A new local podcast is aimed at sharing elder wisdom with the rest of the community.
#ElderWisdom – Stories from the Green Bench, is a podcast created by long-term care and nursing home provider Schlegel VIllages, who decided it wanted to be creative in finding ways to stay connected to the community during the pandemic.
Former Toronto radio host Erin Davis hosts the podcast along with 85-year-old resident Lloyd Hetherington, who kicked off his first on-air experience in October.
“I love the podcast. It gives me a chance to connect with people. It is a brand new experience for me. I am 85 but am still open to new ideas and adventures and accepted this challenge with real gratitude,” said Hetherington, who resides at The Village at Riverside Glen.
He said each session features a new guest and aims to discover the gems of wisdom buried within the heart and soul of seniors.
“The topics are as wide ranging and diverse as the seniors interviewed,” said Hetherington.
“The topics can range from succeeding in spite of adversity, dealing with ageism, the difference between education and wisdom, dealing successfully with a serious chronic illness through inner strength and sense of joy expressed in humour.”
He said the topics are varied where some are part of everyday life and others are topics generally not touched on.
“Often the managerial staff will identify someone who is just so dynamic that their story must be shared,” said Hetherington.
“Everyone has a story to tell and from that story one or more teachable facts come forth. These are the facts we help articulate.”
Hetherington said while the podcast began with a commitment to six sessions, the plan now is to produce 26 episodes in 2021 because of the positive response.
“We have listeners primarily from Ontario, but all across Canada and around the world,” said Ted Hudson, online engagement manager at Schlegel Villages.
The podcasts are released every two weeks and can be heard on elderwisdom.ca.