#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

As we honour and celebrate the life of Ron Schlegel, we're sharing this conversation again. Ron sat down with us on the Green Bench for Episode 7. Listening back now, it feels like a gift. His voice, his joy and his belief in the wisdom of our elders are all here, and they still guide everything we do.Episode #7 | A look back, a look ahead and a look inside with Ron Schlegel.The Green Bench and the Schlegel Villages Wisdom of the Elder signature program both come from Ron's message about the importance of tapping into the wisdom around us."The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders."What is wisdom? Ron talks about his father, Wilfred, and the role model he was to Ron and his grandchildren. He also shares what it means to run senior living as a family business, and the roles his sons Jamie, Brad and Rob play.Learn how the design of Schlegel Villages retirement and long-term care homes in Ontario came to be. Ron wanted each Village to be a social place that gives people purpose and joy. You'll also hear how the Villages got their names."It doesn't matter whether one is 35 or 85, we should be enjoying life to the fullest."Ron gives advice to business leaders, talks about servant leadership and explains why research drives innovation. "It's not what we do, it is what we enable others to do."A twin mix-up: hear how Ron MacLean mistook Jamie for Brad during an Olympic hockey final, and more stories from the 1992 Olympics."Be yourself, be true to yourself, don't try to be something you are not." - Ron SchlegelThank you, Ron, for teaching us to sit down, listen and learn from one another.If this episode means something to you, please share it with someone who knew Ron or who would have enjoyed meeting him. You can also share your memories and thoughts on social media using #ElderWisdom.The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. In person or online, the bench invites all of us to sit beside a senior, share a conversation, and give or receive advice.It challenges the stigma seniors face and the ageism that is still so common in society. It reminds us how much wisdom our elders have to offer, and in doing so, it helps restore them to a place of reverence."The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." - Ron SchlegelThis podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement and long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

In honour of the 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on a deeply moving episode featuring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener — a man whose faith, resilience, and compassion continue to inspire everyone around him.First introduced during the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), Royal later joined hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle on the Green Bench to share his journey following the sudden onset of paralysis that left him paraplegic.Despite this life-altering change, Royal speaks with gratitude and hope, grounded in his 50-year ministry as a pastor and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His reflections shine light on the healing power of presence, storytelling, and community.Today, Royal continues to minister to others at Winston Park, offering comfort through preaching, Bible studies, prayer, and warm conversation — reminding us that purpose can be lived out in many forms.“Compassion is something children learn best when they see it modeled.” – Royal Hamel“When we share our stories, we give others permission to share theirs.” – Royal HamelRoyal also writes regularly on his blog, touching the lives of many through messages of encouragement and faith.📘 Read more from Royal: facebook.com/royal.hamelThis encore episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to redefine purpose in the face of challenge.🎧 Listen back and let Royal’s words remind you of the transformative power of compassion.Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on an extraordinary conversation with Diane Dupuy, founder of the internationally renowned Famous People Players — a groundbreaking black-light theatre company where all performers are developmentally disabled.Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Diane to the Green Bench to explore the profound bond she shared with her mother, Mary Thornton, who lived to be 103 at The Village of Humber Heights. Mary recognized Diane’s imagination from a young age and nurtured her gifts, encouraging her to create, dream, and express herself through puppetry and performance.“My mother built me a puppet theatre when I was a little girl. She told me not to be afraid, as the puppets will do the talking for me.” – Diane Dupuy“As long as your imagination makes the world a better place.” – Mary ThorntonFamous People Players is built on this foundation of creativity and compassion. By using black light technique, Diane ensured the focus was always on the art — not the disabilities of her performers — allowing their talent, hard work, and magic to shine.With support from fellow Humber Heights resident Freida Griffiths, Diane expanded the company’s educational programs, touching countless lives through performance, mentorship, and opportunity.Diane and Evelyn also share personal reflections on navigating cancer, offering wisdom about resilience, hope, and continuing to move forward even in the hardest moments.From puppetry to global stages, from mother-daughter creativity to decades-long advocacy, Diane’s story is a testament to imagination, inclusion, and love.🎧 Listen back and be inspired by Diane’s vision, Mary’s wisdom, and the magic of Famous People Players.Learn more at: famouspeopleplayers.comDiscover more at: elderwisdom.ca

As we continue our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting one of the most joyful, energizing conversations ever shared from the Green Bench.In Episode #70, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby, two spirited women who proved that adventure has no age limit. In their eighties, Sandy and Ellie set out on an 80-day journey around the world, conquering seven continents and inspiring millions through their infectious curiosity and love of life.From piranha fishing in the Amazon to rooftop views of the pyramids in Cairo, to Antarctica, Asia, and beyond, their stories remind us that courage, friendship, and an open heart create the richest memories.Their message is clear:🌍 Age is just a number.💛 Connection is universal.✨ Adventure is always possible.Whether you’re a traveller at heart or simply in need of inspiration, Sandy and Ellie ignite a reminder that every day holds the possibility of something remarkable.Follow their global adventures:Facebook — Sandy and EllieInstagram — @aroundtheworldat80TikTok — @aroundtheworldat80YouTube — aroundtheworldat80Twitter — @aroundtheworldat80Website — aroundtheworldat80.com🎧 Listen back and ask yourself: What is YOUR dream travel destination?Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a powerful and deeply human conversation with Joyce Stankiewicz, formerly of New Hamburg and now a resident of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.Hosts Doug Robinson and Erin Davis welcomed Joyce to the Green Bench to share her experience caring for her husband Bill through dementia, her insights on compassion, and the meaningful buddy system that helps new residents feel at home at University Gates.With wisdom shaped over 70 years of marriage, Joyce speaks candidly about the difficult moments — including the conversation about giving up driving — and the importance of forgiveness, humour, and memories that sustain connection through change.She also helps listeners understand Nonfluent Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA), the form of dementia her husband lived with, and gives heartfelt advice to anyone caring for a loved one.“If you have a problem and cannot find out how to solve it, then get someone to help you solve it.” – Joyce Stankiewicz“The buddy system connects someone who knows the Village with someone who is just moving in.” – Joyce Stankiewicz“A comfort to be able to talk about it and to know others share your pain.” – Joyce StankiewiczJoyce reminds us that wisdom often comes from empathy, shared experience, and community — values at the core of #ElderWisdom.🎧 Listen back to Joyce’s moving episode and let her words bring comfort, perspective, and hope.Learn more at elderwisdom.ca