Making waves beyond 70

How do you envision retirement? For many, the image includes warm days on the waves, fishing rod in hand, or traversing historical sites in far-flung places. Certainly, most adults think about retirement as enjoying the gift of time — time to spend on long-lost hobbies, time with their loved ones, and time to reflect, rest, and observe.

When you’re mid-career, balancing work, family, and everything in between, the notion of doing nothing can feel like the ultimate luxury.

And it is. For a while, anyway. 

For a great many retirees, this new chapter brings a renewed sense of purpose. The gift of time offers the freedom to explore new pursuits, expand their knowledge, and dedicate their talents and many skills acquired through their lives toward making a positive difference in their community.

Too often, the contributions of older adults fly under the radar — their wisdom and experience overshadowed by society’s focus on youth and innovation. Thankfully, organizations like InterGen have paved the way to shine a light on older adults who continue to make profound contributions to our community.

By creating a platform to match entrepreneurs with established business leaders, InterGen has built a network of mentors, peer support workshops, and opportunities to encourage growth and development of new business ventures. Since its inception, InterGen’s initiatives have contributed millions of dollars to Alberta’s next-generation economy, a remarkable testament to the enduring value of community and intergenerational connection.

80 is the new 65

In conjunction with InterGen, local business magnate Jim Gray and the founders established the Top 7 Over 70 program to celebrate the achievements and dedication of individuals over the age of 70 who have made outstanding contributions to business, science, arts and culture, education, health, and philanthropy. Recipients of the Top 7 Over 70 awards are selected by a committee of respected community leaders who recognize the impact individuals continue to make well into their later years, proving that innovation, leadership, and passion know no age limit. 

And while many of the honourees themselves are experts and leaders in their respective fields, many are ordinary people who have found purpose in helping others.

Take Ron Freckleton for example: after the loss of his wife Joanie to Alzheimer’s disease, Ron found solace in writing about their journey, eventually publishing a book Our Time to Say Goodbye, and donating the proceeds to the Alzheimer Calgary. Finding connection to others with similar stories, Ron found his purpose: to become an advocate for those affected by dementia.

Now 92, Ron has doubled his efforts in fundraising initiatives. He serves as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer Calgary Walk and Run fundraiser, organizes Walker’s Walk events throughout the city, and grows dahlias for an adopt-a-dahlia program at his home at Trinity Lodge, fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society. “Looking back, I wish I would have accepted the support offered to me while Joanie was progressing,” Ron reflects. “Now as an advocate, I can share my story and give back to my community. It keeps Joanie close to me, and it motivates me to keep going.”

Small ripples, big waves

Angela Elia, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at United, alongside the team at Trinity Lodge, led the campaign for Ron’s nomination to Top 7 Over 70. “There were so many people willing to step up to support Ron’s nomination,” Angela recalls. “Getting to know Ron during the process, it was easy to see why. He goes out of his way to make you feel seen. It’s no small feat to turn grief into hope, but Ron chose this path with purpose and the best of intentions. He’s inspired so many people to seek support, and to support others in turn.” Angela smiles, “I’ll never be able to look at a dahlia and not think of Ron.”

The Top 7 Over 70 Awards are certainly cause for celebration. The program aligns closely with Intergen’s mission to create a multigenerational ecosystem that strengthens Calgary’s economic landscape. Each October, honourees and their guests gather at the Top 7 Over 70 gala to connect with fellow alumni, share their stories, amplify their causes, and inspire others to give back.

United Active Living team members attended the 2025 Top 7 Over 70 gala as a sponsor. “Top 7 Over 70 aligns perfectly with United’s values,” says Kelly Johanssen, VP Operations. “So many older adults remain highly involved in their broader community, and as a forward-thinking organization, we believe in celebrating older adults who are leading the way and making our city a better place.”

Kim McConnell, one of the Top 7 Over 70 Chairs, supported Ron throughout the nomination process and during the gala. “Ron Freckleton exemplifies everything that the Top 7 Over 70 program stands for. He leads through his actions, and he knows how to make the community and everyone around him stronger. He’s an inspiration to everyone — young and old.”

Closing out the gala, host Dave Kelly reflects on Ron’s wisdom, “When speaking to Ron, he couldn’t tell me the dollar amount of the funds he’s raised, but what is incredibly apparent is how he creates connections and raises up the community with love, which is really what the Top 7 Over 70 is all about — you can see the impact Ron makes by the size of his cheering section here tonight!”

One thing is for sure: there’s more to look forward to in retirement than a fishing trip: it can be your chance to make waves — or maybe even build the boat that carries others forward.