#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
![#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74.jpg)
Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle host the Stories from the Green Bench podcast, a virtual place to share, learn, grow, laugh and more in conversations with a variety of guests. 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 Your seat on the green bench is ready and waiting. Hosts 2020-21 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington 2022 - Erin Davis & Doug Robinson 2023-24 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle
Episodes
Episodes
![From Malta to Canada: Esther Pulis’ Journey of Creativity and Family](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
From Malta to Canada: Esther Pulis’ Journey of Creativity and Family
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
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.
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.
![Exploring the Importance of Attitude and Lifelong Learning with Barbara Sackett](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Exploring the Importance of Attitude and Lifelong Learning with Barbara Sackett
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
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.
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.
![Laughter and Wisdom: A Conversation with Granny Reynolds](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Laughter and Wisdom: A Conversation with Granny Reynolds
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
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.
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.
![Parenting & Grandparenting Experiences with Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Parenting & Grandparenting Experiences with Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
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.
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.
![BONUS | Heather Luth Shares Schlegel Villages’ Approach For Living With Dementia](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S5_BONUS_mmmps3_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
BONUS | Heather Luth Shares Schlegel Villages’ Approach For Living With Dementia
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
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
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.
![Feeling lucky and a passion for flying with Ferg Kyle](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Feeling lucky and a passion for flying with Ferg Kyle
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
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.
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.
![Discovering Ailsa Craig at The Village of Arbour Trails with Ab Moore](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Discovering Ailsa Craig at The Village of Arbour Trails with Ab Moore
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Episode #55 - Ab Moore tells his story of how the Schlegel Villages came to Guelph as he sits on the Green Bench with hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle from The Village of Arbour Trails. Through consultation with his family, Ab and his mother looked at retirement homes in the area, eventually settling on a development called Foxwood Place; a 50-unit building built by a group of volunteers from various denominations. Ab then joined the board in 1987, helping to secure the sponsorship of the Canadian Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
"It was evident back then that there were many people in retirement that were finding it difficult to find safe and affordable accommodation." - Ab Moore
“I had observed what was going on and felt it was time for me to volunteer. So I joined the board in about 1987.” - Ab Moore
Ailsa Craig is the name of the Independent Living lifestyle option at Schlegel Villages. Learn about the name and its role at the Village.
"The values that I picked up as a child from my parents and from the religious community in which I grew up, that there is a value in sharing with others." - Ab Moore
"Older adults have so much that we can learn from." - Kathy Buckworth
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.
![Living with Dementia and Fighting for a Dignified End with Ron Posno](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/9821164/StoriesGB_podcasts_logo_1400x1400_S7_NEW_se5r74_300x300.jpg)
![Image](/assets/podisc-list-cd.png)
![Image](/assets/podisc-grid-cd.png)
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Living with Dementia and Fighting for a Dignified End with Ron Posno
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
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.