A long-time pianist and resident of Amica Peel Village, 95-year-old Herb Williams’s motto is “To Rest is to Rust.” Williams, known to many Canadians as the host of the family entertainment show SuperDogs, is filled with positive energy and enjoys nothing more than sharing his love of music with fellow Amica residents. He is known to frequent the Memory Care floor and delight residents with his incredible piano skills, helping spark beautiful memories while captivating their ears.
Last year, the self-taught piano player fulfilled a lifelong dream to record a song, fittingly called “To Rest is To Rust.” Williams collaborated with singer-songwriter Katie DuTemple to transform his life story into music as part of Amica’s 'Lyrics and Legacies' program. The program provides seniors with musical experiences through a partnership with Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. Since his experience recording the song, whose lyrics inspire a ‘live-life-to-the-fullest’ mindset, Williams has been encouraging others to be open to new experiences, no matter their age.
Williams is just one of the many dynamic seniors at Amica Peel Village, home to a lively community of seniors who enjoy on-site social events, seasonal dinners, and educational workshops. At Amica The Glebe in Ottawa, close relationships can be found all around, such as the tight-knit ladies' friendship group called 'The Fab Five.’ The five women —- Sharon, Joy, Margaret, Sheila, and Pippa —- became instant friends after meeting at a residence event planned by the Life Enrichment team. And they have been almost inseparable ever since. Thanks to Amica’s engaging life enrichment programs, there is always something fun to do, with activities taking place all day long within the inviting spaces of the residence.
For The Fab Five, that means connecting over dinner or tea, sipping wine on the terrace, volunteering together, or going for fun sleigh rides on the Rideau Canal. One of the women, who was widowed years ago, mentioned how much she values companionship, as it has motivated her to leave her suite and live life again. The Five support one another, check in, and most of all, enjoy each other's company; - laughs are aplenty, and the crew is known to finish each other’s sentences.
A place the Five is proud to call home, Amica The Glebe is located in a picturesque neighbourhood near Bank Street shops and the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Like all Amica residences, Amica The Glebe is thoughtfully designed to empower seniors to maintain their independence while getting the most out of life. From premium amenities and extraordinary cuisine prepared by in-house chefs to creative workshops and social events, seniors find joy and purpose in each day.
Over at Amica Whitby, Douglas Hall, a professional author who still writes in his 95th year, is finding his joy in a different way. Douglas has authored 29 books, including TV and music biographies, as well as mystery novels. He credits his wife Joyce, a former nurse, for encouraging him to start writing and for helping him with editing. While Joyce’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis three years ago was difficult for the couple, Amica’s personalized care services, life-enriching activities and safety measures allow them to focus on writing and enjoying life.
Douglas spends his days drafting new pages while Joyce relaxes on the balcony of their two-bedroom suite. After Joyce edits Douglas’ pages, they both enjoy a little television and dinner prepared by an in-house chef. “Amica has given us security, so we don’t lie awake worrying, and instead can focus on our books,” says Douglas, who extols Joyce’s editing skills. “Joyce’s short-term memory is gone, but she’s retained her long-term memory. As an editor, she still has a wicked eye for syntax, spelling, punctuation, continuity and structure.”
Douglas and Joyce have led a fulfilling and interesting life, thanks to Douglas' career in television, radio and literature, and Joyce's nursing profession. Every day, they are actively creating a life they love. They recently published Murder In Season, Douglas's thrilling new book. Their family calls every day, and they love having weekly meals with their daughter and son-in-law. Meanwhile, Douglas encourages others to embrace the move to senior living when the time is right. “It’s a total life change, but you can take advantage of that change to make life amazing.”
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