Staying Active After 80: A Chartwell Resident’s Wellness Journey

When Maureen, 82, moved into Chartwell Waterford in Oakville just before the holidays, she didn’t expect to be leading a walking club by spring.

A person you could describe as warm, kind and brimming with optimism, she settled into life at her new residence almost immediately.

“I enjoy meeting people,” sheshares, smiling. “I worked in retail, so I’m used to lots of conversation around me.”

Her husband, Don, joined Maureen in making the move, a decision that came at an important moment in their lives.

After experiencing a heart attack in April 2025, Maureen became more aware of the need to be proactive about her health. At the same time, the couple was navigating the realities of maintaining their home, including stairs that were becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Together with their three children, they began exploring retirement living options, visiting several residences in the area. But it was their visit to Chartwell Waterford that stood out most.

“When we walked in the door, it just felt right,” Maureen says. “Straight away my daughter said to us, ‘Waterford, hands down.’”

That sense of comfort and ease helped the couple and their family feel confident in their decision, and also created the foundation for something even more important: the ability to focus on living well.

Just a few months after moving in, Maureen found herself drawn to a new opportunity. As part of Chartwell’s March into Wellness program, Lifestyle & Programs Manager Claudia Dell’Anno and her team introduced a steps challenge designed to encourage residents to get in more daily movement.

“The idea was to give everyone a better sense of how much they’re already moving,” Claudia explains. “Just going from their suite to the dining room three times a day…I think knowing how many steps that is alone really surprised everybody.”

For Maureen, the timing couldn’t have been better: the challenge gave her a clear and motivating way to focus on her heart health.

“When I told my doctor about the steps challenge, he said, ‘Fantastic idea, that’s the best thing I’ve heard in a long time.’”

That moment of validation turned intention into action.

What started as a simple initiative quickly grew into something much bigger. Residents and staff came together to track their movement throughout the month of March, collectively surpassing one million steps—a milestone that brought energy and excitement to the entire community.

And for Maureen, the impact went far beyond the numbers. What began as short walks through the residence gradually turned into longer routes, both indoors and outside.

“I remember the first time I walked…I was pretty tired,” she laughs. “But now I can move without any problem.”

Today, Maureen averages around 4,000 steps a day, and movement has become a natural part of her daily routine.

“Every day I monitor it and then start again the next day!” she says proudly.

For Claudia, this kind of shift is exactly what the program was meant to inspire.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many people wanted to participate and how serious they were about documenting their steps,” she explains. “There’s a healthy amount of competitive spirit here!”

Beyond the physical benefits, the program created new opportunities for connection.

“It was nice to see residents who don’t usually participate getting involved,” Claudia adds. “It became something we could talk about.”

And for Maureen, it sparked something even more lasting. With Claudia’s encouragement, she’s now helping lead a weekly walking club at the residence.

“They asked me if I would lead the group, and I said I didn't mind doing it so long as the group agreed to it,” Maureen explains.

The group is planning to meet regularly, adapting their route depending on the weather—taking a stroll around the neighbourhood on nicer days or simply doing a loop through the residence’s hallways.

It’s a simple idea, but one that reflects something deeper about life at Chartwell. Wellness here isn’t about rigid programs or one-size-fits-all routines. It’s about creating opportunities where residents can take an active role in their own well-being, in ways that feel natural and spark joy.

Maureen’s advice to other people who want to take a more purposeful approach to their health and longevity?

“When you’re walking, if you find that you’re short of breath, just stop. Take your time to catch your breath,” she says. “You just have to start somewhere.”

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

If Maureen’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.