5 Reasons Why Whitby Is a Great Place for Senior Living
Published on November 8, 2019
Are you or your loved one looking for the perfect place to retire? Whitby is a wonderful option to choose! The town of Whitby recently joined the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities, which makes retirement homes in Whitby some of the most sought-after senior living communities. Whitby ranks 55th out of a total of 415 communities reviewed in the country! Additionally, the municipality prides itself on offering various events for seniors throughout downtown Whitby and the surrounding areas to help seniors build new relationships with others in the community and help them stay active and engaged. Are you considering Whitby for senior living? Here are five reasons why this town is a great place to retire.
1. Indoor Attractions for Seniors: Theatres, Museums, and More
There are many aspects about Whitby that make it an age-friendly community for seniors. The town supports physical and social environments that help seniors have active, safe, and meaningful lives. Aside from the wonderful outdoor spaces and community support programs available to seniors, there are also plenty of indoor venues to enjoy, such as the Iroquois Park Sports Centre, various escape rooms, Putting Edge, Reptilia Zoo and Education Centre, or Sky Zone with the grandkids. There are also many museums, art galleries, and theatres to visit including the Station Gallery, Lynde House Museum, and the Whitby Courthouse Theatre.
2. Popular Whitby Parks and Trails
Another benefit of senior living in Whitby is the proximity to parks and trails. There are over 60 kilometres of trails, parks, and greenspaces scattered around the town, including the Iroquois Beach Park, Kiwanis Heydenshore Park, Lions Promenade, and Whitby Harbour. Wherever you live, there will always be an open space, beach, or parkland close by for you to enjoy. The scenic location on Lake Ontario makes it a great place to explore in the summer or take an evening stroll in the spring or fall. The Port Whitby Marina is also a beautiful location nearby for walking, biking, or having a meal.
3. Whitby’s Annual Events
All year round there are various events held in the town of Whitby and opportunities for seniors to get explore the surrounding towns in Southern Ontario. Some of the annual Whitby events held by the town include:
Brooklyn Spring Fair (early June)
Heber Down and Lynde Shores Conservative Areas (seasonal)
Art exhibitions, special events, workshops, and more at Station Gallery
Downtown special events
Crafts and Collectibles Shows
Live Music at Rotary Centennial Park
County Town Carnival (late June)
Theatre Productions
The Santa Claus Parade
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
There are also a range of trips and travel events organized by Whitby Seniors Services in partnership with Lakeshore Tours and Travel, such as trips to Niagara Falls, Caledonia, Muskoka, Toronto, Buffalo, Bobcaygeon, and more.
Make sure to check with your retirement community to see if there are any special events or trips planned for community members to local attractions, sporting events, and cultural spots.
4. Shopping at Whitby’s Farmers’ Market
Whitby’s Farmers’ Market is also a great feature of the town when the weather permits. Since 1997, the market has been offering local produce, baked goods, and hand-crafted items made by local sellers. It runs every Wednesday from May 8 to October 16, which means for a good chunk of the year, seniors can enjoy fresh, handmade products and the fun of exploring the area with loved ones and friends.
5. Whitby’s Famous Heritage Sites
Downtown Brooklin, also known as Whitby’s heritage village, is in the heart of the town. Nestled between Highway 12, Carnwith Drive East, Thickson Road, and Highway 3, the charming area is a truly rewarding place to visit, especially during the holiday season. Since it is a designated heritage conservation site, many of the shops and attractions are housed in old, picturesque buildings that make walking through this quaint village a fun afternoon activity. In addition to the historical architecture, boutiques, restaurants, and local businesses, recently the village opened the Brooklin Community Centre & Library. The recreation facility offers various recreational and educational programming, including a seniors’ activity room, craft room, and library.
Experience Lakeside Living at V!VA Whitby Shores Retirement Community
If you are looking for the perfect place to plant your roots during your retirement years, V!VA Retirement Communities has just what you need. V!VA Whitby Shores is our newest retirement home located just steps from the Whitby harbour, close to convenient shopping, great restaurants, the Abilities Centre, Yacht Club, Lakeridge Health, and more!
With beautiful, spacious, and safe suites; V!VAlicious dining which features mouth-watering dishes prepared by our professional chefs; and spectacular programs and amenities at your fingertips, V!VA Whitby Shores provides a relaxed, comfortable, and personal environment that makes retirement living a luxurious experience.
If an active retirement is your goal, there are onsite classes and activities available. Our Community Members can attend an array of lectures on healthy living and local history, participate in V!VAfit fitness classes, attend cooking and baking demonstrations, and so much more.
Our Team Members provide quality care, kindness and respect, and service to meet the individual needs of each Community Member. Whether you or your loved one needs independent, respite, or assisted living care, we have the means to help.
To learn more about us and to find out if V!VA Whitby Shores is right for you or your loved one, email us at whitbyshores@vivalife.ca or call us at (905) 431-7410.