#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Tracing Roots and Learning Morse Code with John Hofstee

Episode #62 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of sitting down with John Hofstee, a remarkable individual from The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph with a wealth of wisdom to share.  From tracing his family roots in Holland and beyond to learning and engaging in conversations through Morse code and on the ham radio.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation with John:
1️⃣ Stay Active and Engaged: John emphasized the importance of getting involved and keeping oneself busy, especially in physical activities. He shared his experience of participating in exercise groups and even leading some of them. By joining organizations that align with our goals and allowing ourselves to learn and contribute, we can maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment throughout our lives.
2️⃣ Embrace Your Hobbies: John's hobbies, including genealogy, ham radio, and learning Morse code, are a testament to the power of pursuing our passions. He traced back his roots and discovered fascinating stories about his family history. So, whether it's exploring your ancestry or diving into a new hobby, don't be afraid to follow your interests and uncover the hidden gems within your own life.
3️⃣ Cherish Family Connections: As Sophocles once said, "sons are the anchors of a mother's life." John beautifully highlighted the significance of family connections and the wisdom passed down through generations. He encouraged us to listen to our parents and grandparents, as their stories and advice will resonate with us in the future. Family ties are precious, and they can provide us with a sense of identity and belonging.
I hope you find these takeaways as inspiring as we did! ✨ If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the full episode to hear John's incredible stories and insights firsthand. 
And remember, we love hearing from our listeners! Share your own words of wisdom on social media using the hashtag #ElderWisdom. Your contributions will not only inspire others but also help them discover our podcast on this green bench. 🌱
Lastly, don't forget to check out the #ElderWisdom Pledge Against Ageism at elderwisdom.ca. By signing it, you can join us in our mission to promote inclusivity and respect for all generations. 🤝
 
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The Power of Pursuing Your Passions with Emily & Bob Leland

Episode #61 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome two incredible individuals from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo, Bob and Emily Leland, who shared their passions, stories, and wisdom with us.
Here are three key takeaways from this inspiring conversation:
1️⃣ The Power of Positivity: Bob and Emily emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life. Bob shared his belief in making people smile and laugh every day, reminding us that laughter truly is contagious. Let's remember to spread positivity and uplift those around us, even through the simplest acts of kindness. 
2️⃣ The Joy of Connection: Emily expressed her passion for being with people, whether it's family, friends, or loved ones. She highlighted the immense joy that comes from sharing moments and creating meaningful connections. Let's cherish and nurture our relationships, as they bring us immense happiness and fulfillment. 
3️⃣ Pursuit of Passions: The Schlegel Village community has embarked on a wonderful initiative called "Pursuit of Passion," which celebrates the stories and passions of their residents. This reminds us to continue seeking and living our own passions, as they bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Let's explore new interests, pursue our dreams, and find joy in the things that make us come alive. 
See the 2023 Pursuit of Passions Exhibit at https://schlegelvillages.com/popxew
We are incredibly grateful to Bob and Emily for sharing their wisdom and stories with us. Their words have touched our hearts and inspired us to embrace positivity, connection, and the pursuit of our passions.
 
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From Malta to Canada: Esther Pulis’ Journey of Creativity and Family

Episode #60 - In this episode, Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle welcome Esther Pulis from The Village of Taunton Mills to the Green Bench to share captivating stories about her life in both Malta and Canada.
Having immigrated from Malta to Canada in 1965, Esther already had some family members residing in Canada. Coming from a large family of six sisters and five brothers, Esther and her sisters carried on the tradition of creating carnival floats and costumes in both Malta and Canada.
Esther's father was a performer, and she herself used to sing during their performances, bridging the gap between drama and farce. A creative individual, Esther still finds joy in knitting and mentions her desire to design a float promoting peace if her husband were still alive. Overall, Esther provides valuable insights into her experiences and the creative activities that she and her family engaged in, both in Malta and Canada.
Throughout the episode, Esther emphasizes the significance of maintaining close family ties and fostering a sense of community. She shares her advice on achieving this, which includes inviting family members to every event and gathering, preparing abundant food, and engaging in shared activities such as playing bingo and cards.
Esther firmly believes that family always holds paramount importance and should take precedence over friendships. She also expresses her excitement about an upcoming gathering at her son's place, where her niece and her family from Canada will be visiting.
She highlights the importance of staying together as a family and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to see her niece. Additionally, the host mentions the presence of Maltese food during these family gatherings, suggesting that food plays a role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of connection.
 
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Exploring the Importance of Attitude and Lifelong Learning with Barbara Sackett

Episode #59 - In this episode, Barbara Sackett from The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton shares her wisdom and experiences that are sure to leave you inspired and motivated. Here are three takeaways from her conversation on the Green Bench with hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle.
1️⃣ Confidence is Key: Barbara opens up about her personal journey of building confidence throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and taking steps to nurture your self-assurance. Barbara's story is a powerful reminder that confidence can be developed and grown over time. So, let's all take a page from Barbara's book and embrace our own confidence!
2️⃣ Kindness Goes a Long Way: One of the key lessons Barbara shares is the impact of kindness in our interactions with others. She believes that a kind word, expression, or compliment can make a significant difference in someone's day. Let's all strive to spread kindness and uplift those around us. Remember, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound effect on others.
3️⃣ Attitude is Everything: Barbara's motto, "half of the success in life is attitude," resonates deeply. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and how it can influence our daily lives. Barbara's personal experience demonstrates that having the right attitude can help overcome challenges and achieve goals. So, let's embrace a positive mindset and approach each day with determination and optimism.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to have had Barbara as a guest on our podcast. Her wisdom, experiences, and positive energy are truly inspiring. I encourage you all to listen to this episode and soak in the valuable insights she shares.
 
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Laughter and Wisdom: A Conversation with Granny Reynolds

Episode #58 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome social media sensation Bette Reynolds, also known as Granny Reynolds to the Green Bench. Bette shares her journey into the world of social media, which was influenced by her son, Stuart, a.k.a. Brittlestar. With her humor and wisdom, Granny Reynolds has become a favorite among viewers. Tune in to hear Bette's story and enjoy a podcast filled with laughter and insights.
Bette Reynolds Social MediaTikTok (@BetteReynolds)Instagram (@grannyreynolds)X (@reynolds_bette)Threads (@grannyreynolds)
Granny Reynolds encourages older individuals to embrace social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, emphasizing the potential for new opportunities and interests. While acknowledging that not everyone may be accepting of this change, she believes that by showing older individuals how to navigate these platforms in the simplest way, it can be a transformative experience. Engaging with social media allows older individuals to break out of their own little bubble and explore a wide range of interesting content and subjects.
She emphasizes that social media is not exclusively for young people, highlighting the valuable knowledge and experiences that older individuals have to offer. They suggest that older individuals should not be afraid to try social media platforms, even if they initially feel like they might be making a fool of themselves. The key is to keep trying and learning until they become comfortable with using these platforms.
Bette shares her personal experience of using social media as a means to connect with her grandchildren. Initially finding her social media postings amusing, the grandchildren now proudly share them with their friends. This highlights the potential for social media to bridge the generational gap and allow older individuals to communicate and connect with younger family members in a meaningful way.
Overall, this episode emphasizes the benefits of encouraging older individuals to use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By embracing these platforms, older individuals can open themselves up to new interests, connect with others, and share their own unique perspectives and experiences.
 
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Parenting & Grandparenting Experiences with Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle

Episode #57 - Co-hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle explore the significance of family and the importance of showing respect towards elders. They emphasize that family should be cherished above all else, underscoring the value of maintaining strong relationships with our loved ones, especially grandparents.
The co-hosts highlight the wealth of life experiences and wisdom that grandparents possess. They describe grandparents as individuals who have lived through real-life situations, setting them apart from simply reading about history in books. They believe that it is crucial for children to have the opportunity to learn from their grandparents and gain insights from their experiences.
Respecting elders is another topic the co-hosts touch upon. They stress the importance of honoring the parenting styles and decisions of the younger generation when becoming a grandparent. They acknowledge that each generation may have different approaches to parenting, emphasizing the need for understanding and support.
Furthermore, the co-hosts delve into the role of love in family relationships. They emphasize the significance of expressing love and support to family members, particularly the younger generations. They encourage listeners to cherish the good times with their loved ones and to always be present and supportive.
Overall, this episode underscores the value of family and the importance of respecting and cherishing elders. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining strong family relationships, learning from the wisdom of grandparents, and expressing love and support to family members.
 
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BONUS | Heather Luth Shares Schlegel Villages’ Approach For Living With Dementia

BONUS - In this podcast episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle introduce Heather Luth, the dementia specialist for Schlegel Villages. They discuss the philosophy and program known as "living in my today," as well as Heather's background and journey to her current position.
Heather shares her experience working with older adults and her passion for creating meaningful connections between different generations. She talks about a program she initiated called "Grand Friends," where a local school partners with their retirement home to engage in activities together. Heather also mentions using a puppet named Grandpa Ernie to help children feel comfortable when visiting the seniors.
The hosts and Heather emphasize the importance of intergenerational interactions and how they can enhance the lives of both older adults and younger individuals. They discuss the positive impact of the "Grand Friends" program and the ongoing friendship between the retirement home residents and the grade one class.
We explores the five pillars of the "Living in My Today" program. The first pillar emphasizes supportive approaches to care, recognizing residents as unique individuals with their own strengths and perspectives. The program teaches people how to connect with their loved ones living with dementia and create partnership moments that allow them to remain active in their care.
The second pillar focuses on empowered care partners, acknowledging the importance of family members, team members, volunteers, students, and residents in supporting people living with dementia. The program provides education and opportunities for connection and collaboration to empower these care partners.
The third pillar, thoughtful design, centers around creating an environment that is supportive and accommodating for individuals living with dementia. This includes considering factors such as layout, lighting, and sensory stimulation to enhance the overall experience and well-being of residents.
The fourth pillar, expressive creativity, encourages and celebrates various ways that people can express their creativity. This pillar is described as a fun part of the program, where individuals can engage in different creative activities and express themselves.
Lastly, the fifth pillar, education, is briefly mentioned in the transcript. Although not discussed in detail, it can be inferred that this pillar provides educational resources and information to support individuals and care partners in understanding dementia and its impact on daily life.
Overall, the "Living in My Today" program aims to provide a holistic approach to care for individuals living with dementia, focusing on understanding, empowerment, thoughtful design, creativity, and education.
Learn more about the Living in My Today signature program at https://schlegelvillages.com/signature/living-my-today
 
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Feeling lucky and a passion for flying with Ferg Kyle

Episode #56 - Flying into another great story from the green bench as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Ferg Kyle to take a seat.  Ferg joins us from The Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington to talk about his lucky life, overcoming challenges and his passion for flying.
Ferg believes he is a very lucky man. He lives by the quote from Gary Player, “The harder you work, the luckier you get."
Learn how he overcame health challenges to live out his dream, never taking his eye off of his lofty goals including his time as a fighter pilot and then as a commercial pilot for Air Canada.
As a child, the doctor told Ferg's mother that he could expect to live to the age of 28 due to a heart condition.  Now at the age of 93, he considers the luck in his life.
"The doctor told my mom that I could expect to live to age 28 due to a heart condition.  I had a normal life. I should say that I am 93, I call that lucky." - Ferg Kyle
"I was proud to be a member of the Canadian Air Force, and I learned a great deal from veterans of WWII." - Ferg Kyle
"I had what I wanted, got what I wanted, and nobody asked me for a penny." - Ferg Kyle
Ferg flew 10 different aircraft with Air Canada in his career.  He shares his passion for flying as well and also has two sons who are pilots.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama XIV
Do you think you can attract luck, or is it something that just happens to you?
"If you behave properly, you have better luck than those who don't." - Ferg Kyle
Ferg's Advice - Get on with things. Don't waste time. And pay attention to what your mother says.
 
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