Colonial Courtyard at Bedford Residents Share Stories, Wisdom and Shatter Stereotypes
BEDFORD, Pa. — Tyler Mizak and the spirited residents of Colonial Courtyard at Bedford are rewriting the narrative of aging, one episode at a time, through their heartwarming and inspiring Ageless Adventures podcast.
Their message is clear: “Old people are cool.”
The first two episodes of the podcast resonated with 1,013 listeners as Mizak, the LifeStages/LifeStories Director at Colonial Courtyard at Bedford, engaged in lively and often humorous interviews with seniors. Ageless Adventures may be found on Spotify, Apple Music or through Colonial Courtyard at Bedford’s Facebook page.
“Old people are cool. Old people don’t just sit around in our community and play bingo and do crossword puzzles,” Mizak said. “We do the fun stuff. They have the fun stories. They’ve lived their 90 years on this earth and they have their experience and stories. They want to tell them.”
Ageless Adventures provides the platform to share those stories. The podcast evolved from a good idea to a reality that now attracts listeners both inside and outside the Colonial Courtyard at Bedford community.
“This journey began nearly two years ago when I joined IntegraCare and immersed myself in the vibrant lives of the residents,” Mizak said. “Their stories unfolded, each one richer and more fascinating than the last one. From their completed LifeStories documents to casual conversations, it became evident that every resident carried a treasure trove of wisdom and adventure.”
“I’ve learned so much from them,” Mizak added. “One thing they all emphasize is that there’s no better time to travel and see the world than now. Their advice? Turn dreams into reality. Don’t wait.”
As the calendar turned to 2025, Mizak took the anecdotes and life lessons to a larger audience, turning the residents’ extraordinary experiences into the Ageless Adventures podcast. The podcast goes beyond storytelling. It’s a movement to challenge stereotypes about aging.
“Podcasts aren’t just for younger generations,” Mizak explained. “Our residents prove they have some of the most fascinating stories.”
Resident Verna Turner participated in the podcast, sharing advice and telling tales that brought a smile to Mizak’s face.
“I say you’re never too old to do a broadcast,” Turner said. “I think it’s telling your life and I think it’s exciting. With every generation, please pay attention to your parents. Set your goal and do it. Learn from other generations.”
Another resident, a retired nurse named Ruth, shared an amazing experience of her bringing a child into the world under unusual circumstances.
“One time (at the hospital) I got in the elevator and this lady was ready to have her baby, so I delivered it in the elevator and everything went fine,” Ruth said. “She turned out well and the baby did also. It was a great accomplishment.”
The podcast’s goal is simple yet profound: to show the world that older adults are vibrant, dynamic, and full of life.
“A lot of people assume that senior living is boring,” Mizak said. “But here, we snow tube, dance, sing and laugh.”
The Ageless Adventures podcast is also breaking barriers in addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s through their LifeStories memory care neighborhood. Mizak hopes the residents’ stories will help to shatter stigmas and bring light to the lives they continue to lead.
“We want to inspire people to appreciate and celebrate the older generation’s rich experiences and wisdom,” Mizak said. “We want families and residents worldwide to see that senior living can be fun, fulfilling, and meaningful. And most of all, we want everyone to know — ‘Old people are cool!’”
For more information, contact Tyler Mizak, LifeStages/LifeStories Director, Colonial Courtyard at Bedford, at tmizak@integracare.com or call 814.624.0100.