Episode #13 - Hosts Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington share virtual travels with Ruth White from The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph. This Canada Day marks her 80th Birthday and she is thrilled to share her adventures across this country in her stories from the green bench.

"It never hurts to learn new things, does it?" Ruth has a spirit of trying new things and is happy to be adding this podcast to her list.

Before being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she was always ready for an adventure.  She shares some of her favourite travel memories.

Finding a job in Campbell River, north of Vancouver Island where she learned to waterski, fish for salmon, make a fire using driftwood, and creating art.

• Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan

Where are your favourite places to visit in Canada?

We would love to see your photos and read your stories on social media - tag #ElderWisdom in your posts.

Hear about Ruth's drive across Canada with her sister - North of lake superior, a rough road driving a 1962 Chevy II, we made it through ok.  "Highway 17 can be a lonely stretch of road." -Lloyd

Ruth's mother had multiple pregnancies including quadruplets, two sets of identicle twins.  Stories of growing up in a family with multiple births and multiple loss.  

"Appreciate the time that is given to you." - Ruth White

Pack your virtual bags and visit Bermuda with Ruth. She heard about a job and ended up working and living there for a little over 40 years. Price Waterhouse Coopers, Gulf Oil/Chevron, Office Supplies, Aberfeldy plant nurseries.  Aunt D's son Captain White got Ruth into sailing the waters around Bermuda.  Eight miles north of Bermuda, Ruth learned to snorkel in the coral reef.

"Listen to your heart.  Be aware of others that can help your situation." -Ruth White

"Be encouraged to think beyond the box." - Ruth White

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