-3 min readen
Starting Over Part 3
So, you have to wonder what about baby boomers makes them want to start new careers late in life over the next few posts I will highlight some seniors who have made the leap, next up Claire Cook. Thes...
Royce Shook
Transition to Retrement
Port Coquitlam - British Columbia
I give workshops on health and wellness, online as well as in person. I serve on three advisory committees The Mayors' Roundtable, The Advisory Council for the Senior Advocate and the Transit Police Advisory Board I am also President of our local seniors center association, which has just over 1000 members and I am the Vice-Chair of the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society which has 1500 members. I also write, play golf, and enjoy life.
1830 articles
Topics
Articles by Royce
2026
10 articles
-3 min readen
Starting Over Part 2
These stories illustrate that it's never too late to pursue new passions or careers. Each individual faced unique challenges and motivations but found renewed purpose and satisfaction in their later y...
-3 min readen
Starting Over Part 1
The phenomenon of a worker who may have been in the workforce for 40 years suddenly starting a new career at 50 or over is a trend that is exploding as baby boomers hit that age bracket. There has alw...
-4 min readen
Rock and Roll Never Forgets: Bridging Generations Through Music Part 4
Building a Musical Bridge Between Generations As we grow older, it’s easy to feel like the world is moving on without us, especially when it comes to trends, technology, and the seemingly ever-changin...
-2 min readen
Rock and Roll Never Forgets: Bridging Generations Through Music Part 3
Millennials and the Genre-Melding Revolution The next wave brought even more change. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, grew up in a digital, globalized world. With instant access to every genre...
-2 min readen
Rock and Roll Never Forgets: Bridging Generations Through Music Part 2
Generation X and the Evolution of Authenticity As baby boomers matured, a new generation emerged with its own sound, ethos, and challenges. Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, grew up in a world...
-2 min readen
Rock and Roll never forgets Bridging Generations Through Music Part 1
Our Musical Roots and Why They Still Matter We were there when it all began. Rock and roll wasn’t just background music; it was a movement. It was the soundtrack to a generation that was transforming...
-5 min readen
From Christmas to New Year
A December Baby’s Window of Wonder I’ve always believed those of us born in late December or early January belong to a special club, one with equal parts glitter, wrapping paper, and mild confusion. F...
-5 min readen
Gratitude Remains, Rest, Reflect, and Enjoy the Leftovers
Boxing Day has always held its own gentle magic. Not the glittering, sparkling, heart-thumping excitement of Christmas Day, but a quieter sort of magic, the kind that settles over you like a warm blan...
-5 min readen
Ringing in a Bright New Year
When I look back on the New Year’s Eves of my childhood, I can still feel the thrill of staying up almost late enough to be considered a grown-up. I must have been around eleven when my parents began...
2025
90 articles
-5 min readen
Carrying the Christmas Spirit Forward
Let’s take the best of Christmas, the kindness, the laughter, the love, into the New Year. By the time the last of the wrapping paper has been stuffed into the recycling bin and the final crumbs of sh...
-5 min readen
Every Christmas Journey Comes With a Story, What’s Yours This Year?
The day after Boxing Day was always our day for travelling. Boxing Day itself was devoted to visiting friends and relatives in the Lower Mainland. But the day after , that was for Vancouver Island. An...
-5 min readen
Cozy Nights and New Traditions
It’s never too late to start a new holiday tradition. There’s something about December evenings that invites a little dreaming. Maybe it’s the way the lights twinkle across a quiet room, or how the fi...
-5 min readen
Christmas Eve Never Loses Its Charm
My hope is that you are doing well as I recover from attacks by the seasonal bugs that come around this time of year. Tomorrow is Christmas. You can feel it in the air, something soft, something brigh...
-2 min readen
More anticipation
Children eagerly await tomorrow, as they look forward to new experiences and milestones. As seniors, we can learn from this sense of anticipation and apply it to our own lives. Instead of focusing sol...
-2 min readen
Anticipation as a motivator
Having something to look forward can be a powerful motivator and mood-booster. Here are some ideas on how to use this sense of anticipation to change our perspective on less-than-desirable events: Ins...
-5 min readen
Solo Ageing
American and Canadian society rests on an assumption that families take care of their own, When seniors living alone have no close family, can non-family helpers be an adequate substitute? The reason...
-4 min readen
When I first retired I wasted a lot of time, do you?
First off, congratulations on reaching retirement! Whether you just stepped into this new phase or are thinking about it, you're in for an incredible journey. And let's be honest—one of the biggest pe...
-2 min readen
Anticipation
This time of year is brimming with anticipation, seen most vividly through a child’s eyes. It’s the kind of excitement that makes their whole being buzz—the anticipation of a Birthday, with presents c...
-4 min readen
We are at a crossroads, but the future is still ours
During this turbulent time, you may be thinking about what you can give to your grandchildren. I suggest that give them the gift of a positive outlook on life and the gift of how you love the world. T...
-2 min readen
Reduce your risk of falling
The following information is from Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network Falling for seniors can have serious consequences. Falls can change your life, or they can end your life...
-2 min readen
Home is where the heart is.
For many of us, a home is more than just a building; it's a living scrapbook of our lives. It’s where we’ve shared laughter, faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and found peace in moments of soli...
-4 min readen
Generative AI
Generative AI might sound futuristic, like something out of The Jetsons, but it’s already here and can truly make life a bit easier (and more fun!) for seniors. Here’s why embracing this technology is...
-3 min readen
The road ahead is full...
I came across this quote by Muriel Rukeyser "All the poems of our lives are not yet made". When we retire, some of us want to continue to write the poems of our lives, but others only want to read the...
-5 min readen
How seniors can use AI to make life easier
Here’s a fresh take on how seniors can use AI to make life easier, 1. Virtual Personal Assistant Imagine having a helpful, non-judgmental assistant who doesn’t mind repeating directions or telling you...
-3 min readen
An optimistic future?
Are you happy? It appears that as we age, we become more optimistic and happy according to a survey done in 2024/ The survey done by AARP in the fall shows that most older adults are optimistic about...
-2 min readen
Kindness Eases Change
I’ve seen how much power kindness holds, especially during times of change. Retirement often brings new beginnings, but it can also come with significant transitions, shifting routines, changing roles...
-2 min readen
The future is not set in stone
There is a time when forgiveness, love, where hope shine brightest, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties that life may bring. For many, who when younger were filled with high expectations for...
-5 min readen
Finding Meaning in the Face of Adversity
Difficulty is a natural part of life, and for many seniors, it can come in various forms—whether through health challenges, loss of loved ones, financial struggles, or a shift in identity after retire...
-4 min readen
Realistic Steps Toward Freedom and Fulfillment
Remember the classic slogan “Freedom Fifty-Five”? It promised a life of early retirement, comfort, and fun. For most of us today, that might feel more like a dream than reality. Many of us aim for ret...
-3 min readen
Rekindling Friendships: Turning Neglect into Connection
Over time, life’s demands and changes may have caused you to drift away from cherished friends. If you're feeling the sting of neglect or even failure in some relationships, take a deep breath. This i...
-2 min readen
Home is where the heart is.
For many of us, a home is more than just a building; it's a living scrapbook of our lives. It’s where we’ve shared laughter, faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and found peace in moments of soli...
-3 min readen
An optimistic future?
Are you happy? It appears that as we age, we become more optimistic and happy according to a survey done in 2024. A survey done by AARP in the fall shows that most older adults are optimistic about th...
-2 min readen
Talking to Adult Children about money: Balancing Fairness in Unequal Circumstances
Some children are better off than others due to circumstances, life choices or other reasons, but as a parent or a grandparent wanting to help manage family dynamics should try to remember that family...
-2 min readen
The Bank of Mum and Dad can we support Without Straining Relationships
Financial support from parents can be a blessing, but it requires clear boundaries and mutual understanding. The first step is for you to establish what you're willing and able to provide and communic...
-3 min readen
Reduce your risk of falling
Recently I have fallen a few times, and I attended a workshop on falling, and found this information on falling. You may find it useful. The following information is from Canadian Medication Appropria...
-5 min readen
Do You Want to Connect with Your Teenage Grandkids?
My grandson turned 15 and is now a full-fledged teenager. Let’s be real, it's been so long since I was a teenager that I think teenagers are like a foreign species. One minute they’re ignoring you; th...
-2 min readen
Why Shop Local? Support Your Community!
When you shop at a local business, you're not just making a purchase you’re investing in your community. Every dollar you spend helps support local jobs, community events, and the unique character of...
-3 min readen
The road ahead is full...
I came across this quote by Muriel Rukeyser " All the poems of our lives are not yet made". When we retire, some of us want to continue to write the poems of our lives, but others only want to read th...
-4 min readen
Leaving the Couch Behind
Retirement is meant to be a time of freedom and joy, but it’s common to feel stuck or uninspired. If you’ve found yourself spending too much time on the couch, it’s okay, this can change! With a few s...
-6 min readen
Boomers and Gen Xers, Welcome to the Next Big Adventure: Retirement!
In 2025, the last of the Boomers turn 60, and some Gen Xers are hitting the big 5-0. Whether you're considering retirement or already making plans for your golden years, you’ve likely realized this is...
-3 min readen
AND, THEN ITS WINTER
There is a version of this making the rounds on Facebook, and so I thought I would add my own voice to the story. I hope you enjoy. You know, time has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One day you’re...
-4 min readen
Retirement and your mental health 2
If retirement has affected your mental health, you're not alone. Transitioning into retirement can bring about significant changes in lifestyle, identity, and social connections, which can impact ment...
-2 min readen
Retirement and your mental health
If retirement has affected your mental health, you're not alone. Transitioning into retirement can bring about significant changes in lifestyle, identity, and social connections, which can impact ment...
-4 min readen
Hope: The Key to Aging in Place Successfully
Aging in place is not just about where you live, but how you live, and hope is the key. If you wish to age in place, start by assessing your home to ensure it meets your needs as you grow older. Aging...
-4 min readen
Hope is more than just a feeling 2
Unlocking Hope: Navigating Chronic Pain with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Support Chronic pain can feel like an uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, casting a shadow on daily life. But what...
-2 min readen
Hope is more than just a feeling 1
Hope is a critical part of maintaining health and well-being, especially for seniors. For those dealing with chronic pain or illness, hope can come from many sources, including mindfulness, meditation...
-2 min readen
Patience truly is a virtue...
I came across a thought from Caree Risover as she was talking about the renovations to her house. “If retirement has taught us one thing, it is that patience truly is a virtue. I am on a journey throu...
-5 min readen
Finding Meaning in the Face of Adversity
Difficulty is a natural part of life, and for many seniors, it can come in various forms—whether through health challenges, loss of loved ones, financial struggles, or a shift in identity after retire...
-3 min readen
If I get dementia 2
In the workshops that we give to seniors one of the more popular ones is about Dementia. So when the following was posted on Facebook by a cousin of mine l thought the wish list was very well put and...
-4 min readen
If I get dementia 1
The following was posted on Facebook by a cousin of mine, and she got it from Joshua Pettit who is the original author of the post. I add a few wishes to his list at the end. Here is his original wish...
-1 min readen
I love a good online debate....
I have always enjoyed reading quotes that display a fiercely quick wit and a commitment to assessing art and life as honestly as possible. Here are some I think do this well. 1. "In the age of influen...
-2 min readen
Cultivating Hope: A Guide
Retirement is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of a new journey fueled by hope. Retirement can be a challenging transition, but hope can make it an exciting one. Like many who were forced i...
-4 min readen
We are at a crossroads, but the future is still ours
During this turbulent time, you may be thinking about what you can give to your grandchildren. I suggest that give them the gift of a positive outlook on life and the gift of how you love the world. T...
-5 min readen
Things your mother should have told you
I saw this on FaceBook it was posted by Kristie Sutton and I thought it was interesting. 1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripe...
-2 min readen
This ones for my son
My son told me this story and I am passing it on. As a guitarist, my son gets all kinds of gigs, but recently he was dying for a unique one. A funeral director asked him to play at a graveside service...
-4 min readen
Revamp Your Personal Identity in Retirement: A Guide for Seniors
I was recently asked to write an answer to a question about how an executive could rebrand themselves to stay current. I did not accept the offer, but it got me thinking. Retirement is an opportunity...
-2 min readen
The Four Pillars of a Modern Retirement last word (for now)
Social relationships and a sense of purpose can dramatically positively impact health. One of the greatest sources of purpose often comes from spending time with family. Retirees commonly support adul...
-3 min readen
Finance: A Piller of Modern Retirement 5
The financial goal of the vast majority of retirees is not to accumulate wealth in itself but to have sufficient resources to provide security and the freedom to live the lives they want. Many retiree...
-3 min readen
Purpose: A Pillar of Modern Retirement 4
We all need a reason to get up in the morning a sense of purpose. Retirees with a strong sense of purpose are happier, healthier and live longer. They report deriving their strongest sense of purpose...
-4 min readen
Family: A Pillar of Modern Retirement 3
Family relationships are a cornerstone of fulfillment for most retirees. These connections provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging, making them essential for overall well-be...
-5 min readen
Health: A Pillar of Modern Retirement 2
Physical health naturally declines with age, but interestingly, research shows that mental, psychological, and emotional well-being often improves. Despite this positive trend, there is a crucial disc...
-5 min readen
The Four Pillars of Modern Retirement
A study by Age Wave and Edward Jones reveals that more than ever before, retirement is not merely a destination or an endpoint. It begins a new journey with twists, turns, possibilities, and questions...
-1 min readen
Patterns of communications 3
Play Patterns Men Ritual opposition Creates hierarchy. Games have winner/loser -. Status conscious Low competency is painful. Centered around doing rules important. Conflict an important participant o...
-1 min readen
More ideas on effective communications 2
Adaptive Communication Effective communication involves adapting your style to your audience, whether it's a child, a newcomer, a senior, or a boss. Gender differences can add another layer of complex...
-2 min readen
Communication between men and women may be a challenge
If you’ve ever felt that communicating with the opposite gender is like talking to someone from another world, you’re not alone! Gender can influence communication in many contexts, from casual conver...
-4 min readen
10 Tips to Combat Ageism Within an Organization
Nearly 60 years after workplace age discrimination was outlawed, two out of three workers aged 45 to 74 say they have experienced age discrimination at work, according to AARP. A study published in JA...
-6 min readen
Actionable steps to help plan for retirement
As Baby Boomers transition into retirement, ensuring financial security and maintaining good physical and mental health becomes paramount in the face of potential uncertainties. From market fluctuatio...
-4 min readen
With a little help from my friends
Why is it Important to Have Friends? Friends play a key role in a happy and fulfilling life. They provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and contribute to a sense of belonging. Havi...
-2 min readen
Life without continual acts of self-revision would be boring
As a country, Canada has continued to reinvent ourselves as we welcome new arrivals that add to our country's tapestry and find that exciting. As you enter retirement, consider the exciting possibilit...
-3 min readen
Mental illness and seniors
One in five seniors experiences some form of mental illness. When mental health issues aren't addressed, it not only hurts the individual but also places a huge burden on the healthcare system and the...
-2 min readen
Ageing in Place 4
Starting slow and gradually building momentum can be an effective strategy for seniors who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of acting on their ageing-in-place plan. Here are some tips to help seni...
-3 min readen
Ageing in Place 3
Reflecting on the items in a personal plan for aging in place involves thoughtful consideration and prioritization of your needs, goals, and resources. Here's a guide on how to reflect and prioritize...
-3 min readen
Ageing in Place 2
A personalized plan for aging in place should encompass various aspects of daily living, health care, social support, and safety measures. Here are key elements that should be included in such a plan:...
-2 min readen
Ageing in place
Are you among the many Canadian seniors who cherish staying in your home for as long as possible? It's a sentiment shared by a growing number of individuals, with Canadians now living longer lives, so...
-4 min readen
The Four Pillars of Modern Retirement
A study by Age Wave and Edward Jones reveals that more than ever before, retirement is not merely a destination or an endpoint. It begins a new journey with twists, turns, possibilities, and questions...
-5 min readen
Actionable steps to help plan for retirement
As Baby Boomers transition into retirement, ensuring financial security and maintaining good physical and mental health becomes paramount in the face of potential uncertainties. From market fluctuatio...
-3 min readen
Mental illness and seniors
One in five seniors experiences some form of mental illness. When mental health issues aren't addressed, it not only hurts the individual but also places a huge burden on the healthcare system and the...
-1 min readen
More ideas on effective communications
Adaptive Communication Effective communication involves adapting your style to your audience, whether it's a child, a newcomer, a senior, or a boss. Gender differences can add another layer of complex...
-4 min readen
10 Tips to Combat Ageism Within an Organization
Nearly 60 years after workplace age discrimination was outlawed, two out of three workers aged 45 to 74 say they have experienced age discrimination at work, according to AARP. A study published in JA...
-2 min readen
Life without continual acts of self-revision would be boring
What is Canada? We celebrate our country and how it has changed to be a more caring place. As a country, we have and continue to reinvent ourselves as we welcome new arrivals that add to our country's...
-1 min readen
Patterns of communications
Play Patterns Men Ritual opposition Creates hierarchy. Games have winner/loser -. Status conscious Low competency is painful. Centered around doing rules important. Conflict an important participant o...
-2 min readen
Communication between men and women may be a challenge
If you’ve ever felt that communicating with the opposite gender is like talking to someone from another world, you’re not alone! Gender can influence communication in many contexts, from casual conver...
-4 min readen
With a little help from my friends
Why is it Important to Have Friends? Friends play a key role in a happy and fulfilling life. They provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and contribute to a sense of belonging. Havi...
-4 min readen
Revamp Your Personal Identity in Retirement: A Guide for Seniors
I was recently asked to write an answer to a question about how an executive could rebrand themselves to stay current. I did not accept the offer, but it got me thinking. Retirement is an opportunity...
-3 min readen
Supporting Food Banks: Spring into action
As the spring sun warms our days and invites us to relax and unwind, it's easy to forget that for many families, the season's ease doesn't extend to their dinner tables. While picnics, barbecues, and...
-4 min readen
Loss of a loved one
I recently lost my brother-in-law, and my wife lost the last member of her family. Losing a close family member is one of the most profound and painful experiences of our lives. As we navigate the com...
-1 min readen
Creativity where dreams take flight
In the realm where dreams take flight, Creativity ignites the darkest night. It's the spark that lights the fire, New ideas soaring ever higher. From the human heart, it springs, A need to grow on joy...
-2 min readen
The creative process of and gardening 3
Ultimately, both gardening and creative endeavours are about beauty and expression. They allow individuals to cultivate something meaningful, whether it's a lush garden or a captivating piece of art o...
-2 min readen
The creative process of and gardening 2
Both gardening and the creative process have seasonal cycles. There are times of intense activity and productivity, as well as periods of rest and reflection. Seasonal cycles in the creative process a...
-2 min readen
The creative process of and gardening 1
Gardeners start with seeds or young plants; creatives (in this case, poets, painters and prose writers) begin with ideas. These ideas can be tiny seeds that grow into full-fledged projects. In gardeni...
-2 min readen
The Spark of Creativity
In the depths of our minds, a flame burns bright, A spark of creativity, waiting to take flight. It's the need to grow, to expand and elevate, To bring innovation to the world, and participate. Creati...
-2 min readen
Using YouTube for learning about Tech for seniors
Technology and gadgets YouTube channels tailored for seniors can be immensely helpful in introducing seniors to where they can learn new tech trends, devices, and digital skills. Go to YouTube and sea...
-3 min readen
Growing up in the land that made me eh!
Long ago and far away, in a land both vast and free, Before the days of Bieber or the reign of CBC. There lived a kinder, simpler folk, and they were you and me, For Dief was in Ottawa in the land tha...
-2 min readen
As retrirement approaches
As retirement approaches, it's natural to feel a bit apprehensive, especially during times of economic uncertainty, such as market fluctuations and potential government shutdowns. To retire confidentl...
-3 min readen
The Power of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Innovation
As we grow older, we often forget the joy and creativity that comes with play. As adults, we tend to approach our work with a sense of seriousness and structure, leaving little room for creativity and...
-3 min readen
Walking for Fun
As I reflect on my own experiences, I am reminded of the profound impact that walking has had on my life. Unfortunately, a recent injury has hindered my ability to walk, leaving me to reminisce about...
-3 min readen
20 years and counting
I retired in 2006, 19 years ago. I worked on and off for another 8 years for pay but stopped working for pay in 2014, so this is my 11th year in full retirement. It's worth considering that your retir...
-3 min readen
Youtube channels for staying healthy for seniors
YouTube offers a wealth of wellness content specifically tailored for seniors, covering a range of topics such as fitness workouts, mindfulness practices, nutrition tips, and overall well-being. Many...
-2 min readen
YouTube and Gardening 2
This is a continuation of the list of great YouTube channels for seniors who want to learn more about gardening. 6. Gardening Know-How: This channel offers a wide range of gardening tutorials, tips, a...