Episode #62 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of sitting down with John Hofstee, a remarkable individual from The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph with a wealth of wisdom to share.  From tracing his family roots in Holland and beyond to learning and engaging in conversations through Morse code and on the ham radio.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation with John:

1️⃣ Stay Active and Engaged: John emphasized the importance of getting involved and keeping oneself busy, especially in physical activities. He shared his experience of participating in exercise groups and even leading some of them. By joining organizations that align with our goals and allowing ourselves to learn and contribute, we can maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment throughout our lives.

2️⃣ Embrace Your Hobbies: John's hobbies, including genealogy, ham radio, and learning Morse code, are a testament to the power of pursuing our passions. He traced back his roots and discovered fascinating stories about his family history. So, whether it's exploring your ancestry or diving into a new hobby, don't be afraid to follow your interests and uncover the hidden gems within your own life.

3️⃣ Cherish Family Connections: As Sophocles once said, "sons are the anchors of a mother's life." John beautifully highlighted the significance of family connections and the wisdom passed down through generations. He encouraged us to listen to our parents and grandparents, as their stories and advice will resonate with us in the future. Family ties are precious, and they can provide us with a sense of identity and belonging.

I hope you find these takeaways as inspiring as we did! ✨ If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the full episode to hear John's incredible stories and insights firsthand. 

And remember, we love hearing from our listeners! Share your own words of wisdom on social media using the hashtag #ElderWisdom. Your contributions will not only inspire others but also help them discover our podcast on this green bench. 🌱

Lastly, don't forget to check out the #ElderWisdom Pledge Against Ageism at elderwisdom.ca. By signing it, you can join us in our mission to promote inclusivity and respect for all generations. 🤝

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages Retirement & Long-term Care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions

Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com

Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com