Plenty of wisdom to be shared on a bench in Gore Park
Project changes views on aging by inviting public to sit and chat with seniors
How old are you? Where were you born? Are you married with children? What do you like to do?
Those were just a few of the questions random people asked two seniors Tuesday as they occupied a green bench in Gore Park with the words “Elder Wisdom” painted on it.
The knowledge-sharing was part of a social media campaign by Schlegel Villages, a company that owns and operates retirement and long-term care facilities across Ontario. The initiative, which has the bench travelling around the province, is meant to change attitudes about aging.
Passersby were invited — through signs reading “Have a seat … share wisdom” — to sit down with a senior and have a chat.
Polly Brown, 91, and Chuck Repasi, 79, were the two local residents chosen from the The Village of Wentworth Heights, located on the Mountain, to share their thoughts and experiences with anyone who sat down.
“When people look at seniors it’s oftentimes negative,” said Ted Mahy, online engagement manager at Schlegel Villages.
“Just knowing our seniors have lots of wisdom to share, we need to be asking about that, asking for advice or for help from a senior, not giving them the advice.”
Kitty Stern, 53, drove from Burlington to sit and chat on the bench.
“How do you age gracefully?” Stern asked. She was the first person to sit on the bench, and said her experience was “joyful and peaceful.”
“I found it extremely gratifying. It was interesting, enlightening and it inspired a lot of positivity in me as far as aging goes.”
The queries were diverse: one woman sought premarital advice; another person asked about how to deal with losing a loved one; a third asked about the key to aging.
“Just keep going, never stop learning,” Brown advised.
Born in England, Brown has dementia and can’t remember how long she’s lived in Hamilton. A widow with two daughters, she loves gardening.
When asked what she thought of the increasing popularity of social media and “striking-up conversations” on our mobile devices, she said she was against them.
“I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have those (devices) … I say to them, if you’re coming to me, you’re leaving them behind,” she said.
Repasi, originally from Hungary, wanted to share advice on retiring and what it’s like to be disabled after a head injury 20 years ago.
“I want to talk to younger people to tell them they should be looking after their health now,” he said.
Repasi said he thought the bench was a great idea.
More than a dozen visitors stopped by to chat during the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. window.
Windsor has had the most visitors so far, with 35.
Mahy said the event is rewarding for seniors, too, giving them an opportunity to get out, engage with their community and build relationships.
The bench has made its way from Windsor to Whitby so far and has five more cities to visit.
“There are lots of great conversations happening,” Mahy said.
… they should be looking after their health now.
CHUCK REPASI, 79