At the heart of every thriving community lies the wisdom, presence, and lived experience of its elders. When we create intentional spaces where seniors feel valued, connected, and inspired, we unlock not only their own healing and potential—but also uplift the wellbeing of generations to come.

This is the guiding spirit behind CORAH (Centre for Rural Aging and Health), a program funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, with locations across three NSCC campuses including the Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury. Designed to support individuals aged 55+, CORAH offers diverse social, learning, cultural, and recreational opportunities that reduce isolation and promote holistic wellbeing.

This special podcast episode features the talents of Michele MacPhee. Michele MacPhee is the Administrator and Project Coordinator for the CORAH program in Port Hawkesbury. With a strong background in community engagement and adult education, Michele is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering spaces for older adults to connect, learn, and thrive. Through her leadership, CORAH has become a vital resource for enhancing the health and well-being of seniors in the region, offering innovative programming that fosters social connection, lifelong learning, and holistic self-care. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to meaningful community development continue to inspire positive change across generations.

The Power of Participation

From group knitting circles to Tai Chi classes and creative workshops, CORAH’s programming cultivates more than hobbies—it nurtures joy, purpose, and connection. When people gather to learn and grow together, they rediscover their value in the community and open new doors to healing and vitality.

Dr Michelle Greenwell’s, PhD CIH, Tai Chi satellite program, running as part of the Strait Area CORAH offerings, is one powerful example. These community classes blend gentle movement, breath, and intention to invite participants into a deeper relationship with their body, energy system, and surroundings. The practice emphasizes ease, fluidity, and inner peace—cornerstones of self-care and stress reduction at any age.

Beyond its physical benefits, Michelle’s approach to Tai Chi offers a bioenergetic wellness lens, using awareness, goal-setting, intuition, and community support to guide participants into empowered daily living. This program has quietly become a hub of friendship, storytelling, laughter, and mutual encouragement.

Intergenerational Benefits: A Win-Win for All Ages

When seniors engage fully in community life, everyone wins. Intergenerational programming—whether through shared meals, music, movement, or mentorship—encourages the transmission of wisdom and emotional support between age groups. Located at the local community college, programs interact with youth through shared presentations, interactive workshops, and program development by students for senior participation. There are some very positive gains from this interactive approach.

Additional workshops for CORAH by Michelle have included Tea with Intention – exploring tea as a health aly with special beverage recipes and food pairings, Sleep for Wellbeing (featured on Telile’s Community Channel, Episode #146), and Chronic Pain Relief through BioEnergetic Wellness techniques have further expanded CORAH’s impact. These workshops introduce simple yet profound techniques for self-care, including breathwork, hydration, mindful movement, and tea rituals.

Each offering builds a toolbox for daily resilience, helping participants respond to life’s challenges with grace and confidence. And more is coming in the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026—with new sessions on emotional wellness, energy balancing, and community healing already in development.

A Cup of Connection

This philosophy of intentional living is steeped beautifully in the HoneyBEE tea blend from the Cape Breton Tea Company, which was featured in this recent Be Well with Dr. Michelle Greenwell podcast. With warming ginger and soothing vanilla, this blend captures the spirit of community connection and vibrant aging. Paired with the affirmation:

“Feel the boost to your spirit and the playfulness and joy that transpires. A zest for life is encouraged with each sip.”

…it’s a gentle reminder of the sweetness and vitality available in every moment, especially when shared with others.

Just a little note that the HoneyBEE blend is great as an iced tea, and is fantastic in the Switchel Recipe as an electrolyte replacer. Any tea blend can be used in the recipe, but there is a fondness for the HoneyBee tea.

Moving Forward with Peace and Purpose

As we look to the future, programs like CORAH offer a blueprint for healthy, connected, and empowered aging. They remind us that when we include and celebrate our senior population, we all benefit—from stronger relationships and deeper empathy to a more peaceful and resilient society. And, yes, 55 + is considered senior, and includes many of us still in the workforce.

We encourage you to:

• Explore CORAH programming through NSCC campuses and virtual workshops
• Watch Telile Episode #146 for tips on sleep and Tai Chi
• Try a cup of HoneyBEE tea as part of your daily wellness ritual
• Check out the BioEnergetic Essentials book for accessible tools on intention and energy care
• And follow the Magnifying Peace Project to see how small actions ripple into big change

Together, let’s magnify peace, one connection at a time.