For many, the common perception is that a move to an older adult community is synonymous with a move into assisted living. That idea is changing. Today’s older adults want more in their later years, and United Active Living communities deliver.
In particular, United’s Fish Creek community offers independence, an active lifestyle and affordability. Fish Creek West combines the benefits of living in an active community while maintaining an independent lifestyle.
Gordon and Jeanne Schnell both 84, and their dog Briggs moved into Fish Creek West from Sidney, B.C. “We retired there 11 years ago, but our family is in Calgary so that was an important consideration in our decision to move back,” said Gordon.
“Many of our residents are moving from a community where they have raised children and grandchildren, growing roots for decades,” said active living coordinator Adrienne Wedding. “The connections they have made and that sense of belonging is something that builds gradually over time. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West building offers the independent lifestyle for the independent senior, yet the opportunity to engage in a community is at your fingertips. United communities are designed to physically bring people together. Connected by an indoor walkway, our independent living residents have access to amenities that were built with well-being, comfort and safety in mind.”
Gordon and Jean were attracted by United’s unique Life Lease program that offers affordability and financial peace of mind. “I’ve done a lot of research into life leases, and United’s had a number of advantages that appealed to us,” said Gordon. “Everything is covered in the monthly fee, and the fee was priced right. When we compared it to what we would pay in a house or condo, the costs were about the same. Plus we have access to all the activities, music programs and the art studio. We were attracted to it right from the beginning.”
The Fish Creek community is a place where residents can grow and thrive. “Thinking about the future, our Fish Creek West residents have access to specialized health care and cognitive support as part of our community should the time come. Planting your roots with United, you may never have to move again,” said Adrienne.
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!
Of course, getting proper nutrition means preparing quality meals. Meals are based on feedback from residents. When they move in, food interests and issues are discussed with staff and noted in a database. When a resident comes in to eat, the kitchen staff knows what the person prefers and what ingredients to avoid.
Having someone to share your thoughts with is important for anyone, but especially so for older adults who can often find themselves isolated when friends and family move out of the community. At United, you are surrounded by potential new friends. Read more about 
Have you ever wanted to learn piano, or create a pot from a handful of clay? United has full art studios, staffed by professional artists to help get you started. Here are links to help you learn more.
What do we want life to look like in the next 20 years? Is the status quo acceptable, or should today’s baby boomers expect more in their 70’s and 80’s?
As you can imagine, the demographic shift is daunting, but it also presents opportunities that ensure our aging population will receive the kind of care and support that they expect and deserve. 
Canada’s National Seniors Strategy and the World Health Organization recognize that a paradigm shift is needed. The strategies include goals to address ageism and isolation, and create age-friendly living environments – goals that United incorporated into its two communities and its programming from the beginning, and confirm that United’s pioneering approach is on the right track.
As Gail notes, the conversation about what our future years should look like should depart from the traditional interpretation of what growing older means. “We need to change the conversation about aging,” advises Gail. “If you or a family member is older, now is the right time to think about the kind of life you would like to live, and how to achieve that. United takes a unique perspective, one that is gaining recognition within the industry as a preferred alternative to traditional housing and social programming. I encourage you to call us, have a tour through one of our communities. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you will see.”
Does your current home fit the lifestyle you would like to have? Is your house just a big to-do list? Is there too much house to look after? At some point in home ownership, we often consider downsizing or moving to an older adult community where almost everything is looked after. So you ask yourself, “If not now, when?” The best time to think about making your life easier is when you aren’t facing a crisis; when you can take the time to weigh your options. And here is one to consider. United Active Living’s Fish Creek West, which gives you a unique way to live your life that you may not have considered yet.
“It’s important to us that residents feel at home,” said Gail. “As such, our Life Lease program, our lifestyle programs and activities, our five-star dining options with complete dining flexibility really promote that feeling of home, where the residents are in control. Don’t feel like cooking 
A typical life lease has two components:
