Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence

By NextHome Staff
August 09, 2017

A Sense of Well-Being

Social participation improves our quality of life, especially so as we age and our priorities change. In an interview with CBC, Heather Gilmour, Division of Health Analysis, Statistics Canada, said, "Social engagement – involvement in meaningful activities and maintaining close relationships – are components of successful aging."IMPROVED COGNITIVE HEALTHImproved memory may also be a benefit to those who lead an active social life, according to the American Journal of Public Health. Adults over the age of 50 were studied to determine if frequent interaction with friends affected their cognitive abilities. They concluded that social interaction had the ability to delay memory loss in older adults, theorizing that increased brain functioning, which occurs during socialization, helps the brain to remain healthy and active.BETTER EATING HABITSAccording to the Université de Montréal, when older adults sit down to eat with friends, they have a greater chance of consuming more. They also concluded that seniors who engage in more social activities tend to be healthier and livelier.ANDREW'S STORYAndrew moved into the Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence in 2011. He was born in Hungary in 1935, four years before the outbreak of World War II. Following the Hungarian Revolution against the Communist regime in 1956, he escaped via Austria and successfully applied for immigration to Canada.After graduating from university, he enjoyed a long career as a history teacher. "Since I lived through so much history, I figured that I might as well teach the subject," says Andrew.After living alone for many years, Andrew had an irreparable foot injury that forced him to consider moving to a retirement residence. "I wanted to find a place where I could still maintain an independent lifestyle, without having to worry about cleaning and cooking."The Chartwell Grenadier is located in the High Park area where there's lots to do in the immediate neighbourhood. Once a week Andrew organizes, and conducts, an hour-long music salon where residents are introduced to classical composers and their works. "I also love word and trivia games," says Andrew. "Because they challenge my memory cells and allow me to trump fellow participants.""Visit several locations when exploring retirement options, and find out whether the programs appeal to you" advises Andrew. "Make sure that you're close to amenities that enable you to stay as independent as possible – and that it's a place that also makes you feel at home."CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information on the enrichment programming at Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence, Toronto, download a sample of their activity calendar.chartwell.com

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