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Articles by: My Wellings

Author: My Wellings

Did You Know? Happiness Increases with Age

Aging joyfully in Canada — and loving every minute of it. 

Hello friends,

Here’s some happy news: the golden years might just be the happiest years of your life!

While many of us grow up thinking youth equals joy, research shows that Canadians over 65 often report greater life satisfaction than those in their 30s or 40s. According to Statistics Canada, adults aged 65–79 consistently rank their life satisfaction higher than younger age groups — and those 80+ aren’t far behind.

So what’s driving this wave of well-being among older adults? Let’s take a closer look.

More Time, Less Stress

As we age, many of us step away from the pressures of full-time work and career-building. The shift into retirement — or semi-retirement — opens up space to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: a walk by the lake, a good book, or coffee with friends. For many, the reduction in stress alone is a major contributor to feeling happier and more at peace.

Wisdom Brings Perspective

Older Canadians tend to focus more on what really matters. After decades of life’s ups and downs, they’re often more emotionally resilient and content. A study published by McMaster University found that older adults report a stronger sense of purpose and identity — two major building blocks of long-term happiness.

Connected Communities

It’s a myth that seniors become isolated. In fact, many are more socially active than ever! Programs across the country help older adults stay connected. Here are a few inspiring Canadian resources:

  • Seniors Centre Without Walls (Alberta): A free phone-based program offering group conversations, wellness talks, trivia, and more. Great for those with mobility or transportation challenges.
  • Active Aging Canada: Offers resources on everything from physical activity to mental health, designed specifically for older adults across the country.
  • Connected Canadians: A non-profit that helps older adults build digital literacy so they can stay connected to loved ones online.

Healthy Body, Happy Mind

Today’s seniors are more active than ever. Many local community centres offer free or low-cost programs like yoga, swimming, tai chi, and walking clubs for older adults. Studies — including those supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) — show that regular physical activity boosts both mental and emotional well-being at any age.

Let’s Share the Joy

So, what’s your secret to happiness?

Is it spending time with grandchildren? Keeping a journal? Volunteering in your community? Whether it’s a big adventure or a quiet daily ritual, your story matters — and it could inspire someone else.

Reply to this email or join the conversation on our Facebook page — we’d love to hear from you! 

Happiness doesn’t fade with age — it blooms.

Here’s to joyful aging, in all its wisdom and wonder.

in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

🤝 Supporting Senior Independence: Why Choice Matters

As we age, maintaining the ability to make our own choices becomes one of the most important factors in living well. Choice is not just about freedom—it’s deeply connected to confidence, dignity, and a sense of purpose. When seniors are allowed to decide how they want to live their daily lives, they feel empowered and respected. This sense of control helps prevent feelings of helplessness and isolation, which can often accompany aging.

Independence grows from these choices. When seniors can manage their own routines, activities, and social connections, they build self-confidence and remain engaged in their communities. On the other hand, taking away that ability—even with good intentions—can unintentionally reduce their motivation, confidence and well-being. Our experience shows once someone loses confidence in their ability to make decisions, it takes a very long time to recover from it and when they make one mistake they fall back into not trusting themselves and the cycle often repeats itself. 

Families and caregivers play a vital role in supporting this independence by encouraging seniors to express their preferences and by respecting their decisions. It’s about partnership, not control. Together, we can help our seniors live with dignity, joy, and strength with their independence for as long as possible. 

🤝 A Gentle Guide for Families & Caregivers: Supporting Senior Independence

  1. Ask First, Then Support
    Always begin by asking your loved one what they want or need. For example, instead of deciding to cancel a planned outing, ask if they still want to go and how you can assist. This simple act respects their voice and empowers them to stay involved in their own life choices.
  2. Respect Their Experience
    Seniors have decades of life experience and wisdom that shape their decisions. For instance, an older adult may prefer preparing their own meals because they know their tastes and dietary needs best. Honouring this respects their knowledge and autonomy.
  3. Encourage, Don’t Control
    Offer help only when needed, and avoid taking over activities they are still capable of doing. For example, if a senior wants to do their own gardening, encourage them and assist with heavier tasks instead of doing everything for them.
  4. Trust Their Abilities
    Don’t underestimate what they can do because of their age. A senior who has safely ridden a bike for years might still enjoy it. Trusting their ability to assess their own limits shows confidence in their independence.
  5. Stay Patient and Listen
    Sometimes what seniors need most is to be heard without interruption. If they want to share memories or express concerns, listen attentively without rushing to offer solutions.
  6. Celebrate Their Independence
    Recognize and praise their efforts to maintain their routines and passions. Complimenting someone for continuing to paint or attend community events reinforces their confidence and motivation.
  7. Focus on Safety With Respect
    Discuss any safety concerns openly and involve them in problem-solving. For example, instead of forbidding them to drive, explore options like driving at safer times or using alternative transportation together. 
  8. Remember: Dignity Comes From Choice
    Allowing seniors to make their own decisions, even small ones, preserves their dignity. Whether it’s choosing what to wear or deciding when to socialize, these choices affirm their identity and self-worth.

As time goes on, there may come a moment when your loved one needs more help with things like technology, banking, health appointments, or getting around. When this happens, it’s important to always ask their permission before stepping in to assist. This simple act of respect helps keep some control and decision-making power in their hands. Feeling in control of their own life, even when receiving help, supports their confidence and well-being as they continue the journey of aging.

Recommended Canadian Resource

For families and caregivers seeking more guidance, The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (canadiancaregiving.org) offers excellent resources on supporting seniors with respect, autonomy, and practical advice on caregiving. Their materials emphasize dignity and partnership in care — a great complement to this guide.

Supporting seniors means valuing their independence as much as their safety. It’s a balance that enriches their lives—and ours.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible men in our lives who are fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures.

Today, we honour your strength, love, guidance, and quiet sacrifices. 

Thank you for all you do — and for being someone we can always count on.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, love, and a little well-deserved relaxation. 

— From all of us at the Wellings

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

The Joy of Outdoor Strolls

There’s something magical about summer in Canada. The gentle breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the vibrant greens invite us outdoors—not just to stretch our legs, but to reconnect with nature and ourselves. For adults 60 plus, one of the most accessible and beneficial summer activities is the simple act of walking.

Why walking?

Walking offers low-impact cardiovascular benefits, helps maintain joint flexibility, and supports mental clarity. It also promotes social connection when done with a friend or walking group—something we know is key to healthy aging.

Where to go:

  • Community Trails: Most towns and cities across Canada feature well-maintained paths that wind through parks, waterfronts, or wooded areas.

  • Botanical Gardens: Places like the Montreal Botanical Garden or Toronto’s Edwards Gardens are beautiful and often shaded.

  • National Parks: Seniors receive discounts on Parks Canada passes, making it easier to enjoy gems like Fundy, Banff, or Kejimkujik.

Pro tips:

  • Walk during early morning or early evening to avoid peak heat.

  • Wear supportive shoes, a sun hat, and bring a refillable water bottle.

  • Don’t rush—pause to observe the birds, flowers, and shifting sky. Mindful walking turns exercise into meditation.

Let this be the summer you fall in love with nature all over again.

Garden Therapy

Gardening is more than just planting flowers or veggies—it’s an act of self-care, a way to stay grounded, and a beautiful method of nurturing both your environment and your spirit.

The health benefits:
Gardening encourages gentle movement, builds hand strength, and improves flexibility. It’s also been shown to lower stress levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly when tending to plants becomes a mindful, daily ritual.

Easy garden projects for summer:

  • Herb Gardens: Start small with containers of basil, mint, and chives. They’re easy to grow and wonderful in fresh summer dishes.

  • Pollinator Gardens: Support local bees and butterflies with native blooms like echinacea, black-eyed Susans, and milkweed.

  • Vegetable Beds: Raised beds or large pots are perfect for tomatoes, lettuce, or peas—and there’s joy in harvesting your own food.

No yard? No problem.
Balcony gardens and indoor container gardening offer similar benefits. A few pots and a sunny window can turn any space into a green haven.

Safety tips:

  • Use kneelers or garden stools to avoid back strain.

  • Stay hydrated and protect your skin with SPF and light layers.

  • Don’t overdo it—garden for joy, not for perfection.

Gardening reminds us that growth is always possible, no matter the season of life.

in Health and Fitness Posted by My Wellings

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Move to the Wellings?

At some point in our lives, we all face transitions that ask for more than just logic—they ask for heart. And one of the biggest questions we hear from people in their late 60s or early 70s is this:

“How do I know when I’m ready to move into the Wellings?”

It’s a powerful question, because it’s not just about real estate. It’s about identity, freedom, and creating a better rhythm for this next chapter of life.

You Don’t Have to Wait Until You Need To

Many of our members tell us the same thing once they’ve settled in:

 “I wish I’d done this sooner.”

Why? 

Because they made the move while they still had the energy to enjoy the process. They packed on their terms. They said goodbye to their old home with a full heart—not one weighed down by stress or urgency. They stepped into their new lifestyle with excitement, not exhaustion.

Think of it this way: the best time to make a change is before you feel forced to. Not when you’ve been worn down by three months of planning, selling, sorting, and saying goodbye in a rush. Not when the house has become too much, and you’re bringing all that overwhelm with you.

It’s hard to start something new when you’re running on empty.

Are You Feeling More Drained Than Uplifted by Your Home?

Your home may have been the center of your world for decades. A place of family dinners, holidays, laughter, and life. But sometimes—quietly, slowly—it shifts from being a source of comfort to a source of stress.

Is it harder to keep up with the maintenance?

Do you avoid certain stairs or rooms because they just feel like too much?

Are you spending more time managing your house than enjoying it?

These can be the subtle signs. 

The whispers.

Moving Doesn’t Mean You’re Giving Up

Sometimes there’s a fear: If I leave my home, am I giving up a part of who I am?

The truth is, moving into the Wellings isn’t about loss. It’s about choosing to live lighter, freer, and more connected.

You’re not downsizing your life. You’re expanding your possibilities.

At the Wellings, your days are your own. You can lock the door and go visit the grandkids for a week without worrying about the lawn. You can try something new—a fitness class, a dinner with new friends, a quiet moment by the fire—without having to plan around chores or house upkeep.

Make the Move Before the Move Makes You

Here’s the most important thing: You want to walk into this next chapter with strength, not strain. With clarity, not chaos.

When you have the energy, the time, and the presence of mind to make the move well, it becomes something beautiful. You arrive open—not carrying the burden of burnout.

So if you’re asking the question, that’s already a sign. You’re listening to the small, wise voice that says:

Maybe now is the time to let go of what no longer fits, so I can embrace what comes next.

When you’re ready, we’re here.

And if you want to talk it through, we’ll sit with you—no pressure, just conversation.

Because your next chapter should feel like coming home.

And maybe, just maybe, that home is here.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

Time to Get Moving 🚶‍♀️🕺

There’s something magical that happens when we get our bodies in motion.

A walk around the block. A little stretch in the sunroom. Dancing while the kettle boils. Movement doesn’t have to be a marathon—it can be a moment.

And those moments add up.

They wake us up. They lift our spirits. They spark joy. They remind us we’re alive.

At Wellings, movement isn’t about exercise for the sake of it. It’s about celebrating what our bodies can do. It’s about keeping the joints oiled, the blood flowing, the smiles wide.

So whether it’s a stroll with a neighbor, a stretch before breakfast, or a little cha-cha in your kitchen—go ahead. Move a little. Laugh a little. Feel good in your own skin.

This is your time. And it’s time to get moving. 

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

Let Them Win 💛

It’s not always easy.

We want to help. 

We want to guide. 

Sometimes, we want to set the record straight.

But as the years go by, we learn something deeper:

Not every moment needs to be corrected.

Not every detail needs to be clarified.

Sometimes, love means letting go of being right.

Letting someone finish their story—mistakes and all.

Letting a moment pass without jumping in.

Because the real win isn’t in being right.

It’s in keeping the peace. 

Holding space. 

Choosing connection.

So let them win.

You’ll both be better for it.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

The Gift of Slowing Down 🌿

As children of aging parents, we often fill our calendars with things to do. Appointments, errands, weekend plans, home projects, and helpful check-ins—our hearts are in the right place, always moving, always doing.

But maybe what’s really needed … is the opposite.

Slowing down.

Not out of obligation, but out of love. Out of presence.

Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren’t found in the big gestures, but in the quiet ones: 

Sitting together in the afternoon sun. 

Sharing stories from yesterday—or decades ago. 

Breathing in the same room, without needing to fill every silence.

These small still moments are where connection lives. Where love speaks the loudest.

So let’s make space—not just for what’s next, but for what’s now. Let’s sit. Let’s talk. Let’s be.

Because often, that’s all our parents really want is us.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

Team Spirit, Canadian Style: Who’s Your All-Time Favourite?

Whether it’s the roar of a stadium, the comfort of a favourite jersey, or the thrill of a good old-fashioned rivalry, there’s something undeniably Canadian about cheering for our teams—through the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between.

At Wellings, we recently asked our community on Facebook:

“Which Canadian sports team has your unwavering support?”

Let’s just say—you did not hold back. And we loved it.

From Leafs Nation to Blue Jays Forever…

Maple Leafs fans came out in full force (of course—win or lose, they’re in it for life).

Jays supporters brought the blue-and-white energy, reminding us it’s always “Go Jays Go.”

The Oilers, Flames, Sens, and Habs got plenty of love too—because when it comes to hockey, we all have that one team we grew up watching on Saturday nights.

Some folks even repped all the Toronto teams (Leafs, Raptors, Argos, and Jays—what a lineup).

Others kept it real and said, “Nope, not a sports person”—which we totally respect.

And then there were the wildcard picks…

The CFL got some cheers too—Elks, RedBlacks, and Roughriders fans proudly waving their team colours. One comment even gave curling the shout-out it deserves.

(We see you, strategy lovers.)

So… what’s your team?

We want to hear from you. Share your favourite team or a story about why you cheer for them. Was it a family tradition? A favourite player? A legendary comeback game?

Sports bring people together—whether we’re in the stands, on the couch, or chatting in the bistro at Wellings.

Let the friendly rivalries begin.

Reply to this email with your favourite team or story—we’d love to feature a few in our next update.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

Spring Is About Renewal 🌱

There’s something magical about spring, isn’t there?

It doesn’t announce itself loudly. 

It tiptoes in—soft sunlight on the kitchen counter, birdsong in the early hours, the first brave green shoots nudging through the soil. 

Slowly, quietly, the world begins to stir again.

At the Wellings, spring is more than just a change in the weather—it’s a reminder. A whisper from nature that no matter how long the winter, there is always the promise of renewal.

Renewal isn’t about going back. It’s about growing forward.

It’s about dusting off old dreams and planting new ones.

It’s about reconnecting—with ourselves, with each other, and with the simple joys of life.

Maybe that’s enjoying a fresh walk on the trail, swapping recipes in the common kitchen, starting a new hobby, or just breathing in that crisp, hopeful air.

Spring reminds us that every season in life has something to offer—and that we, too, can bloom in our own time, in our own way.

Here’s to fresh starts.

To longer days, lighter hearts, and brighter tomorrows.

Happy Spring, Wellings friends

—With warmth,
 Your Wellings Family

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

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