When Marion Travis, 62, decided to move to Touchmark at Wedgewood almost two years ago, she was looking for peace of mind and a sense of community. “There are less worries here. If I need something, there’s someone who can help, and there’s always someone new to meet and talk to.”
Choosing a community in a familiar part of the city and close to her three children was also a huge benefit for Marion, especially after her husband Wesley passed away. “There’s no point in being sad. I want to keep busy and try to keep moving.”
Originally from England and interested in traveling abroad, Marion worked temporarily as a nanny. This adventure led her to Alberta, Canada, where she met her husband of 35 years. They made their home in Edmonton’s west end to be near Wesley’s family. Marion then went to work as a Radiation Therapist at the Cross Cancer Institute until she retired two years ago. Though she has eased into and enjoys the relaxation of retired life, she makes sure she remains active every day.
“I take my 12-year-old-dog Kodi on long walks twice a day. I also just set up my Bowflex® gym and elliptical in my basement so I can improve my cardio and fight joint stiffness—three times a week.”
Marion also still enjoys golfing once a week, a pastime she and Wesley used to enjoy together. “I am part of a golf league at the Stony Plain Golf Course, and I’m looking forward to participating in this year’s Touchmark Golf Tournament. Golf is like gambling. There’s just that one good shot that keeps bringing me back each time.”
During the winter months, Marion heads south to her second home in Arizona, where she has recently taken up tennis. “My sister-in-law got me into the sport. It’s fun to hit the ball around, but honestly sometimes we have more fun talking than we do playing,” she laughs.
While physical activity is an integral part of Marion’s lifestyle, keeping fit mentally is equally vital to her routine. “It’s important to keep your mind healthy and active. I love trivia and games, and I volunteer in the Touchmark store and every Wednesday as a caller for bingo. I also sing in the Touchmark Glee Club as an alto-soprano, though it really depends on the key as to which way I go.”
Marion is also enjoying some of the new experiences her new community has to offer. For example, at a recent creative workshop, she made a terrarium, and she volunteers as a porter when residents living in the long-term care neighborhood go shopping.
“I don’t want to be a couch potato,” exclaims Marion.
Her top tips for active aging? “Find something that you enjoy. Find something that gets you out. And find something that gets you socializing.”