Located in one of Nova Scotia’s most vibrant university town, Parkland Antigonish captures the neighbourly charm and global perspective Antigonish is known for. Parkland is a community full of incredible people who love to share their stories and talents with team members and their fellow residents.

Sheila Redden is a St. Francis Xavier alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1968. From there, Sheila went to teach in Malawi, Africa and then became a member of The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. “My time at university was an awakening to adult life. We were expected to be responsible to make good use of time and resources for future use and to take initiative to contribute to make the world a better place.” St. Francis Xavier is known for being a small, supportive campus that offers academic and social benefits. St. FX has a long and proud tradition as one of Canada’s oldest universities. For 170 years, they have committed to engaging students who aspire to be community-minded global citizens.

When asked what kind of advice Sheila would give a new graduate she said, “Be grateful for your university experience and be determined to share your knowledge and experience to lighten those with whom you will be working with and to make them realize that they too have gifts and talents to share with others.”

In 2022, Sheila and her husband made the choice to move to Parkland Antigonish. “My husband and I had reached an age where the ordinary daily tasks were becoming too much to cope with.” Parkland offers residents a carefree lifestyle with spacious and accessible common areas, delicious restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and linen services, a wellness centre and salon, shuttle service and more. At Parkland, residents can relax knowing that the buildings have been designed and constructed to promote a healthy and active “aging in place” philosophy. Comfort, safety, security, and enjoyment are always top priorities.

Sheila spends her days walking in the beautiful Bethany Centennial Gardens and playing music for the other residents. “Parkland has provided me the opportunity to go walking and there are rooms with pianos where I can practice. Parkland also sets up schedules of activities to which I can contribute. I like to attend exercise classes and I enjoy the musical entertainment brought in and added to the schedule.” Sheila is also part of the Gardening Club where she can plant flowers around the property. The Harmony Wellness program creates customized seniors’ activities and programs designed to stimulate residents’ mind, body, and soul. The regularly scheduled onsite social activities and organized events cater to the interests among the residents.

When Sheila isn’t busy with friends or activities, she likes to do jigsaw puzzles, sudoku and crossword puzzles from the daily paper. “What I like most about retirement is being able to choose when to do things or meet with friends and the time to read, knit, crochet, or other crafts.” Whether you’re interested in socializing, arts and culture, fitness, or all of the above in retirement, you will find everything at Parkland has been designed to keep you doing what you love.

We’re excited to share more about Parkland with you through a personalized, in-person tour. Each tour will be guided by the Lifestyle Consultant who is an expert in the community and dedicated to helping residents choose their level of carefree lifestyle in retirement. “Come for a visit and check it out! There is something for everybody.” say Sheila.

Book a tour at any of our Parkland communities.