Organizations offer housing insight.
As Calgary looks toward 2026, the conversation around seniors housing continues to evolve in important and meaningful ways. What was once defined primarily by care and accommodation is now shaped by a growing expectation for purpose, connection, and opportunity. Today’s seniors are increasingly seeking communities that support not only their health, but their desire to remain engaged, curious, and connected to the city around them. Organizations such as Trico LivingWell and the Brenda Strafford Foundation offer valuable insight into how senior living in Calgary is responding to these changing expectations.
“Today’s seniors are not looking to slow down—they’re looking to live well, stay curious, and remain connected,” says Kelsey Clarke, Executive Director of Trico LivingWell. This perspective reflects a broader shift being seen across the sector, where residents are choosing communities that prioritize wellness, lifelong learning, and meaningful engagement as part of everyday life.
Wellness and longevity are increasingly viewed as foundational to community living rather than supplemental programming. “Residents want communities that support physical health, mental wellness, emotional balance, and social connection—not as an add-on, but as a core philosophy,” Clarke explains.
At Trico LivingWell, this philosophy is supported through the WELL Building Standard, which places people at the centre of design and operations, focusing on how living environments actively support long-term health, comfort, and quality of life. This holistic view of wellbeing is echoed by the Brenda Strafford Foundation, where seniors are seeking communities that support independence, purpose, and overall quality of life.
There is strong interest in therapeutic recreation, meaningful social connection, and technology that enhances daily living. Technology, in particular, is increasingly seen as an enabler rather than a barrier —supporting independence, facilitating virtual health appointments, and helping residents stay connected with family, friends, and the broader community.
Across both organizations, leisure and recreation programming continues to play a critical role in fostering engagement and belonging.
At Trico LivingWell, programs that blend movement, purpose, and social connection have seen the strongest participation. Live music and High Tea experiences have become consistent favourites.
“These programs resonate because they combine social connection, sensory engagement, and joy—all essential components of wellbeing,” says Clarke. Live music, in particular, has a unique ability to bring people together. “Residents often describe music as energizing and emotionally grounding,” she adds, noting that these experiences are inclusive across varying levels of mobility and independence.
High Tea has also become a signature experience, offering residents something to anticipate and enjoy together. Beyond the presentation and food, the experience fosters conversation, a sense of occasion, and emotional connection—elements that are increasingly recognized as essential to quality of life.
Similarly, the Brenda Strafford Foundation reports strong engagement in live entertainment, concerts, group fitness programs, creative activities, and social events. These programs remain popular because they encourage participation, connection, and a sense of belonging while supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.
Another significant trend shaping seniors housing is the desire to remain connected to the broader community. Both Trico LivingWell and the Brenda Strafford Foundation emphasize the importance of programming that extends beyond community walls.
Outings to concerts, theatre performances, restaurants, shopping centres, and scenic drives help residents maintain independence and a sense of connection to the city they call home.
As Sandi Knox, Private Choice Care Liaison at Wentworth Manor notes, “Programming beyond the walls of our communities is especially meaningful for residents. It helps people stay connected to the city they love.”
Community engagement also includes participation in meaningful causes. At Trico LivingWell, involvement in the Alzheimer Calgary Walk & Run has become an annual tradition that brings residents, families, and employees together to fundraise and advocate, fostering a shared sense of purpose and connection.
Intergenerational programming continues to be another important contributor to vibrant community life. Trico LivingWell’s partnership with a local daycare creates regular opportunities for interaction across generations, bringing energy, empathy, and shared learning into the community.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation has seen similar benefits through intergenerational initiatives, including post-secondary students who live and volunteer at Wentworth Manor. “Intergenerational experiences bring fresh energy, shared learning, and meaningful connection that enrich daily life for everyone involved,” Knox says.
Underlying these approaches is a shared commitment to quality, accountability, and trust. Accreditation plays an important role in providing reassurance to residents and families.
For the Brenda Strafford Foundation, accreditation offers peace of mind through accountability, ongoing evaluation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As Knox explains, “Accreditation provides peace of mind, knowing there is accountability, ongoing evaluation, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.”
Clarke echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that accreditation is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing responsibility. “At its core, accreditation reinforces trust,” she says.
As the seniors housing sector in Calgary looks ahead to 2026, the direction is clear. Communities that prioritize wellness, meaningful engagement, community connection, and continuous improvement are helping redefine what it means to age well.
Through thoughtful design, responsive programming, and a commitment to quality, organizations like Trico LivingWell and the Brenda Strafford Foundation are shaping a future where seniors housing supports not only longevity, but vitality, purpose, and belonging.
