Art doesn't retire, and neither does the creative spirit—a truth beautifully exemplified by Vera Van Buren in this warm, enlightening conversation from The Bradley Retirement Living.

Born and educated in Holland, Vera shares her journey from a 16-year-old art student to her life today as an accomplished artist with nearly four years at The Bradley. Her story spans continents and decades, beginning with her education at the Academy of Art in Holland where she studied textile design before marrying and eventually immigrating to Canada some 50 years ago.

What stands out about Vera is her remarkable artistic versatility. Unlike artists who specialize in one medium, she moves effortlessly between semi-abstract compositions, watercolors, mixed media, portraiture, and her increasingly popular pet portraits. "I just do what I like," she explains with characteristic simplicity, revealing a philosophy that extends beyond canvas to her approach to life itself.

The conversation challenges common misconceptions about retirement living. Far from surrendering independence, Vera describes The Bradley as a place where choice reigns supreme—whether participating in her beloved morning line dancing (which she insisted remain unchanged when she moved in), painting in her room, or walking with friends. After 63 years of marriage and following her husband's declining health, Vera found an immediate connection to her new home. "When I came here and walked through the door, I thought—this is it," she recalls, capturing that ineffable feeling of belonging that transcends age.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that proves creativity, independence, and community connection don't diminish with age—they simply find new expressions and environments in which to flourish. Listen now to discover how senior living at its best doesn't just sustain life, but enriches it.