Mental wellness is a lifelong journey

Project 11 brings mental health resources to seniors

When Project 11 learned Riverwood Square Retirement Living was looking for ways to encourage conversations about mental health among residents, they immediately agreed to help. Although their lessons were originally created for youth, the Project 11 team knew their resources and tools could also help seniors.

“Seniors, like youth, benefit from opportunities to reflect, connect, and build emotional resilience,” said Suzi Friesen, Director of Educational Programs for the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF). “After hearing that Riverwood staff were looking for meaningful ways to engage residents in conversations about emotional well-being, we embraced the opportunity to introduce our lessons in a new setting.”

Riverwood is the first retirement home that Project 11 has partnered with to bring mental health resources to seniors. Since starting their partnership two years ago, Riverwood residents have participated in Project 11 lessons by watching videos, reflecting on prompts, and creating their own activities inspired by the curriculum. Project 11 has visited Riverwood several times, along with special guests Ace Burpee and Mick E. Moose, and has connected residents with students from kindergarten to Grade 12 to discuss mental wellness.

“That intergenerational visit was a highlight, seeing young people learn from the wisdom of seniors and vice versa, was incredibly heartwarming,” said Friesen. “There’s something very powerful about creating intergenerational conversations around wellness, it brings purpose to both sides.”

“It was great to share our experiences as seniors with the students,” said Riverwood resident Joyce. “We never had access to supports when we were young, so this program is beneficial for people of all ages because it encourages inclusivity.”

Participating Riverwood residents found it refreshing to have a space where it’s okay to talk about feelings, memories, and purpose, especially since many of them wouldn’t have had an opportunity to do so growing up. It helped spark conversations long after the lessons ended.

“Mental health awareness should absolutely be taught in retirement homes, because mental health was never talked about when they were younger,” said Brian, a staff member at Riverwood who noticed the difference among residents after a few Project 11 sessions. “There was more general concern and empathy amongst the seniors. They would ask questions about their days and how they were feeling.”

Seniors, especially those in care homes, can struggle with feelings of loneliness, grief, and a loss of identity, independence and memory, making it extremely important to encourage conversations and provide resources on mental health.

“It helps to talk knowing that others feel the same way sometimes,” said Peggy, a Riverwood resident who also participated in the Project 11 sessions with youth. “It made me feel more comfortable getting help if I needed it.”

Project 11 offers simple, accessible tools, like journaling and affirmations, that can help residents reflect on emotions, celebrate strengths, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Project 11 and Riverwood staff work together to adapt and evolve lessons based on resident’s need and interests.

“Riverwood’s openness, creativity, and shared belief in preventative mental health made them the perfect fit for this partnership,” said Friesen. “We’re deeply interested in continuing to form connections with care and retirement homes because we believe that mental wellness is lifelong.”

To learn more about Project 11, visit projecteleven.ca.