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“It’s far more social here.”

Mary Jean has only been a Cedar Springs PARC resident for one year, but she’s already experiencing the many benefits of living in a vibrant community of like-minded people.

“It’s far more social here. I used to live in a condo, and a lot of people were away during the day. But here, you can come down and have a cup of coffee any time and there’s always somebody around,” she says.

Music is something that Mary Jean has been passionate about since she was a child, even going to Italy and studying music in her teens. As a recitalist, Mary Jean has sang in choirs and has performed solos and in oratorios. Since moving to Cedar Springs PARC, Mary Jean has already put on a musical performance for fellow residents, with another performance planned for later this year.

The secret to longevity

At 99-years young, Gerda is a force to be reckoned with. This vibrant Summerhill PARC resident played tennis until she was 93-years old and today, still makes it a habit to exercise everyday. From fitness classes like Zumba® Gold and ballroom dancing to working out in the gym, Gerda keeps moving as much as possible. It just may be her secret to longevity.

Happy, independent and gallant

An all-round helpful guy, Rusty is willing to lend a hand if you need it, particularly if you run into trouble with your TV: “I help ladies when their televisions are giving them trouble. You know, they often can’t get the TV on so I check everything out,” he says.

When he’s not extending a gallant hand, you’ll find Rusty getting lost in a good book, watching sports or challenging fellow resident, Peggy to a rousing game of pool. But most often, you’re bound to find Rusty out hitting the road. He loves nothing more than to hop in his car to to go fishing up at Rice Lake or on the Capilano River.

Sinking shots while making friends

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play pool, Summerhill PARC resident, Peggy is your gal. “When I came in and saw the pool table, my eyes sparkled,” she says excitedly.

Having played pool most weekends at her father-in-law’s house, Peggy has grown to be quite the pool shark. Pool is what helped her develop a rapport with fellow resident, Rusty. The two developed an instant friendship based on their mutual love for pool and the two can often be seen sinking balls on the second floor.

Retirement life in full bloom

You could say that Virginia and Bob have a green thumb. But call them gardening experts, and they’re immediately humble about their accomplishments, including their big win for best overall garden by the Burnaby Rhododendron and Garden Society. Accolades aside, gardening has always been a simple joy and fun challenge for this couple, married for an impressive 69 years.

When maintaining a huge yard got to be too much, Bob and Virginia decided to make the move to Mulberry PARC. But don’t think they put their love for gardening aside. They’re highly involved in tending to Mulberry PARC’s expansive garden patio, making sure plants and flowers stay healthy throughout the winter, and creating beautiful floral hanging baskets that line the patio walk.

Jumping right in

For anyone who has ever moved, the transition can understandably take time. There’s new faces and new surroundings to get used to. But new Mulberry PARC resident, Donna has jumped right in. She’s already busy with contributing to resident meetings, learning the names of her 150 fellow residents, joining the gardening club and staying involved in her local church. “There’s lot to do here. I really appreciate the flexibility and freedom here because I’ve always been very busy in my life,” she says.

For Donna, the transition to an independent retirement residence has been easy. Her kids are close by and she’s still in the same neighbourhood that she’s lived in for years and has always known.

“You just have to listen and join in.”

Dorothy moved to the Westerleigh two years ago from Toronto, and admits it was a bit challenging at first to fit in as an East Coast transplant. But her teaching experience and years of working in the US taught her how to connect with new people. Dorothy’s advice? “Pick the people that you enjoy being with and share the same interests with. You just have to listen and join in.”

When she’s not out with newfound friends, Dorothy is routinely out and about exploring everything that her convenient seaside neighbourhood has to offer. With Westerleigh PARC’s close proximity to the West Vancouver Seawalk Trail, public library and seniors centre, there’s plenty to do and every opportunity to enjoy the beautiful West Coast views.

The power of eight

Westerleigh PARC resident, Bette has been at the Westerleigh since it opened, making the move from Sidney, BC with her husband. The move to West Vancouver brought Bette closer to family and freed her and her husband from the burden and expense of maintaining a house.

On a typical day, you’d be hard pressed to keep up with Bette. One of her favourite resident activities is the weekly bus trip to local events or points of interest. “I’ve learned more about Vancouver since we moved over here than I ever knew existed because of those bus trips. They’re wonderful,” she says.

Although Bette finds great joy in participating in many of the activities that Westerleigh PARC has to offer, one activity she always makes time for is meditation. In fact, she started a healing circle at Westerleigh PARC after reading the book The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart. Bette gathers a group of eight residents to meditate and practice mindfulness together. “I’ve been meditating for over 40 years. It’s just a wonderful way to relax and to calm yourself down.”