Strength in Community: A new monthly column from the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta

By Niki Gray on March 3, 2026.

Community doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built intentionally through resilience, collaboration and the countless acts of generosity that happen quietly every day.

This monthly column will highlight stories of inspiration, resilience, collaboration, innovation, shared purpose and impact. Its purpose is to share with the Southeast Alberta region how the charitable sector and philanthropy through partnership play a role in community building. Readers will hear stories of grassroot innovations, local leadership, inspiring volunteerism, and regional initiatives that are driving positive change.

I am pleased to begin with a topic that will increasingly shape our region’s future: supporting older adults. While I don’t claim to be an expert on aging, I work closely with organizations dedicated to supporting older adults, and their insights deeply inform this article.

Alberta is experiencing a rapidly aging province which is already putting pressure on workforce participation, the healthcare system, community services, and more. According to the Government of Alberta, the percentage of those aged 65 and older is expected to rise from 16% of the province’s population in 2023 to 20% by 2051. This demographic shift means we must think differently about how our communities support purpose, connection, and well-being for older adults.

Riley Moynes, the author of The Four Phases of Retirement: What to Expect When You’re Retiring, says it best. As a society, we play a vital role to support retirees in helping them get from phase one of retirement to phase four as quickly as possible. Phase one is considered the Vacation Phase.

Here you are embracing your freedom and the shackles from the day-to-day work routine. Not waking up to an alarm clock, having opportunities to reconnect with old friends, enjoying slow mornings, and hopefully experiencing a little travel. Phase two, considered to be the most challenging, is the Lost and Loss Phase. By this time, you may be experiencing some fear, anxiety, and even depression.

The loss of routine, sense of identity, or purpose can leave some feeling quite anxious and can risk getting “stuck” in this phase. Phase three is the Trial and Error Phase. For those who have transitioned out of phase two, they are seeking new and exciting endeavors while asking themselves, “What’s next and how do I get there?”

They begin pursuing past or new interests, often activities that they were good at or loved to do – this is often where a lot of our community volunteers come from! Phase four is the Reinvent and Rewire Phase. The title of this phase reminds me of a quote from a Calgary Top 7 Over 70â„¢ recipient who said, “Don’t Retire – Rewire!”

This phase is where retirees can start getting the most out of their retirement. Seeking meaningful opportunities to find purpose, satisfaction, and gratification can lead to the most fulfilling part of some older adults’ lives – or so I’m told.

These reflections raise important questions about how well our communities support older adults. “Does my community provide opportunities for meaningful cross-generational engagement?”, “Are there activities gauged toward adults where transportation is not a barrier?” and “What is my community doing to address social isolation for older adults?”

Across southeast Alberta, senior-focused organizations are working every day to reduce social isolation, improve access to services, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Top 7 Over 70â„¢ Canada is a unique awards program offering something a little different to help inspire retirees to find their way to phase four.

Founded by renowned Albertan, oil patch pioneer, and engaged philanthropist Jim Gray, the Top 7 Over 70â„¢ initiative is a national awards program celebrating innovative or new achievements after the age of 70. Awards like this remind us that impact, innovation, and leadership don’t have an age limit.

Fortunately for our region, we have a local organization who has partnered with Top 7 Over 70â„¢ Canada to honour outstanding individuals across southeast Alberta! The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta will be accepting nominations for the 2026 awards program as of Mar. 2 with an Awards Gala to be held on Oct. 14, 2026. To learn more, feel free to call the Community Foundation office at 403-527-9038.

For anyone planning for retirement or navigating its early stages, I encourage you to explore the many local organizations supporting older adults. From the Veiner Centre’s Meals on Wheels program and ongoing activities to Medicine Hat Family Service’s accessible mental health supports, dedicated people are showing up every day to help older adults stay connected and supported.

Please reach out, get involved and stay engaged because building a strong community is something we do together.

Niki Gray is executive director of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta