Forever Young Festival brings Stratford seniors to centre stage with music, dance and community connection

Seniors and staff from the Chartwell Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence pose in Market Square during the Forever Young Festival on June 20.

The Forever Young Festival on June 20 turned back the clock at Market Square with a celebration of seniors that featured music, movement and a strong sense of community spirit. 

What once began as an idea that general manager Chylynne Clements and her team from Chartwell Anne Hathaway Retirement Residence thought of, became a reality as the community banded together to make it happen.

“Planning an event of this scale is truly a meeting of the minds. Obviously, we are working on many different organizations and everyone in Stratford has been so kind and uplifting when you present them with an idea,” said Clements. “Everyone understands the need for events like this and the happiness it brings. We really try to make people’s lives better and when we all come together, we help fulfill that vision.”

The event attracted staff and seniors from the Anne Hathaway residence along with members from the community. Market Square echoed with musical notes from the George Brown Band and seniors celebrated with community organizers by hitting the dance floor. 

Clements said that it is vital for seniors in retirement to socialize and stay active to relieve them of an environment that propels them to feel isolation and disconnection. Communities coming together plays a crucial role in ensuring seniors continue to maintain a healthy mental well-being. 

“I think there is sometimes a stigma associated with retirement living and we’re really trying to bring to the community that retirement living is an active community every single day of the week,” said Clements. “It’s a good opportunity as this is something that’s overlooked sometimes. We want to ease the seniors in a retirement setting so that these folks can go back to their golden years.” 

Clements said that Market Square was the perfect location to bring the event to its potential. As the most central point in the city, traffic would be high for anyone interested in taking part in the celebration. 

“I can’t tell you an aspect of my role at Chartwell that I don’t like. Every single day is a new adventure, it’s a new interaction, it’s a new meeting,” said Clements. “We’re changing people’s lives for the better and I can’t say that I have one specific part of my role that I enjoy best, but every aspect is good in its own way.” 

The Forever Young Festival reminded Stratford that seniors provide the heartbeat of the community. With joy, music and togetherness, their golden years are shining brighter than ever.