Finding Friendship and New Adventures in Retirement Living: Shirley’s Story

Shirley hadn’t planned on moving to a retirement residence right away. After raising six children and sharing nearly 68 years of marriage with her husband, Alfred, she found herself standing at the start of a chapter she never expected to write on her own.

She initially thought she might wait a year before considering a move. But when her cousin, Therese, who was already living at Chartwell Oak Park Terrace in Windsor, Ontario, told her a suite had become available, the possibility of moving began to feel more real. With encouragement from her children, Shirley decided not to wait and took the opportunity to begin her next chapter there.

Looking back, she's glad she did.

"I think it was the best thing I ever did because everybody is so friendly here and there's always something to do."

Finding connection when it matters most

Moving to a retirement residence gave Shirley the opportunity to surround herself with people again, but like many people considering retirement living, she wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

When she first arrived, she wondered whether a retirement residence would feel right for her. It didn't take long for those initial concerns to fade.

"When I met everybody and then I got to know everybody, that made a difference," she says.

Today, knowing people is certainly not a problem for Shirley. As one of the residence's ambassadors, she welcomes others and has gotten to know residents, families and team members throughout the community.

"I know quite a few people here now. Almost everybody," she says. "Their families always say hi to me, which makes you feel real good."

Making every day her own

One of the things Shirley appreciates most about life at her Chartwell home is having the freedom to make each day her own.

On a quiet morning, she might choose to sleep in. On another, you're likely to find her exercising, joining a Zumba class, playing games, or spending time with friends.

"You meet a lot of people," says Shirley. "You get a lot of friends here, so you're never lonely if you want to do things."

She's even returned to an old hobby thanks to her friend Josie. After stepping away from knitting for some time, Shirley was inspired to pick up her needles again when she discovered Josie enjoyed it too. Now, she knits a little at a time, and the two enjoy sharing the hobby together.

But some of their adventures have been a little more unexpected.

After talking about tattoos, Shirley and Josie discovered they were both interested in getting one. They decided to make an outing of it and go together, accompanied by Sarina, a Chartwell team member.

Shirley has also had the chance to check something special off her wish list. Through Chartwell’s Wish of a Lifetime program, she soared above the clouds on an unforgettable airplane ride. Today, a little airplane charm on her wrist serves as a reminder of the experience.

A community that feels welcoming

As much as Shirley enjoys having plenty to do, it’s the people she’s met along the way who have made her experience especially meaningful. She describes the team members at her residence as friendly, helpful, and always ready to lend a hand.

"I appreciate everything they’ve done when I’ve asked them," she says. "They've been really friendly with me."

And she's happy to tell others about it. When she meets someone who may be considering retirement living, Shirley shares her own experience, and her message is simple: you can stay as involved as you want to be.

"You're busy all the time if you want to," she says. "If you don't, well, it's up to you."

For Shirley, that choice is an important part of making life at Chartwell her own.

Looking forward to what comes next

At 88, with her 89th birthday approaching, Shirley continues to find new things to enjoy at her residence. She's recently moved into a new suite with a patio and is already looking forward to spending time outdoors next summer.

It's a fitting reflection of how much has changed since she first wondered whether retirement living would be right for her.

"I don't think I could have found a better place than I did here with all the people here," she says.

And when asked what she would say to someone else considering a move, Shirley doesn't hesitate:

"I'd say move in."

Interested in retirement living? Here’s how to get started

If Shirley’s experience has you thinking about retirement living for you or your loved one, you’re not alone. More older adults are choosing a lifestyle that offers connection, comfort, and fewer day-to-day responsibilities.

The best way to know if it’s right for you is to experience it for yourself.

Visit our Find a Residence page to explore Chartwell locations near you and book a tour at your convenience. You’ll also have the chance to speak with a Retirement Living Consultant, ask questions, and experience the community firsthand.