Letter from the Editor: July/August 2026
By Kerri Leland
If there’s one thing Albertans know how to do, it’s make the most of summer.
After enduring (what feels like) a million months of cold, we’re all ready to feel the happy, vacation-like vibes that July and August tend to bring. My personal favourites are dining on patios, checking out the amazing festivals around the province, and puttering in my yard…plus two new ones! My husband and I bought a travel trailer this year…which we are obsessed with, and my daughter’s partner is one of the soldiers in Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), so he and the rest of the Strathcona Mounted Troop will be what we’re binge-watching this summer!
As I worked on this issue, I noticed a common thread running through many of the stories you’ll find in these pages: saying yes. Yes to new experiences, to lifelong learning, to friendships, creativity, travel, volunteering, and trying something you’ve always wanted to do.
(A big shout-out to saying no, though. The older I get, the more I embrace my right to say no. Sometimes, it just feels GREAT!)
Our cover story features the inspiring Suzanne Sovdi, who recently completed a master’s degree and became a provisional psychologist at an age when many people think their biggest accomplishments are behind them. Suzanne’s story is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new, pursue a dream, or take a completely unexpected path.
You’ll also meet photographer Don Campbell, who at 85 is still travelling the world with a camera in hand and the curiosity of someone half his age. We explore Alberta’s best summer festivals, discover a thriving community of woodcarvers, share ideas for staying connected, and highlight ways to stay safe while enjoying Alberta’s lakes, rivers, and outdoor spaces.
What I love most about this issue is that it celebrates the idea that life doesn’t stop being interesting after 55. In many ways, it becomes even more interesting. We often have more freedom to pursue hobbies, travel, volunteer, spend time with family, and focus on the things that truly matter.
One of my favourite articles in this issue talks about connection, and I think that’s something many of us are craving these days. In a world that often feels busy and disconnected, summer gives us countless opportunities to reconnect with family, friends, neighbours, communities, and even ourselves.
Maybe that means attending a festival you’ve never been to before, or joining a club, or taking a class, or calling an old friend. Or maybe it simply means sitting on the deck with your morning coffee and appreciating a beautiful Alberta summer day.
Whatever brings you joy, I hope you make time for it!
Thank you, as always, for spending some of your time with Alberta Senior Living. I love sharing these stories with you, and I hope they inspire you to make the most of this season.
Here’s to sunshine, laughter, good company, some yummy food, and a summer filled with wonderful memories.
Warmly,
Kerri Leland
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Alberta Senior Living
