August 12th, 2025
How Global Celebrations at The Edward Enrich Life, One Culture at a Time
At The Edward, every day is an invitation to live fully—and sometimes, that means travelling the world without ever leaving home. In our vibrant community in the heart of Calgary, we believe that global living is more than a theme; it’s a way of connecting with the richness of human experience. From the rhythmic beat of a Chinese dragon dance to the lively steps of Irish dancers, our cultural celebrations immerse residents in the traditions, tastes, and stories that make our world so beautifully diverse. These events spark conversation, inspire curiosity, and remind us that joy can be found in the exchange of culture.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
The personal enrichment benefits of global living in senior years
How food, music, and storytelling bring the world to our doorstep
A world of experiences—right here at The Edward
At The Edward, our cultural events are more than entertainment—they’re shared experiences that connect residents to a broader world.
Recent highlights include:
Chinese New Year: The community came alive with a vibrant dragon dance, its movements weaving through the room like a living ribbon. Residents enjoyed a traditional menu featuring dumplings, noodles, and festive sweets. The celebration also included storytelling about the festival’s origins and meaning.
St. Patrick’s Day: Irish dancers brought energy and grace to the stage, accompanied by a feast of classic Irish fare. Residents shared stories about their own Irish heritage—or discovered it for the first time.
By blending tradition with creativity, these events allow residents to experience the joy of discovery, no passport required.
Why cultural celebrations matter in senior living
Cultural events aren’t just “nice extras.” They have genuine emotional, cognitive, and social benefits—especially for seniors seeking meaningful engagement. According to recent studies, engaging in cultural activities can improve mental agility, reduce feelings of isolation, and increase life satisfaction.
For residents at The Edward, the benefits are felt in ways big and small:
Social connection: Events provide a shared focus, making it easy to start conversations and deepen friendships.
Lifelong learning: Exposure to new traditions, art forms, and cuisines stimulates curiosity and keeps the mind active.
Emotional well-being: Music, dance, and storytelling evoke memories and foster joy.
A sense of belonging: Celebrating cultures represented within our community helps residents feel seen and valued.
The role of food, music, and storytelling
When it comes to celebrating global living, each element adds a unique dimension.
Food: A sensory gateway to culture
A traditional meal is often the centrepiece of our celebrations. From hand-rolled sushi to warm Irish soda bread, each bite tells a story. Food connects us viscerally to tradition—inviting conversation, sparking memories, and often inspiring residents to try their own hand at international recipes, as cuisine is one of the most universal forms of cultural expression.
Music and dance: The heartbeat of celebration
Live performances, whether it’s a classical guitarist from Spain or a West African drum ensemble, ignite the room with energy. Even those who prefer not to dance often find themselves swaying along. The joy is contagious.
Storytelling and visual experiences
Many events at The Edward incorporate presentations or films that offer context and meaning. Residents might watch a short documentary on the Chinese zodiac or hear a speaker recount a journey through Italy’s hill towns. Visual and spoken storytelling ensures the event isn’t just entertaining—it’s enlightening.
Resident engagement: A shared journey
Our residents don’t simply attend these events—they shape them. Whether suggesting a theme, sharing personal cultural artifacts, or helping to design the menu, they play an active role in bringing each celebration to life. This active participation creates a sense of ownership and pride, deepening the impact of the experience.
The Edward’s place in Calgary’s cultural landscape
Calgary itself is a city that thrives on cultural diversity, with festivals like the Calgary Stampede celebrating Western heritage and the Calgary Folk Music Festival bringing together global artists. Our community reflects that same spirit, offering residents opportunities to explore cultures both within and beyond Canada’s borders.
Local partnerships have made our events even richer. Collaborations with Calgary-based performers, chefs, and cultural organizations allow us to bring authentic experiences into The Edward’s elegant setting.
Bringing global living into everyday life
While special events are highlights, global living is a philosophy we weave into daily life. Residents can gather for:
Language clubs where members practice French
Themed book club selections featuring authors from around the world
Art workshops inspired by different cultural styles
Our global-themed events mirror the immersive, enriching experiences enjoyed by mature Canadian travellers—from Indigenous storytelling to historic site visits and vibrant festivals.
Why global living resonates in senior years
Later life is the perfect time to deepen cultural appreciation. Free from work schedules, many seniors embrace new experiences with renewed enthusiasm. Participating in global celebrations helps nurture engagement, encouraging and supporting exploration, creativity, and connection—three pillars of a fulfilling senior lifestyle.
Explore more at The Edward
If you’d like to see what a celebration at The Edward feels like, explore our recent highlights in:
Life at The Edward is rich with moments of discovery. Our global celebrations remind us that the world is vast, beautiful, and full of stories worth sharing. For our residents, these experiences are not just about learning something new—they’re about living it, together.
Whether you’re tasting a dish you’ve never tried, hearing music from a faraway land, or sharing your own heritage, global living keeps the mind open and the heart full. After all, the world is best enjoyed in good company.
Continue your journey here
Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:
Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.
Check out events at The Edward - From seasonal markets to art showings, there’s always something inspiring happening here.
Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.
About The Edward:
Nestled in the heart of Calgary, The Edward is a luxury retirement living community where comfort, independence, and cultural enrichment come together in perfect harmony. Here, every day is thoughtfully designed to support a personalized lifestyle—one that celebrates your passions, priorities, and sense of self. With curated five-star dining, wellness-focused amenities, concierge and chauffeur services, vibrant social connections, and more, The Edward provides more than just retirement living—it offers a meaningful way of life. Experience a refined, worry-free lifestyle where your next chapter unfolds with grace, warmth, and endless possibility. Managed by Optima Living, a trusted operator with over 15 years of experience in Western Canada, The Edward is built on a legacy of warmth, respect, and purposeful living.
