Tapestry at Victoria Harbour chosen for international research project
At Tapestry we are constantly striving to improve our offerings and services to deliver the best experience for people who choose to make their home with us. We’re proud of our beautifully designed and well-appointed communities, our qualified and caring employees, our unique and ever-evolving programs, our top-notch culinary experiences, and the industry recognition we have received for the quality and impact of our work.
Recently, that industry recognition led to a unique opportunity for our residents and employees. Tapestry at Victoria Harbour was both proud and honoured to be one of only three seniors’ communities, and the only community in Canada, selected to participate in a joint research project exploring how older adults find joy through physical activity and inter-connection.
The project is being led by researchers at the University of Ottawa and Simon Fraser University with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) as a partner. The goal of the study is to enhance active aging education to inspire more people in the general population to become more active and inter-active now, and as they age.
Researchers were on site at Tapestry the first week of September 2024 to participate in planned activities with residents, and to observe and interview residents as part of their data gathering.
The team said they selected Tapestry at Victoria Harbour for the study because of our award-winning reputation as an active aging seniors’ community.
Amber Reis, General Manager, says she was filled with pride that the community was chosen to participate in the study. “We are going into our fourth year of operation, and we’ve been building our wellness culture from day one, so being selected for this was a confirmation that all our team’s hard work is paying off,” she says. Amber adds that the researchers also noted how involved and invested Tapestry residents are in contributing to the culture of wellness.
Amber says the residents approached participation in the study with “total curiosity” and based on the feedback she’s received they now have a thirst to understand and learn more. “This has just started the conversation,” she says.
“It was a fabulous week, and it was so much fun,” says Brenda, who is one of Tapestry’s Resident Ambassadors and also a member of the advisory board for this research project. “The more you did with the researchers, and the more you engaged, the more you wanted to,” she says.
Brenda adds that she found the research topic fascinating. “It really is such an integral part of why we get up in the morning and turn out in numbers for our fitness classes,” she says. “There is the joy of making yourself more fit, the interaction with others, and the noise of all the connections before class. It really made me think about why I go to exercise class,” she adds.
Brenda also says that having the community where she lives chosen for the study was a source of pride for her and for her fellow residents. “The researchers are such esteemed professionals in their field, and to have them here was such a coup,” Brenda says. “I think the residents wanted to be part of that and to show off how things are done here at Tapestry,” she adds.
At Tapestry, we align everything we do to the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, a science-backed approach which includes physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational wellness.
We see evidence every day that this holistic approach to wellness helps older adults live more active and fulfilling lifestyles, and ultimately leads to a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life.
We make it easy for you to maintain or improve your wellness, with everything from group programs and activities to customized, individual physical fitness coaching. Our qualified and caring employees will work with you to design a program that works best for you.
If you are curious about what makes any one of our communities award-winning, and whether Tapestry is the right fit for you, please contact us and ask about our move-in incentives. We would also be pleased to host you for lunch and a tour.
We invite you to review media coverage related to this research study:
