At 70, Karen Murdock feels grounded in a way she never expected, and more energized than ever.

She lives in a walkable neighbourhood in Edmonton with her husband, Don, and their puppy, Diva. Her days are full, shaped by meaningful work, steady routines, and a sense of clarity that comes from living in alignment with her values. It’s a season of life that feels lighter, more intentional, and quietly powerful.

*Karen’s husband, Don, and their puppy Diva during one of their daily walks. Diva brings a sense of purpose and movement to their days and reflects the walkable community they chose to call home.* Photo supplied

“I wake up every day with a sense of purpose and excitement to see where the day takes me,” Karen says.

This feeling didn’t arrive overnight. It grew from a lifetime of caregiving, professional service, and a reinvention that unfolded gradually, one thoughtful step at a time.

A Life Built Around Caring for Others

Before this chapter, Karen’s life revolved around family and service. She and Don raised five children, while also caring for her parents, who eventually lived with them. Those years were demanding, emotional, and deeply meaningful.

Professionally, Karen spent much of her career in the funeral and cemetery industry. Working closely with families during moments of loss shaped her understanding of compassion, presence, and what truly matters when life feels fragile.

“That work, and the way my parents raised me, formed who I am,” she reflects. “It taught me how important it is to really see people.”

At the time, Karen didn’t view this phase as preparation for anything else. But looking back, she recognizes that the skills she developed — empathy, listening, and resilience — would become central to what came next.

The Quiet Beginning of a New Direction

In 2012, Karen and Don moved from Manitoba to Alberta for Don’s career. The move created space to reflect and reconsider what the next chapter of life could hold.

Rather than continuing along a familiar path, Karen began thinking about work that felt more aligned with her values and offered the freedom to grow in new ways. She didn’t have a fixed plan, only a sense that there was more she wanted to explore.

The true turning point came through friendship.

Shortly after arriving in Alberta, Karen met Janis. The two spent time together weekly, but outside of those visits, Janis lived a very isolated life. Karen noticed changes and initially believed Janis was experiencing anxiety or depression, a diagnosis supported by her doctors at the time.

Over time, it became clear that Janis was experiencing cognitive decline. By the time Alzheimer’s was properly diagnosed, Janis moved directly from her home into a locked memory care unit.

“I don’t think that should ever happen to anyone,” Karen says.

The experience stayed with her. It revealed gaps in awareness, connection, and support, and it sparked a desire to create something that could help families notice changes earlier and stay meaningfully connected.

Turning Experience Into Purpose

Karen began researching dementia and cognitive change, learning about symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early awareness. She paired that research with what she already knew: the power of photos, stories, and shared memories to connect people.

From that intersection came the early development of Voiced Memories and Cogimetry, tools designed to support cognitive wellness through familiar, human-centred experiences rooted in reminiscence and storytelling.

The process was slow and intentional.

“I didn’t have a clear roadmap,” Karen says. “But I trusted that if I took one step, the next would reveal itself.”

Stepping into the worlds of technology and innovation came with doubts. Karen didn’t have formal training in these areas and questioned whether she truly belonged.

What carried her forward was perspective.

“I reminded myself that lived experience matters,” she says. “Decades of caregiving, working with families, and understanding people have real value.”

With brothers and family history. From left: Robert McIntosh, Sean McIntosh, Terry McIntosh (seated), and Karen Murdock during a family visit in 2024. The portrait behind them features their parents, Gordon and Patricia McIntosh. Photo supplied

Support from her husband, friends, and others who had walked the dementia journey helped reinforce that belief.

Bridging Lived Experience and Evidence

Today, Karen’s work sits at the intersection of caregiving, innovation, and research.

She is currently collaborating with the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health on a research project focused on validating reminiscence therapy using Voiced Memories. The project aims to strengthen the evidence base for approaches that support cognitive and emotional well-being through meaningful personal connection.

For Karen, the collaboration feels deeply affirming.

“This work matters because it bridges lived experience with evidence-based research,” she says. “It’s about honouring people’s stories while building tools that genuinely support well-being.”

She also serves on the Stewardship Board of the Edmonton Age Friendly Alliance, helping guide efforts to make the city more inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of older adults.

Building a Collaborative Future for Aging Well

Over the past year, Karen has taken on an increasingly visible leadership role within Edmonton’s senior-serving ecosystem. She initiated and brought together leaders across sectors, including innovators, care providers, community organizations, and advocates, with a shared goal of strengthening collaboration and finding better solutions for aging well.

That collective effort led to the creation of the Silver Tech Summit, the first event of its kind in Edmonton, designed to spotlight innovation in aging and connect the people shaping the future of longevity support. The inaugural event drew more than 200 attendees, underscoring both the need and the momentum for this work.

Building on that success, Karen is now Acting President of the newly launched non-profit Silver Longevity Business Association (SLBA), formed to continue uniting businesses and organizations working in the longevity space.

“I no longer see myself as someone working behind the scenes,” Karen says. “I see myself as a builder and a leader.”

*Karen celebrating with a group of friends in a photobooth last November. Bahva Jha (centre front), whom Karen nominated for an award, was the evening’s winner*. Photo supplied

A Fresh Approach to Living Well

Despite the scope of her work, Karen’s daily life remains grounded. Living in a walkable neighbourhood supports regular movement and spontaneous connection. Her work is balanced with quiet moments at home, creating a rhythm that sustains both energy and focus.

Perhaps the biggest shift has been internal.

“I feel more settled in who I am,” she says. “This chapter feels like it fits.”

Caregiving, professional service, research, and leadership are no longer separate chapters. Together, they form the foundation of what she is building now.

Right on Time

Karen often hears people say they feel too old to start something new. Her response is simple.

“They’re not too old. They’re right on time.”

She started her first company at 58 and believes age brings clarity, confidence, and perspective that can’t be rushed. The later chapters of life, she says, are often when experience and purpose finally align.

Karen never imagined she would become an entrepreneur or a sector leader. Her path unfolded gradually, shaped by relationships, reflection, and a willingness to trust what felt meaningful.

This season of her life isn’t about starting over. It’s about renewal, fresh perspective, and stepping fully into work that reflects everything she has lived, and everything she still hopes to build.

Renewal, Purpose, and the Power of Experience