GUY MATTHEWS’ life work is an extension of his long-time yoga practice. Teaching yoga since 1995, at UBC and at other Vancouver locations, “keeps me in harmony and balance,” he says.
About two years ago, Guy extended his yogic philosophy into a one-man service business that he appropriately named Help is Here! Clients find him through word-of-mouth and hire him to do anything from gardening, gutter cleaning, grocery shopping, freezer defrosting, and being driven and accompanied to medical and other appointments.
“The goal for most people is to stay in their own homes and to be independent as long as possible,” he says, “but they are sometimes shy about needing help. Hiring me can circumvent the emotional ties of asking family.” Guy, who has caregiver training, both professionally and personally, says sharing his time and helping out brings him joy.
JOHN KERR wrapped up his long-held elementary school teaching and administration career (from Prince George to Campbell River) on Cortes Island in 2009. However, he knew his heart was still in education, so he ran for, and was elected as a School Board Trustee in Campbell River in 2014. At that time, he also reached into his past interests to follow his lifelong love of riding and owning motorcycles.
“I stopped collecting bikes when my garage was full, and my bank account was empty,” says John. On one of his recent USA road trips, he met an 80-year-old motorcyclist who walked with a cane, had a cane holder and a handicapped sticker on his bike, and was still riding across the continent from Portland to Maine, and north to Alaska.
“You have to stop when you lose your sense of balance and your physical strength,” says John. “But before that happens, you can try riding on a lighter bike or a three-wheeler motorcycle trike.” John plans to keep riding as long as it’s physically possible.
Verena Foxx is a Vancouver writer/educator who is exploring how people across BC are living, transforming and re-imagining their 55+ lives.
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