Whether it’s the challenging economic environment, the changing climate, the prevalence of misinformation, or even the lingering social and health effects from the pandemic, there’s no denying anxiety has been on the rise. The occurrence of generalized anxiety has doubled in Canada over the past decade, and more people than ever are experiencing everyday worries and fears in navigating the challenges of daily life. For seniors, those worries can include financial stability for themselves and their loved ones; health issues or the fear of isolation; fears about making big changes such as movin ..read more

Have you heard? Seventy is the new 60. And 80 is the new 70 (or is it 65?). Working in the independent living industry, we often hear statements like these about aging. And although they sound like common clichés, we see the proof daily – in the faces and lives of our vivacious PARC residents.  Seniors today are living not just longer, but more richly, looking forward to life in their eighth decade and beyond. So, let’s dig into some key themes that we see emerging in the lives of octogenarians and soon-to-be-80-year-olds – with appearances from PARC residents who embody this dynamic age ..read more

PARC resident Richard is stronger and more active than most 92-years-olds – and some 65-year-olds, for that matter. The spirited and active senior has been living at Cedar Springs PARC, our nature-surrounded North Vancouver residence, since 2014. He credits the community, and PARC Fit programming, for keeping him mobile and thriving. “I’ve been most grateful to be here,” he says. “I’ve learned that PARC has all the ingredients of successful aging: a good diet, socialization, provision for mental fitness and physical fitness . . . those have all worked well for me.” PARC Fit Balance Classes ar ..read more

As our bodies age, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density. Adults who don’t engage in regular strength training lose an average of three to five percent of their muscle mass each year – starting as early as age 30! That’s about five pounds of muscle loss per decade. Why does this matter? Because our muscle mass gives us the strength we need to be mobile. Without it, we increase our likelihood of falls, injuries and bone fractures or breaks, particularly after age 60. And that can result in a reduction in both health and lifespan. Falls are often caused by a lack of strength and flexib ..read more

We’ve always known that PARC’s food stacks up – plate for plate – against B.C.’s best chefs and restaurants. But an exciting recent win provides even more proof: PARC Retirement Living took first place in the 2023 Best of the West culinary competition at West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival, going head to head with our region’s top culinary talent August 9, 2023. Summerhill PARC’s Executive Chef Robert Fortin led the PARC team that made headlines, supported by Chefs from Westerleigh PARC, Cedar Springs PARC, and Mulberry PARC. “We are proud to say we can compete against some of Vancouver’s ..read more

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of being a pet parent, you know that pets can bring immeasurable joy to day-to-day life. Their unconditional love, cuddles and playful nature can fill the heart and home with a happiness like no other. And for older adults, the benefits go well beyond love and cuddles. Pets that fit your lifestyle can be downright good for your health and well-being! Having a pet can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and even decrease depression and anxiety. Pets also encourage exercise and social activity, and decrease loneliness and isolation. They can also change your ..read more

You might imagine that you – or perhaps your aging parents – will start to consider senior living community options when their health or mobility declines and they’re in need of assistance with daily activities – things like driving, cooking and bathing. But what many people don’t realize is that so many seniors choose to move long before they require assistance. Independent living communities offer countless benefits for seniors who DON’T yet require daily living assistance and are simply looking to plug into a healthy, connected lifestyle in a community of vibrant peers. The seniors who res ..read more

Active living is baked into everything we do at PARC. And a huge part of this lifestyle is what we eat: nutrient-rich yet appetizing, beautifully plated food. To say our residents eat well is quite an understatement! Food is so important to the PARC experience that it’s a key pillar of PARC Active Living, our unique senior-wellness program, geared to enriching the body and the mind through physical fitness, social pursuits, emotional health and, yes, nutritious meals for seniors. But beyond dietary health, we believe food should be an experience – and a true delight. This is why we recruit el ..read more

Recently we put out a call asking our residents to tell us what they like most about living at PARC. And we’ve been truly touched by the responses, coming from so many who have carved out lives they truly love here – free to pursue their passions, keep active and stay socially connected in the most enriching ways imaginable. The positive feedback doesn’t come completely as a surprise, however! From top to bottom, PARC’s programming and amenities are purpose-built to create a culture of wellness, independence and contentment for older adults. The heart of PARC’s independent lifestyle for senio ..read more

Did you know that your neighbourhood can have a significant impact on your quality of life? Studies have shown that the neighbourhood in which you live affects both your mental and physical health in many ways. People living in neighbourhoods with access to the natural environment have higher levels of life satisfaction than individuals in neighbourhoods with less access. Just think back to when you chose your current home – whether it was the home in which you raised your family, or the sanctuary you’ve enjoyed in your later years – you probably carefully considered the neighbourhood as a ke ..read more