Tag: partnerships

Lunchbox Theatre Partnership Brings Theatre to United’s Residents

June 21, 2018 by Careen Chrusch

Lunchbox Theatre and United Active Living have signed a partnership that will bring special talks and a full production, complete with sets and costumes into United’s Fish Creek community.

“We have many successful partnerships that promotes United’s philosophy to promote creative expression in all of its forms,” said United’s music director Jill LaForty. “We’re always looking to broaden our offerings to meet our residents’ interests. Teaming with Lunchbox Theatre was a natural step given that some of our residents already attend their productions. Now, with this partnership, we can bring professional theatre directly to those who find it more difficult to go out.”

Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas in Miss Caledonia. Photo by Benjamin Laird — Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas in Miss Caledonia.

Lunchbox To Go is a relatively new program for Lunchbox Theatre that focuses on bringing theatre into older adult communities and to community centres. “The program is an opportunity to promote theatre in the larger community,” said Valmai Goggin, development associate with Lunchbox Theatre. “We pick one of our shows that is performed in our theatre downtown and take it on tour. This year it was Miss Caledonia by Melody Johnson. The touring version is about 80% of the theatre version, including sets and costumes. We don’t take the lighting with us because each venue is so different.”

“I have never seen our Fish Creek theatre as full as when Miss Caledonia came to us in April,” recalls Jill. “Our residents were absolutely captivated and their enthusiastic response signalled we were on the right track in pursuing this partnership.”

“I’ve been going to Lunchbox since it started in 1975,” said Garrison Green resident Joyce Doolittle, who is a recent recipient of the Order of Canada for her work in Calgary theatre. “It’s a wonderful place for young playwrights and for actors at the beginning of their careers. Having the plays come here is a good thing as not everyone can get out, and you can always count on the quality of the productions.”

An in-house production isn’t the only way that aspects of the theatre will be brought to United residents. “We’re also delighted that as part of this partnership, members of Lunchbox’s artistic team will come into our communities at least three times this season,” added Jill. “They’ll give our residents back stories and added insight into current productions before some of them head out to see the shows.”

Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas and Aleksandra Danicic as the Fiddler in Miss Caledonia. Photo by Benjamin Laird — Jamie Konchak as Peggy Ann Douglas and Aleksandra Danicic as the Fiddler in Miss Caledonia.

Lunchbox Theatre is located at the base of the Calgary Tower. It has been running noon-hour plays – usually one-act plays written by Calgary playwrights – for more than 40 years, and is considered to be one of the most successful and longest running noon-hour theatre companies in the world.

“We think that as many people as possible should have access to the performing arts,” said Valmai. “People can’t often come downtown, so the more we can diversify and bring theatre into the community, the more we will connect with older adults and the more our theatre productions will resonate with them.”

Next year’s visiting production for United residents – Gutenberg! The Musical! by Scott Brown and Anthony King – will tour in the spring, from April 23 to May 5.

Photos by: Benjamin Laird

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!

To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.

Contact us here!

You’re Never Too Old…

April 27, 2017 by Careen Chrusch

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” – Author Betty Friedan

The common misconception is that older adults are “set in their ways”, and that once you reach a certain age, learning something new becomes difficult if not impossible. Think of the old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

That’s proving to be absolutely wrong. Research into aging by Dr. Gene Cohen, a pioneer in the work around creativity and aging, said that research “vividly demonstrates that when the brain is challenged through our activities and surroundings, it is altered through the formation of new synapses (contact points between cells). More synapses means better communication among brain cells and increased opportunities for new ideas connecting.”

United’s residents are confirming Dr. Cohen’s findings every day.

“Dr. Cohen broke older age into several stages,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “For instance, in our late 60s we start thinking, ‘If not now, when?’ and later our focus is on leaving a legacy; not necessarily money, but we have a wealth of experience that we want to pass on. Our programs capitalize on Cohen’s work. It’s not about warehousing people but about how to provide opportunities for an older population to continue to grow and develop.”

Garrison Green resident Hugh Kuwahara with two of his masterpieces

That view is evident in the programs and activities that United Active Living offers residents. Our philosophy promotes healthy and active aging. And that means endless opportunities to continuously learn new things. For many, this period of life might be the first time they have found the freedom to pursue interests that were set aside for family and career.

“We will often hear residents say, ‘why did it take me until 85 to realize that I’m an artist?’ There is nothing we like more than to hear the surprised adult children say ‘I didn’t know mom (or dad) was interested in that!’

“To be able to learn new skills is very, very powerful,” said Gail, “particularly in a society that tends to diminish our abilities as we get older.”

United’s programs and activities are created with input from residents. They are interesting and fun, but also thought provoking and challenging. United’s programming is unique in that it offers a wide variety of experiences.

At last count there were more than 60 activities and programs available to residents. Community partnerships also offer experiences outside the community that many residents may not have been exposed to before or have had to stop attending for various reasons.

Calgary Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet performs at Garrison Green

“It’s easy for our residents to get on the bus and attend a concert. We also have musicians come into our communities to perform and talk about the music, so it’s a very rich experience,” said Gail. “Our programming has evolved to where we hire professional artists who give our residents a depth of knowledge not available anywhere else. I really love is to see a resident come in who has been isolated in their home, and hasn’t had that social interaction or that sense of community. As they come into this community, other residents and the staff reach out to welcome them. They become involved in the activities and programs. It is such a wonderful thing to see their faces knowing that they’ve found that sense of community again.”

Gail talks about the ability of older adults to learn in a 10-minute audio interview available here.

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!

Partnerships Bring Variety to Spring Programs

March 2, 2017 by Careen Chrusch

“Age is no barrier to creativity”. – Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living

Calgary Civic Symphony partners with United to bring music to residents — Calgary Civic Symphony conductor Rolf Bertsch has played several times for residents in both communities

One resident recently stated, “There are so many things to do here. It’s just awesome!” That sentiment perfectly sums up the variety of programs and activities available to residents at United Active Living communities. Music, drawing, painting, dance, pottery, sculpture – and those are just some of the ongoing programs. When you combine those with programs inspired by United’s community partners, the list is even more impressive.

“We embarked on the partnerships because many of our residents used to enjoy going to the Calgary Philharmonic or Calgary Opera, but as they got older, it became more difficult for them to go as often,” said Gail. “So we struck up partnerships with seven music and educational partners so that residents can once again attend concerts, and just as importantly, enjoy performances by our partners right at the Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities.”

Calgary Opera is a partnership that brings music to residents — Calgary Opera’s Johnathon Kirby discusses a finer point of the music with a Garrison Green resident

Bringing performances into the communities gives residents and the performers an opportunity to engage in discussions that might not otherwise be possible. Performers get to know their audience, and residents get to mingle one-on-one with some of the most talented performers in Calgary.

“This kind of interaction is quite unique in an older adult community,” said Gail. But then United isn’t your average older adult community. With a focus on the arts, creativity and socialization with others to keep the mind active, United’s extensive list of programs and activities ensures there is ample opportunity for ongoing learning and creative expression.

“At United, being creative isn’t a hobby. It’s a way of life,” said Gail. “We have professional artists on staff who provide support for every level, from those who have never picked up a brush or a handful of clay, to residents who were attracted to United because they can continue their lifelong passion for art.”

When you move into a United community you will find fully stocked art studios plus one-of-a-kind art galleries to display resident artworks as well as showings of professional work. Not only is it fun, but expression through the arts can have health benefits we are just starting to understand.

Connecting with others and making new friends is a cornerstone of United’s philosophy. Research shows that older adults who are the most socially engaged remain healthy and active. Community develops when everyone has a choice, when residents are active, learning new things and participating in community events that they find interesting and stimulating.

United has compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming specialty programs and ongoing programs at both communities so that residents and their families can see what’s available and make plans to participate.

Both lists are available as printable PDFs at these links:

Garrison Green program link

Fish Creek program link

The list is constantly evolving, so check with the monthly calendars that are sent out to each resident for any additions and changes.

“While the partnerships provide us with a number of one-of-a-kind opportunities, it’s often the residents who suggest programs or activities they would like us to put together,” said Gail. “That’s why the list of programs is so varied. It’s as varied as the people who live here. And that’s a definite benefit of living in a United community. It’s what makes living here exciting and fun. There’s always something new and the programs are changing and evolving all the time based on what the residents want.”

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!

United is changing the conversation around aging. From our innovative United Minds (memory care) program to professionally staffed art studios and extensive creative programming, our communities offer more than you might expect. If you have questions or topics you would like us to cover in future blogs, let us know.

United’s Programming Is More Than You Might Expect

February 5, 2017 by Careen Chrusch

Kim with Carlo in Fish Creek art gallery — Kim Coulter with resident Carlo Romano in the Fish Creek art gallery

“People often have a preconceived idea about what older adults can do or what they might be interested in. We shatter that myth,” said Kim Coulter, community outreach coordinator, United Active Living.

The programs, outings and activities at United’s two communities are not about “keeping busy”. There is no bingo or shuffleboard. Instead, the programs are varied, engaging and are geared toward the understanding that older adults are keen to continue learning and experiencing new things.

“All of our programs are based on what the residents tell us they want,” said Kim. “Residents are interested in politics, lectures, music and the arts, so we develop programs that are engaging and interesting.”

Calgary Civic Symphony conductor Rolf Bertsch at Garrison Green

United has partnered with some of the best arts and culture organizations in Calgary to provide a broad array of music, theatre and opera performances. These partnerships not only open doors to concerts and lectures outside of the Garrison Green and Fish Creek communities, but bring artists, sometimes world-renowned, into the communities for special concerts and workshops and lectures from visiting professors.

The current Garrison Green program guide is available here.

Visits to art galleries, creative writing workshops, art studios staffed by professional artists, concerts at the Mount Royal Conservatory. The programming has raised the bar and created a creative atmosphere that is far more than you might expect in an older adult community.

Nerissa Shan awarding resident Ray Waldock at the United Games

“Each program is special with a focus on promoting a higher quality of life,” said Nerissa Shan, program development coordinator.

Many residents had memberships to Calgary Philharmonic or Calgary Opera but mobility issues prevented them from attending as often as they would have liked, so United has developed programs that reconnect them with those performances. Often, United goes a step further and brings artists into the communities, and invites residents’ families to join in.

“Such high quality programming give residents an opportunity explore different kinds of music,” said Jill LaForty, United’s music director. “Some have never gone to the opera or heard a string quartet. We have unique partnership agreements that put music and the arts front and centre at United.”

Jill notes that residents are much more open and adventurous than she expected. “The other day we went to hear South American 20th century classical music, which is a far cry from Beethoven. Our residents were very open to the new and sometimes challenging sounds and shared their impressions spent time afterwards. It was extraordinary.”

“Residents are continuing to enjoy life,” said Kim. “They don’t stop because they are older. If anything, they are expanding their involvement, taking the opportunity to learn about something new and sharing those experiences with others in the community. It’s very inspirational.”

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!

Mount Royal University Partnership Extends the Meaning of Community

May 12, 2016 by Careen Chrusch

“Old age is always 15 years older than I am.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

United Active Living’s communities are microcosms of the larger community, which offer access to new learning opportunities, art, fitness and other endeavours. While the communities at Garrison Green and Fish Creek offer a variety of living and healthcare options, residents are involved in the larger community through partnerships with a number of organizations. One of the most important is with Mount Royal University (MRU).

“Our partnership with the Mount Royal University Conservatory includes sponsoring their 2016/17 Concert Season,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “This series – presented in the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts – provides our residents with opportunities to experience a wide variety of musical styles that they might not have access to otherwise. Our community extends well beyond our four walls as a way to support our residents’ goals of continuing to learn and live interesting and exciting lifestyles.”

Partners Make Great Partnerships

United has partnered with Mount Royal University to offer courses, an Arts & Culture series, Conservatory concerts and other learning opportunities. Within this the MRU Conservatory offers a recital series featuring gifted students who perform for our residents at Garrison Green.

“Mount Royal University and United Active Living have been able to foster some tremendous links,” said Elaine Danelesko, interim director, Conservatory within the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension. “The Conservatory has had a strong relationship with United since 2008, and with the Concert Season, this relationship strengthens.”

Elaine notes that the lineup for the concert series reflects a wide variety of musical tastes. United also sponsored the opening festival for the new Bella Concert Hall, and the Winter Fantasia and Sounds of the Season Christmas concerts.

Why Community is Important as We Age

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!

Why Community Is Important As We Age

August 8, 2016 by Careen Chrusch

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African proverb

As we get older and choose to move from the family home, there can be apprehension about a change in lifestyle, the loss of familiarity, the loss of autonomy.

While such a change can be unsettling, a move to a United Active Living community is a positive step, a chance to make new friends and to broaden our community.

“This is a huge transition for people who move into a community. Many of them have lived in their own home for a very long time and this is something very different for them,” noted Dianne McDermid, quality coordinator, United Active Living. “As a person ages, the risk of becoming isolated increases. Family moves away and there could be mobility issues that keep a person away from social events. United Active Living communities remove the isolation, and residents are happier for it.”

Becoming part of a larger group may lead some people to think that they will lose their autonomy – their individuality – when they move into a community. But experience has found that the reverse is true; they increase their autonomy because they have more time to pursue individual interests, which are supported by a community of friends.

“When you walk in, you feel the spirit of the place. There’s a good feeling here,” said resident Joyce Doolittle, who wasn’t sure what she was going to do with her time after she retired. “You have a chance to develop aspects of yourself that you couldn’t before because you have more time,” she said.

Resident Betty Earle echoes that sentiment. “The best thing I think here is how much laughter there is, and laughing helps you get on with your life.”

Partnering With a Wider Community

United Active Living believes that living in an older adult community shouldn’t be restrictive. The community should extend beyond the four walls to include organizations and groups such as Mount Royal University in the case of the Garrison Green community, and St. Mary’s University in the case of United Active Living’s newest community, Fish Creek.

“The whole idea of positive aging is to be able to give residents the opportunity to continue to grow and to learn, as well as to be part of a community that’s inclusive and sees them as a valuable contributor to the community,” said Elaine Danelesko, interim director – conservatory, Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Mount Royal University works closely with United Active Living, and regularly provides professors to visit residents to conduct roundtables on politics, current affairs, music and other topics.

Recently, students majoring in English worked with the residents in a Writers-in-Residence program that encouraged residents to share their stories. And the Conservatory at Mount Royal University regularly hosts the residents for musical events, and encourages residents to take up an instrument.

A Close Community is a Healthy Community

According to research, frequent social activity may help to prevent or delay cognitive decline in old age.

“Older adults who are the most socially engaged have a reduced likelihood of developing memory problems, whereas those who are the least integrated decline much more rapidly,” said Dr. Rob Winningham in an article published by the International Council on Active Aging in their Journal on Active Aging. “Loneliness is a risk factor for developing dementia. On the other hand, people who perceive their social support networks as being better than average are less likely to develop memory problems.”

Research has found that someone who is engaged socially has 43 percent less disability and about half the rate of cognitive decline. The social component is just one of several factors that can influence memory decline. Dr. Winningham notes: “To maintain or even improve memory ability in older adulthood, we need to use a holistic approach that includes factors such as cognitive exercise, physical exercise, proper nutrition, adequate social engagement, healthy sleep habits, and reduced stress. By themselves, any one of the factors has a modest effect on memory ability. But when these factors are combined, the effect is significant.”

An example of the community that has developed at Garrison Green can be expressed by Charlotte Richel, whose mother recently turned 102. Garrison Green hosted a party for her. “The lovely part of that day was the number of people that came and wished her happy birthday and brought her a card. It is a community of seniors, each looking out for each other and you get a really warm, good feeling there.”

“You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney

Storytelling – a Bridge Between Young and Old

Mount Royal University Partnership

Have a question about United Active Living’s unique approach to aging?

Contact us! We are happy to help!

Share this post with your friends and colleagues and subscribe through the link on this page so you don’t miss a single article!

Tag: partnerships

Photos by: Benjamin Laird

Partners Make Great Partnerships

Partnering With a Wider Community

A Close Community is a Healthy Community

Related articles:

Footer