• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
United Active Living

United Active Living

United Active Living Communities for independent living

  • Home
  • Care Options
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Integrated living
  • Communities
    • Garrison Green
    • Fish Creek West
    • Fish Creek North
  • About Us
    • Our Values
    • Partnerships
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Book a tour
  • 403-873-3953
  • 587-841-5134

Older Adults and Students Find More Than Common Ground

September 14, 2017

A 60-year age gap between students and United Active Living residents is erased in an instant when the two generations get together to share stories, experiences and laughter.

United offers Mount Royal University and St. Mary’s University students the unique opportunity to live at United’s two communities to work, eat and live with the residents.

Breanna Massey, who is in her final year in Mount Royal’s English program first worked with residents at United’s Garrison Green last fall in a life writing program that encouraged residents to share their stories. During the program Breanna encountered other students who were living with the residents at Garrison Green and United’s second community, Fish Creek.

The live-in experience interested her so this past March Breanna moved into Garrison Green.

“This is a great place to be,” said Breanna. “It has been a pleasant and enlightening experience so far.”

Breanna Massey with resident Doug Rathwell
Breanna Massey with resident Doug Rathwell

Until Breanna worked on the writing project, she had no experience with older adults living in an older adult community. “I had no idea what to expect, but I have to say that I’ve made a large number of friends.” One of them is Doug Rathwell who enjoys woodworking. When Doug moved into Garrison Green, United worked with Doug to create a woodworking shop. His first project was a ranch home complete with moving windmill and well.

“Since March, the residents and I have been involved in a short story program. We meet every two weeks to read a new short story and discuss it.”

Two Mount Royal English graduates who became involved with residents several years ago during United’s Writers-in-Residence program, have stayed connected through an ongoing writing program, which speaks volumes about the bond that is formed between the students and the residents.

“After seven months here, I’m finding that I’m a lot more empathetic, especially after talking with people whose views are different from my own,” said Breanna. “I didn’t have a preconceived idea about what to expect in an older adult community, but I knew that United’s approach is more focused on the wellness of the residents, and that’s inspiring.”

Breanna at the Honens Festival with her new friends Alexis Beddoe (front) and Hugh and Kay Kuwahara.
Breanna at the Honens Festival with her new friends Alexis Beddoe (front) and Hugh and Kay Kuwahara.

Breanna says that living at Garrison Green has given her a glimpse of what she expects when she is older. “There have been some incredible experiences. Last week we attended the Honens Festival. Earlier this summer the Calgary Opera was here. And there have been other social events such as a wine and cheese. I’m experiencing things I never would have if I didn’t live here. And for residents, some are experiencing new things and others are re-experiencing things they previously enjoyed. It’s been very cool!”

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help! 

Contact us here!

Want more great articles like these sent straight to your inbox?

Sign up for a newsletter.

Footer

logo
(403) 873-3953
Book a tour
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Our Services
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
  • Our Difference
    • United Minds
    • Commitment to Wellness
    • Integrated living
  • Health & Wellness
    • Wellness Services
    • Hospitality Services
    • Services & Amenities
  • Programs & Events
    • Partnerships
    • Education Programs
    • Arts & Culture Programs
  • About Us
    • FAQ
    • The Transition to Senior Living
  • Reaching us
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
Garrison Green (Integrated Living) 3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 0C9
 
Rentals and Leasing: (403) 917-1389 Concierge: (403) 685-7200 Fax: (403) 240-3772
Fish Creek North (Memory Care + Assisted) 51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 0X2
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 841-5134 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961
Fish Creek West (Independent Living) 14720 1 St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 2A3
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 609-8167 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961

Copyright © 2023 United Active Living Website Licensed by Tastic Marketing | Marketing by Digital SeniorityTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Unique Assisted Living at United's Garrison Green - Calgary, AB