Active at Any Age
This is my first time writing for The Seeker, and I thought I’d start by sharing a story close to home. I’ve always admired how seniors in our community find ways to stay active and connected, and I wanted to learn more about what keeps them going. That curiosity led me to Brian and Maureen, a couple whose energy, humor, and outlook on life really stood out to me.
At 5 p.m. sharp, while most people are still deciding what to make for dinner, Brian and Maureen are already lacing up their shoes for their evening walk. For them, it’s more than just exercise; it’s their social hour. “We live right in the middle of the block,” Maureen explains, which makes it easy to bump into almost everyone along the way. As they walk through the neighborhood, they wave, stop to chat, and sometimes even come home knowing more than the local newspaper.
Walking isn’t the only way they stay active; their backyard is basically a gym disguised as a garden. Brian spends his time woodworking and mowing the lawn, while Maureen loves looking after her flowers and vegetables. For them, staying active doesn’t mean fancy equipment or gym memberships; it just means keeping busy and making life interesting.
When they’re not out walking or working in the yard, they keep their minds just as active. Brian enjoys doing crosswords, watching history shows, and keeping up with the news. “Gotta know what’s going on in the world,” he says. Maureen’s more into reading, though she admits with a laugh that sometimes it gives her the zees. Technology doesn’t play a huge role in their lives either. “All I know is how to turn the TV on and off,” Brian jokes, leaving things like Facebook to Maureen. “That’s her department,” he adds.
Their circle of friends is quite large, and not just local- it’s international. Since moving from England to Canada in 1974, they’ve kept in touch with friends they’ve made over the years. On a camping trip about 30 years ago, they met another couple, and amazingly, they’re still close today. “We still talk to them now,” Maureen says proudly, showing that even vacation friendships can last a lifetime.
Years ago, they even lived in a trailer for a while, spending winters in the U.S. and summers back in Canada. “We’d recommend that life to anyone,” they say without hesitation. They loved the freedom of the open road, exploring farmers’ markets, going to dog shows, and even trying scuba diving. “We’ve seen it all,” Brian says- and you can tell he means it. If they had the chance, they’d do it all again.
Of course, staying active hasn’t always been easy. Both Brian and Maureen have faced surgeries and health challenges, but they don’t dwell on them. Instead, they focus on moving forward. “You can’t just sit down and feel sorry for yourself,” they say. “Get up and keep going at it.” And they really do live by that advice.
Some traditions from their British background have stuck with them, especially when it comes to food. Fish and chips are a favourite- “We love fish,” Brian says. They prefer homemade meals over eating out and enjoy cooking together.
When I asked what advice they’d give me, they didn’t hesitate: “Stay positive. Don’t expect to start at the top. Work hard. No matter how many times you fall, keep moving forward. Be respectful to everyone you meet and have patience”. It’s solid advice from two people who know how to live fully, whether that’s through a good walk, a laugh with friends, or a plate of fish and chips at the end of the day.
