A Friendship That Began at the Gym
Ruth and Rena’s friendship began shortly after retirement, sparked by a simple decision to stay active and embrace a new season of life.
After retiring at 60, Ruth wasted no time finding her next routine. “I retired at 60 and the next week, I was signed up at a gym,” she recalls.
It was there that she met Rena. The two quickly discovered they lived in the same area and began walking home together after workouts. Those walks soon turned into long conversations and, over time, a deep and lasting friendship.
Together, they built a rhythm of regular gym visits, walks, and shared outings to movies and the opera. “Our likes were very alike,” Rena says.
Even after both of their husbands passed away within months of one another, they continued leaning into the friendship and routines that brought them joy and connection.
“We started going to movies and then we went to the opera… and of course, we always went to the gym three times a week.”
Through life’s changes and challenges, their friendship became a source of strength, companionship, and shared joy.
Navigating Loss and COVID Together
Ruth and Rena’s friendship grew even deeper after their husbands passed away within months of one another. Navigating widowhood at nearly the same time created a quiet understanding between them, one shaped by shared grief, changing routines, and learning how to move forward after loss.
Rather than retreating inward, they leaned on each other. They continued going to the gym three times a week, spent evenings at the movies and the opera, and remained committed to staying engaged with life together.
Then came COVID-19, bringing a different kind of challenge.
Both women describe themselves as “very social animals,” energized by community, conversation, and being around others. “For people like us who like to be with people, who like to do things, that was tough,” Ruth says.
Like many people, the isolation and restrictions were difficult. But even during that season of uncertainty, they continued supporting one another through it all.
From Skeptics to Residents
Ironically, the community Ruth and Rena now call home is one they once opposed.
When construction first began on Wisteria Place, some nearby residents were hesitant about the development. Ruth and Rena signed a petition against it almost casually — until curiosity led them to take a closer look.
“We decided we should go and have a look at what we signed against,” Rena says with a laugh.
As they walked home from the gym, they watched the building slowly take shape. Ruth would joke, “Would you like to go and look at our property?” Before long, the two were touring muddy construction sites and chatting with workers, who kept telling them, “You’d love it.”
Then one day, Ruth spotted the first advertisement for the community in the local newspaper.
“I gave it about two minutes thought, and I signed up,” she says. “I didn’t tell my kids.”
What appealed to her most was simple and practical: the community was brand new, close to home, and had an in-suite washer and dryer. “That really cinched it,” she says.
Ruth immediately called Rena, who soon toured the community and signed up as well.
At first, their children were surprised by the decision. “They were absolutely spellbound,” Ruth recalls. But over time, their families came to appreciate the thoughtful planning behind the move. By downsizing early and choosing a community that supported their lifestyle and independence, Ruth and Rena helped ease future responsibilities for their loved ones.
“Now they can’t thank me enough because they realized how much of the responsibility I’ve taken off them.”
Moving In and Moving Forward
Rena moved in first, on October 4. Ruth followed on October 26.
Downsizing meant adjusting. Both had lived in larger apartments before. Ruth admits she would “die for an extra cupboard,” but neither misses the excess space.
“Who needs a lot of space?” she shrugs.
Instead, they gained proximity to each other, to the park, and to a built-in social circle. Rena had already been driving to a nearby gym to stay close to Ruth when they lived apart. Now, community life happens just downstairs.
An International Family
Life at Wisteria Place offers daily opportunities for connection. At three o’clock each afternoon, residents gather for coffee, tea, and biscuits. Outings are organized regularly, from local Japanese and Chinese restaurants to special meals at Seasons in the Park. If five or six people sign up, the bus goes. There’s always a staff member along for support, and the driver, Jerry, is a familiar and trusted presence.
“We’re an international family here,” Ruth says. “It’s very good. It’s great.”
They appreciate that programming caters to a wide range of interests, intellects, and physical abilities. Participation is always a choice, never an obligation. Staff pay attention, gently encouraging those who might benefit from doing a little more.
“Even as people deteriorate or lose some of their facilities, it’s all addressed,” Rena says. “It’s great.”
Friendship at 98
Despite nearly 40 years of friendship, Ruth and Rena say they’ve never truly had a fight.
“We’ve had a couple of differences of opinion,” Ruth says. “But we have so many interests in common. And she’s a good friend. If I need a hug, she’s there.”
Their friendship is reflected in the small, thoughtful gestures that have become part of everyday life. Rena delivers Ruth’s newspaper each morning because she knows Ruth likes to wake up early. When Ruth’s son once stayed overnight, Rena made sure breakfast was waiting for him the next day.
Even now, their days remain full and active. On sunny afternoons, they enjoy browsing local shops, walking through the park, and stopping to greet familiar faces throughout the community. Staying active has remained an important part of both of their lives for decades.
Their story is a reminder that independence and connection can go hand in hand. Together, Ruth and Rena have built a life filled with friendship, routine, laughter, and the comfort of knowing someone who truly cares is never far away.