For many retirees, having more time and flexibility can be a gift but it can also bring unexpected feelings of loneliness. At Berwick House and Berwick Royal Oak, staff understand how social isolation affects overall health and well-being and they’ve built a lifestyle that helps residents feel connected and supported.
“One thing that strikes me as interesting since COVID, is how we talk more easily now about social isolation,” says Kathy McAree, community relations manager at Berwick Royal Oak. “People are more comfortable acknowledging that they feel isolated. And isolation is lonely.”
Social circles often shrink in retirement, especially when friends are still working or have passed away. Grief can deepen feelings of disconnection for older adults living alone.
“Grieving can feel so solitary,” McAree says. “But here, people find others who understand those feelings and that shared experience can bring a lot of comfort.”
At Berwick, connection starts in the everyday moments. The community’s dining spaces - including formal dining rooms, lively cafés and at Berwick Royal Oak, even a cosy pub - offer more than meals. They provide structure, routine and meaningful opportunities to engage with others.
“The café is always abuzz,” McAree says. “I often see residents pull up a chair and join a conversation. They might stay for 10 minutes or an hour - the choice is theirs.”
Regular mealtimes add rhythm to the day, which can help ease the tendency to withdraw. “Without structure, it’s easy to fall into isolation. A steady routine helps people stay engaged,” she adds.
A full calendar of activities - led by the active living team - includes wellness classes, outings, guest speakers and social events. Whether residents prefer to spectate or participate, they’re welcome at their own pace.
Linda MacDonald, community relations manager at Berwick House, says the change is often visible when new residents begin to settle in.
“One of the most meaningful transformations we see is when someone who felt lonely at home starts to reconnect,” she says. “Their energy shifts. They laugh more. They get involved.”
Berwick believes that this chapter of life can still be filled with connection, joy, and the freedom to live life to the fullest. You are invited to embrace the supportive, vibrant community offered - and discover all the benefits that come with living in a place that values connection, growth, and well-being.
Take a tour at Berwick, where community, connection, and the freedom to choose come together to help you thrive.
Learn more about Berwick Retirement Communities online at berwickretirement.com. To book a tour of Berwick House in Gordon Head, contact Linda MacDonald at 250-853-5492. For a tour of Berwick Royal Oak, contact Kathy McAree at 250-419-4012.
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