UNITED ACTIVE LIVING: CHANGING THE CONVERSATION AROUND AGING
When people reach their later years, they often look for ways to enjoy life without the difficulties of looking after the family home, and once they’ve made the transition to an older adult community, they don’t want to move again should they need extra health care. They want to simplify their lives while continuing to enjoy a positive, active lifestyle that encourages health, creativity and lifelong learning. “Research is finding that a challenged, stimulated brain may well be the key to a healthy life in later years,” said Gail Hinchliffe, president, United Active Living. “Lifelong learning is at the core of everything we offer. When a new resident arrives, we get a comprehensive medical history from them, but we also discover their personal interests and goals so that we can tailor ongoing personalized programs and activities for them.” The reasons for moving into an older adult community can be as varied as the person making the decision - security, health care, community and friends, getting away from household chores and cooking. Older adults are looking for a community that values their contributions, that provides a stimulating environment and supports their ongoing health needs. It’s a discussion that should happen when you are still in good health. In other words, make the decision when you want to, not because you have to. One resident, who moved recently into United’s new Fish Creek community said, “I was so familiar with my community all my life so moving here was an adjustment but I can’t say enough about the staff. They’re the most caring, efficient, pleasant, and helpful people. The staff is what helped me make the adjustment.” United offers a wide range of services, for those who are completely independent, to those needing assistance and memory care. Moving to a United community has a range of benefits. People often feel more secure and less lonely than they did before the move. In addition, feeling a sense of relief is common. With regular chores out of the way, a person’s time is more open to pursue new interests within a community of residents who have experienced the same transition. Many older adults discover new opportunities to develop hobbies or skills and form new bonds with others in the community, which results in an enhanced quality of life. United Active Living is unique in that it approaches aging from a social perspective rather than a medical one. Residents are in control of the programs and their activities. While the medical side is important, the emphasis is on the arts, socialization and community, which research has shown can go a long way towards improving a person’s health and well-being. That’s why they have wellequipped art studios at both of their communities - Garrison Green and Fish Creek that are available at any time. At the Fish Creek community, an art gallery has been created where the works of resident artists are displayed, as well as works by Calgary and area artists. Sculptures by Canadian artists dot the inner courtyard, and paintings by wellknown artists hang on the walls. As well, United Active Living believes that living in an older adult community should extend beyond the four walls to include organizations and groups such as Mount Royal University, St. Mary’s University and the Calgary Philharmonic. “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 valuable contributors to the community,” said Hinchliffe. Intrigued? United Active Living can answer your questions about their unique approach to aging. Tours are available. Contact them at United’s Fish Creek community at 587-481-7907, or at Garrison Green at 403-685-7200. Their website is www.UnitedActiveLiving.com.