By Schlegel Villages
4.9
1313 ratings
The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.
Episode #70 - In this exciting episode, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle are joined by two spirited women in their eighties, who embarked on an incredible 80-day journey around the globe. Sharing laughter, stories, and priceless wisdom, Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby prove that age is just a number when it comes to exploring the world.
Listen in as they recount their adventures across seven continents, from piranha fishing in the Amazon to rooftop views of the pyramids in Cairo. Their infectious zest for life will inspire you to embrace curiosity, push your boundaries, and remember that every day is an opportunity for adventure—no matter your age.
Through tales of spontaneous decisions, incredible sights, and the kindness of strangers, Sandy and Ellie’s journey is one of connection, positivity, and embracing the unexpected. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply love stories of adventure, this episode is a testament to the power of friendship, resilience, and living life to the fullest.
What is your Dream Travel Location??
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 #69 - In this enlightening episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Christine Runstedtler, a resident of The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Christine shares her incredible travel adventures, from exploring the arts in Java and Bali to her experiences in China and Thailand.
As a former teacher with over 35 years of experience, Christine reflects on the evolution of education, the importance of teaching the arts, and the value of integrating travel experiences into the classroom. She discusses the significance of extracurricular activities and how they can engage students in meaningful ways.
Tune in to hear Christine's insights on the importance of preserving the arts in our communities and the wisdom she has gained throughout her life. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an educator, or simply someone who appreciates the stories of our elders, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons.
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 #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.
----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 #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.
----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 #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. She emphasizes that ageism is a two-way street, affecting both the young and the old, and discusses the internalized biases that we may unknowingly harbor. Ashton's insights extend to the broader societal impacts, including the economic implications of ageism, which costs billions annually in healthcare alone due to inadequate care and forced early retirement.
The conversation also touches on practical steps individuals and communities can take to combat ageism. Ashton encourages starting small, by reevaluating our own perceptions of aging and challenging ageist remarks in our circles. A discussion on the #ElderWisdom Pledge and the symbolic Green Bench initiative, which fosters intergenerational conversations and respects the wisdom of older adults.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and take active steps towards creating a more inclusive society that values individuals at every stage of life.
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.
----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 #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.
----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 #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.
----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 #63 - In this heartfelt episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of conversing with the inspiring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Royal, who we met at the Schlegel Village Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), shared his journey of faith, positivity, and resilience in the face of life-altering paralysis.
Royal recounted the sudden onset of his condition, which left him paraplegic, and the subsequent challenges he faced. Despite the drastic change in his life, Royal's unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and his 50-year experience as a pastor have been the bedrock of his positive outlook.
Throughout the episode, Royal spoke about the importance of compassion, the power of presence, and the significance of sharing personal experiences. He continues to minister to others at Winston Park long-term care, where he resides, through preaching, Bible studies, and simply being a comforting presence to fellow residents.
Royal also touched upon the importance of modeling compassion to children and the role of faith in fostering a compassionate society. He shared insights from his blog, which has touched the lives of many, and emphasized the importance of gentleness in our interactions with others.
As hosts, Evelyn and Kathy reflected on the wisdom Royal brings to the Green Bench, his ability to connect with others, and the joy he finds in daily interactions. His story is a testament to the power of optimism and the human spirit's capacity to adapt and find purpose even in the most challenging circumstances.
*Link to Royal's blog as mentioned in the episode: https://www.facebook.com/royal.hamel
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
An exciting episode for you as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of hosting a LIVE recording at the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls, where we explored the theme of "People, Care, and Quality."
First to join us on the Green Bench is Ann Baxter: Anne is a resident at The Village of Wentworth Heights in the Egerton neighbourhood, where she has come to value the kindness of the team that helps support her, even as her care needs have lessened over time. She values the polite approach of the Village team, and appreciates how everyone takes the time to bring a smile to the faces of all residents, and she has also become a strong support for her fellow residents.
Secondly we invited Tam White and Barb Merkley: Barb first stayed at The Village of Riverside Glen as a temporary measure to convalesce following a medical procedure, and has now lived at The Village of Riverside Glen for nearly eight years. She came to be good friends with Tam when they met at The Center for Innovation’s Ready to Impact Conference in Pittsburg in the summer of 2023. Tam has a long history at Schlegel Villages, first as a Village Team Member before eventually joining the Support Office as a key member of the People Team. Both Barbara and Tam share a combined perspective on how the people who live and work within Schlegel Villages truly do become an extended family.
And third we welcomed Royal Hamel to the green bench: Royal makes his home in Long-term Care at The Village of Winston Park, and he shares his perspective as someone who has faced significant changes in his mobility in recent years. As a retired minister, faith and spirituality are close to Royal’s heart, and this certainly helps shape his world view. For Royal, exceptional support can be found in simple moments in time that connect team members with residents, regardless of the level of care required.
Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:
1️⃣ Community and Connection: Our guests, Tam and Barb, shared their inspiring story of how they became fast friends at a conference in Pittsburgh. They emphasized the importance of connecting with people and making anywhere feel like home. Their experience highlights the power of building meaningful relationships and finding a sense of belonging.
2️⃣ Sharing Personal Stories: We were honored to have Anne, Barb, Tam, and Royal join us on stage to share their personal stories in front of 500 people. It takes tremendous courage to open up and share vulnerable experiences, and their willingness to do so is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Their stories served as a reminder of the value of storytelling and the lessons we can learn from one another.
3️⃣ Learning and Growth: Throughout the episode, our co-hosts Evelyn Brindle and Kathy Buckworth expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from our guests and the entire Schlegel Villages community. We believe that every conversation holds the potential for growth and understanding. By actively listening and engaging with others, we can expand our knowledge and perspectives, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Don't forget to use the hashtag #ElderWisdom when sharing your thoughts on social media. Let's spread the wisdom and insights shared on the Green Bench!
Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our guests, Ann, Barb, Tam, Royal and everyone who contributed to making this live recording a success. Your stories and experiences have touched our hearts and inspired us all.
Remember, your seat on the Green Bench is always ready and waiting.
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
The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.
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