To age is to live.
To age is to live. At every second, at every hour… at any moment and at any age. Ageing is anything but ceasing to “be”. It’s having the chance to continue, to love, to dream… to live! And there are as many ways to do it as there are individuals on Earth.
I love aging. I feel more confident, more self-assured… wiser! Wisdom for me is about knowing myself better, embracing what I love and rejecting what I no longer want. I still flourish as I age because I continue to learn, to get involved, and above all, to open up to others. I love listening, observing people… sharing! We all need to talk, to communicate. That’s what led me to create a collection of testimonials. Everyone has a story to tell!
Chantal Robillard, 74 years young
After going through a major ordeal, I sold my house and moved into a residence. I started over… at 71! I made good friends and found love! I also got involved in all sorts of volunteer activities. All of this greatly lifted my spirits by keeping me from overthinking things. I even started a knitting group for a few of the girls. My boyfriend comes to sit with us, and we laugh a lot because he enjoys teasing us. My life has found new meaning thanks to being surrounded by all this joy!
Lisette Verreault, 79 years young
To me, aging is harmony. I consider myself lucky to have various interests but what has truly fulfilled me in recent years is reconnecting with my passion: music. It was inevitably put on hold during my young adult life, driven by two children and a business. Today, I’m making up for lost time. With the many hours I dedicate to music each week, I couldn’t be happier!
Yvan Bolduc, 65 years young
I’m a very resilient and positive person. I hate negativity. Why focus on the worst side of a situation? There’s also the best side! I believe that if I’ve managed to stay healthy and happy at my age, it’s because I’ve never felt sorry for myself. What’s in our heads reflects on our physical selves. I also love to laugh! With my sister, who is my best friend, it’s always cheerful. We know our phone conversation is over when we start saying too many silly things! I try to live in the present. A positive attitude is the key to facing life.
Louise Fortier, 85 years young
I’ve been a passionate camper, both wild and organized, for over 60 years. I plan my destination, hitch my mini-trailer to my car and hit the road. I travel alone 90% of the time. Sometimes I have friends joining me, but I don’t depend on anyone to set out. I need my freedom, and I’m not afraid of solitude. I enjoy the silence and walking in the forest. It’s in nature that I am happiest. I never get bored! In the winter, I prepare my Mason jars to be ready to go as soon as May rolls around. I love life... and I love living it!
Jacquelin Beaulieu
93 years young
We’re very much alike, Munro and I. We share the same tastes, priorities, values... it’s easy! We don’t have to make many compromises. We both need to be active. Watching television, for us, is a total waste of time,” – Diane. “My father died from heart problems at a very young age. I always told myself I wouldn't end up like that. Diane and I swim every morning, take part in yoga classes, do fitness, play billiards, volleyball and even volunteer. We do just about everything together.
Diane Primeau and Munro Mount
77 years young and 78 years young
The joy of writing to put down on paper my memories, my story, has come back to me recently. I’ve always loved languages, translation, crafting short stories, reflection and my inner thoughts. Choosing the right words, adding nuances to the narrative – it’s a passion. I do it without pressure. I have no ambitious desires, no wish to publish... just to remember. I rediscover who I was before the whirlwind of professional responsibilities and family obligations. I have notes about the genealogy and the little story of the family. Revisiting the past sometimes serves as a springboard to continue... to reflect. And it’s through writing that I love to do it.
Nicole Garneau
72 years young
Every day, I’m thankful for my health. It’s an immense gift. I’m also filled with gratitude for having had the opportunity to learn five languages and to immigrate to Quebec at the age of 21. I’ve had an incredible career that’s allowed me to experience different cultures, broadening my perspective of the world. I’ve travelled, among other places, to Labrador and the Far North of Quebec. The silence, extreme cold and deep darkness of the night have taught me humility. Realizing that I’m just a small part of this vastness puts things into perspective and makes me realize how lucky we are to be here to experience it all.
Alexandre Gavrilidis
81 years young
Aging is a unique journey, personal to each of us. Aging is living as we always have… and it’s a privilege to be able to do so.
– World Health Organization (WHO) –
help.
“I’ve never stopped wanting to help others. When I see an ambulance, I still have the reflex to offer my assistance. I don’t think it will ever stop: my profession as a doctor will always be a part of me. I’m still curious about the latest medical advances and continue to be asked for medical advice. It’s normal… and it gives me so much pleasure to be able to offer my support. It’s almost selfish, in fact, because when I manage to help someone, it’s me that benefits the most!”
Yvette Bonny
85 years young
To age is to learn.
“I enrolled in university at age 62, after taking care of my three children throughout my young adult life. With my husband having passed away 3 years prior, it was time to focus on myself. So, I began a Bachelor’s degree in French literature, taking two courses per semester, and received my diploma at 70! Since then, I write a lot. I’ve participated in writing workshops, contributed to a collective work and published 3 fiction novels whose stories are inspired by real-life events. For me, aging is about continuing to dare, to step out of my comfort zone. It’s the best way to keep learning more about oneself!”
Madeleine Meloche
89 years young
To age is to cultivate.
“I am increasingly happy as I grow older. By being active, I meet many people, including my new sweetheart! I want people to feel good in my presence. I love people. I’ve been involved in organizing bowling leagues for a long time. But in reality, I do it for the socializing aspect of it. And I don’t just cultivate relationships – I cultivate flowers too! It’s a passion for me. I’ve always had a garden where I planted all types of flowers. I’ve even won awards. The thing is, since I don’t consider myself old, I don’t really know what aging is about!”
Richard Charest
85 years young
To age is to heal.
“By sheer coincidence, a duck with a wounded leg and wing crash-landed in the courtyard of our residence. So, we welcomed her and nursed her back to health. Having been a nurse all my life, it was natural for me to take part in her recovery. I watched over her every morning from the window of my apartment, to the extent that I knew when she was hungry or afraid. Perhaps I helped Vasty (we named her!) heal, but it was mostly she who healed me from the grief of losing my dear friend and my sister, both of whom passed away just before her arrival.”
Lorraine Potvin
89 years young