have a great deal of wisdom to contribute to their communities. However, societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect, make them feel unwelcome and generalize as if they were all the same. Ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negatively impacts their quality of life. Let’s use social media to end ageism and celebrate the great things seniors have to offer by sharing #ElderWisdom.

"My wish is that people would have more compassion, patience and to be more inclusive to all ages." -Branka Matijevic

"What I've seen to be most important is the relationships not just amongst residents, but with team members and residents.  We've become one big family." -Branka Matijevic

Cultivate The Ultimate Team Member Experience At Schlegel Villages, we have an amazing culture that stellar team members want to be a part of. We care about our team members as much as we care about our residents. As one family, we learn, grow, and move forward together. We are passionate and find fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caring community honours and encourages well-being, and team members are appreciated in personally meaningful ways. Through mentorship, ongoing support, and education we are empowered to go beyond the status quo, and unleash our full potential. “You can be you while being a part of our family.”

"What the elders see while sitting the young ones standing on their toes won't see." - African Proverb

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Episode #47 - A woman who always has a song in her heart surrounded by music her whole life, Angela Willis joins Erin Davis and Doug Robinson from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby.  Stories shared about quirky gardening, art, baking, and raising a musical family - with a special tribute from granddaughter and singer, Cadence Grace.

Erin shares a quote from Terry Tempest Williams, “Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.”

Angela and Doug share quirky items that were added to their gardens including a bin for goldfish, a BBQ, a cement mixer, a carousel and more.  

"I just planted the flowers in strange things because I liked the look of them." - Angela Willis

Why wouldn't a neighbour take his shoes off?  "Because he was afraid I would plant flowers in them."

Angela was the winner of 'Best large garden' in Scugog

"When you get your garden finished and you sit back and look at it, and you say wow, that was worth it." - Angela Willis

"You enjoy the summer twice as much when you have a beautiful garden." - Doug Robinson

Angela has fulfillment in growing her family tree.  Growing up with music has been such a joy.

A special message to Angela from granddaughter, Cadence Grace, in thanks for the music.

Music feature: Don't by Cadence Grace

More about Cadence Grace and her music at cadencegrace.com

What advice would you give to someone who wants to bring the benefits of music into their lives.

"Sing! Just keep singing.  It makes you feel so good." - Angela Willis

Singing with her husband Jack in the County Town Singers for 20 years.  They toured Europe not long after they joined to share music as Canada's Singing Ambassadors. Her favourite venue to sing in was the Catherdral in York, England.  

Still 70 members in the County Town Singers in the Durham Region.   www.countytownsingers.com

Angela continues to try new things to excel at.  She found an art class and decided to start painting in her 50s.

"You can start anything at any age, anytime." - Angela Willis

Angela tried decorating cakes one day.  She enjoyed it so much that she made all of her children's wedding cakes.  She also loves to bake pies.

She agreed to make a cake to feed 350 people for the 75th anniversary of the cottagers association.  

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Bonus Episode - Erin Davis and Doug Robinson are joined in this special episode with the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils, Melissa McVie, Director of Education and Communications, and Devora Greenspon, LTC Resident and REAL Group Co-Chair.

Barry Hickling was our guest in Episode #5 speaking about ageism, living in long-term care, and his role with the OARC. We encourage you to revisit this conversation.

Devora was encouraged by the staff at her Long-Term Care home to participate in the Residents' Council.  Feeling of chaos in the meeting and not being shy, stepped in.  Before she knew it she was the president of their residents' council.

"There was absolute chaos during the meeting.  I'm not shy so I just took over.  Next thing I knew I was president of the Residents' Council." - Devora Greenspon

Devora’s Residents’ Council has adopted a Shared Leadership team model with residents from different parts of her home comprising a team that leads the work of Council based on individual strengths. She uses this inclusive team model in place of the traditional Executive model with a President, Secretary etc.

"Residents' Council is a great place for residents to express their hopes, their goals, their concerns with no fear of retribution." - Devora Greenspon

Residents' Councils are mandated to exist in every long-term care home.  A vehicle through which residents can speak about the good, the bad, the ugly, and collaborate with the leadership in their home.

"Residents' Councils welcome an open dialogue with the leadership team in their long-term care home." - Melissa McVie

"Council is a place for residents to meet one another and develop relationships.  So important when you live in long-term care." - Devora Greenspon

Learn more about OARC and access their newsletter, Season’s Magazine: https://www.ontarc.com/ 

"Everyone has a story, we cannot paint all residents with the same brush.  Take a little extra time to get to know one's story." - Melissa McVie

Doug learns how to say 'good morning' in different languages to be able to greet each resident.

"I did not go into long-term care to die, but to live.  To have a fruitful, happy, quality of life." - Devora Greenspon

What are your hopes for the future of long-term care?

Devora - To make quality of life better and better for each resident.

Erin Davis hears in our conversation, 'I'm still me, I will be heard, I want to be part of my community, and I want to help plan for the future.'

What is REAL “Resident Expert Advisors and Leaders”? Is comprised of members who are resident leaders living in LTC homes across Ontario. It is an advisory group; REAL members bring their own lived experiences and perspectives as residents helping to inform and guide OARC’s work

*An OARC legacy program is in the works to award a long-term care home in Ontario a green #ElderWisdom bench each year in memory of Sharron Cooke.

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Episode #46 - Evelyn Brindle lives at The Village of Erin Meadows in Mississauga with her husband David.  A conversation about critical thinking, long-distance relationships, and unexpected travel with Erin Davis & Doug Robinson on the Green Bench.

"If you just stop and talk with somebody. Everybody's got a story.  You don't have to have a movie of the week or a book made about you." - Erin Davis

The Village has a library that is well used.  The continuous increase of books that are brought in and mixed around.

Evelyn always snuck a book into her grandchildren's stockings at Christmas to encourage reading.

What are your book recommendations?

"It's so important to have the ability to read and to enjoy what you are reading." - Evelyn Brindle

Evelyn has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, with one daughter living in Hong Kong.  A conversation about staying in touch and how that has changed over the past 25 years.

“Everyone is a person, everyone is beautiful, and everyone has something to contribute.”  - Evelyn Brindle

Sharing some laughs as Evelyn shares about her honeymoon travel stories.

Reading the newspaper has been an enjoyment for husband, David living with dementia.  With discussing what he is reading and encouraging it, he has reclaimed his ability and joy to read and has moved onto a variety of books.

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, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca