A coffee chat with Olya Vovnysh: what elders teach us about love, loss and resilience
“Hope is a skill. Gratitude is a choice. Resilience is a mindset.”
Resilience Unfiltered Coffee Chat Series
My guest today is Olya Vovnysh, MHA, CHE, CHRP and CEO of Ivan Franko Homes (IFH)—a non-profit senior and long-term care organization dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally enriched care for older adults (full transparency: IFH is a client). Olya holds a Master’s in Health Administration from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, is a Certified Health Executive and HR professional, and a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. She is currently leading the development of IFH’s new Centre for Aging and Longevity in Mississauga—a modern campus of care with 160 long-term care beds, assisted living, independent apartments, and a range of services designed to help elders live life to the fullest.
Since joining IFH in 2011, Olya has been listening to elders who have lived through war, upheaval and personal loss—and celebrating their grit, grace and accomplishments.
While most conversations in the Resilience Unfiltered Series explore organizational resilience, this one takes a more personal turn. We are sitting down for a coffee to reflect on a timeless question: What helps us stay anchored through hard times?
Natalia
Olya, Ivan Franko Homes is marking its 60th anniversary. What does that milestone mean to you?
Olya
I like to say we are sixty years young—and just getting started. But our story isn’t about age. It’s not about the number. Of course, time matters. The average age of our residents is 92, and some are over 100. Every minute is precious. But at its heart, our story is about people.
Over the past 60 years, Ivan Franko Homes has been home to more than 8,000 elders—each with a unique story. We’ve employed more than 1,000 staff who care for our residents as if they were their own parents—many of them immigrants from Ukraine and other countries. When I look back, I don’t see a timeline. I see a community built on love, compassion and a belief that our elders deserve more than care. They deserve the chance to truly live life to the fullest.
Natalia
The new campus of care you are building in Mississauga is called the Centre for Aging and Longevity. How did you come up with that name, and what does it represent?
Olya
When I joined Ivan Franko Homes 14 years ago, some friends said, “You’re going to work with old people? That must be depressing.” I told them it’s actually the opposite. Every day, you have the chance to brighten someone’s life. The residents are so grateful. It’s incredibly rewarding.
When we brainstormed names for the new campus, I didn’t want anyone to think long-term care is a sad place because that’s just not true. You hear laughter, music, conversation, the sounds of parties and performances. The name Centre for Aging and Longevity reflects our belief that aging can be meaningful and joyful. There is beauty and purpose in every stage of life.
At Ivan Franko Homes, we have an All About Me program, where families share personal details—what music lifts their loved one’s spirits, what memories bring them comfort, what hobbies they enjoy. It helps us care in a way that’s deeply personal. We love learning—and celebrating—the stories of our elders.
Natalia
Is there one story that comes to mind?
Olya
There is. A quiet gentleman came to our home—very reserved, always polite. He mostly kept to himself, and we assumed he had always been single.
About six months before he passed, he opened up. We learned that he had once been married, just before the Second World War. He and his wife had a baby daughter. While fleeing the war, both were killed in a bombing.
He came to Canada alone and never remarried. He told us he had spent his whole life loving his wife and mourning their daughter—praying for them every day.
What struck me most was how happy and grateful he was, despite everything he had been through. Even a small gesture, like a cup of tea, brought him joy. He never complained.
As a young staff member, I helped organize his funeral. It was emotional—especially since I had lost my own father at a young age. But that experience stayed with me. It made me stronger.
His story is just one of many. Some are hard to hear. All of them offer perspective. And that, I think, is one of the greatest gifts our elders give us.
Natalia
From wars to economic uncertainty, the world can feel like it’s spinning out of control. What can we learn about resilience from the stories of our elders?
Olya
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed these days. For many of us, this is the first time we are facing such deep uncertainty. But when you sit with someone in their 90s or 100s, it helps you step outside your own context and see the bigger picture. These are people who have lived through war, displacement and unimaginable personal loss. Somehow, they found ways to carry on.
Some of our residents survived the Holocaust. It’s something very hard to comprehend. A concentration camp strips away everything—your home, your identity, your dignity, your future. Many witnessed death daily. They saw the smoke rising from the crematorium and knew they could be next.
And yet, even in the darkest of places, people found ways to hold on—to believe they might make it one more day, one more week. That stubborn hope—for something better, against all odds—is a kind of strength. Through their stories, our elders pass it on to us. They remind us that we will find a way through.
Our residents were once just like us—with hopes, dreams and plans. They built families, raised children, started over in new countries and said goodbyes to people they loved. And here they are, in their 90s or even 100s, still showing up. Still laughing, learning, making friends. Visiting museums. Going shopping. Waking up each morning and finding meaning and joy. To me, that’s resilience.
Natalia
One of the most powerful books I’ve read on crisis resilience is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, the Austrian psychiatrist who survived Auschwitz during the Second World War. He wrote that people can endure almost any suffering if they are able to find meaning in it. That belief became central to his work in logotherapy. Would you say the ability to find meaning contributes to longevity?
Olya
Yes, I definitely see that connection. I wish I had formal research to back it up—maybe one day I’ll take that on.
We have residents who are over 100 and still mentally sharp, physically active and deeply engaged in the world. One is 106. The oldest we’ve cared for lived to 108. Of course, good genes and habits play a role. But there’s something more. Anecdotally, the residents who seem to live the longest—and with the most joy—tend to have a calm, grounded mindset. They take things as they come. You’ll hear them say, “It’ll be okay” or “We’ll figure it out tomorrow.” That quiet optimism helps carry them through. They don’t sweat what they can’t control. They let go of what doesn’t matter and hold on to what does. I truly believe that kind of mindset makes a real difference.
Natalia
You say Ivan Franko Homes is “60 years young.” What does it mean—to stay young as we get older?
Olya
Some of the biggest regrets we hear at the bedside of residents in palliative care are: “I wish I had travelled more,” “I wish I had spent more time with my family.”
We’ve all been there—juggling jobs, bills, deadlines, young kids, aging parents. We tell ourselves, “Next year. After I get that promotion. When the kids are older.” But the truth is, there’s no perfect time to do what you love. By the time you start checking things off your list, your knees hurt. You don’t feel like hopping on a plane anymore.
When someone asks me how to prepare for their later years, I say: start early. Take care of your body and mind. Eat well, move, rest. As importantly, make time for whatever fills your cup—gardening, dancing, painting, laughing with friends. If you love to travel, it doesn’t need to involve a five-star hotel. Sometimes, an hour-long drive to a quiet lake is all it takes. Those little moments add up. They become stories you carry—and eventually pass on.
Longevity isn’t just about living to 100. It’s about finding meaning in how you spend your time. At any age, you need something to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be big. It could be a hot cup of tea, your grandchild’s laughter or the sparkle of snow in the winter sun. That mindset—joy, presence, gratitude—keeps you young. And I believe it’s also what makes us resilient.
Natalia
I recall Hazel McCallion—Mississauga’s longtime mayor – once said, “Old age is not for the faint-hearted.” Do you think aging can make people unhappy?
Olya
What I’ve learned from our elders is that happiness comes from within. It doesn’t necessarily depend on age or even health. I’m thinking of one resident, a woman in a wheelchair—always smiling, reading a lot, occasionally signing up for trips. I’d often find her by her window, quietly enjoying the view. I’d ask, “Can I enjoy it with you?” I’d think to myself, I want to be like her.
We see residents with similar health conditions, receiving the same care. One is happy and grateful. Another always complaining.
Some have a hard time accepting they’ve aged. It’s tough—for them and their families. Guilt can creep in, especially when dementia is involved. Families want to do it all. Some try to keep their parent at home, rearranging their lives. Eventually, many come to us, physically and emotionally exhausted trying to provide 24/7 care without proper support.
When a resident is unhappy, we try to understand what’s missing. Sometimes, it’s a sense of connection. We like to say love lives here—and it does. But even the best care can’t replace a child’s hug, a familiar smile, or the comfort of someone who’s known you for decades. Your mom needs you. Your dad needs you.
Some families are deeply involved—joining our family council, planning tea parties, hosting movie nights. Others drop by now and then. A quick “Hey mom, how are you?” Everyone is busy. I get it. But if you can, come once a week. Even better, every day. A laugh, meal, quiet moment together mean the world to someone you love.
Our residents are proud of their children. One son came to pray with his parent. Others joined. It was beautiful. You want your parent to say, “That’s my son!” Give them that moment. Let them be proud. Help them find meaning. Listen to their stories—even if you’ve heard them before.
I always recommend creating a photo album. Fill it with baby pictures, childhood moments, your family now. Flipping through those pages brings memories rushing back. Ask questions like, “Do you remember the day I was born?” or “Now that I’m a parent, what advice would you give me?” Those conversations create a bond. It’s not just about their happiness. It’s about yours, too.
Natalia
What does quality of life mean for those living with dementia?
Olya
It’s something the healthcare community is still learning about. What we do know is that quality of life for someone with dementia often comes down to meaningful engagement—connection, music, sensory experiences, and a sense of belonging.
When a resident with dementia is upset, it’s important not to brush it off. We work closely with families to understand what might be triggering certain reactions. Is the resident feeling lonely? Do they wish you visited more often?
Families often hold key pieces of the puzzle—especially when past trauma is involved that an elder can no longer verbalize.
One resident became visibly distressed every time she saw dolls. Later, we learned that, as a child, she had looked after her younger brother. Something happened. He died. That memory had stayed with her, deeply rooted.
You know your parents best. Share what you can. It helps us connect the dots—and care in a way that truly honours their story.
Natalia
How do you know it’s time to move into long-term care?
Olya
It’s a question we hear often—from both older adults and their families. I usually suggest reflecting on a few key considerations:
Are you still happy and engaged at home, or spending most of your time alone or in front of the TV?
Are everyday tasks becoming more difficult? Do you need help with medications, meals or mobility?
Are you missing the kind of social connection and activities that bring you joy?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it might be time to start thinking about a transition.
Of course, I’m a bit biased—I believe Ivan Franko Homes is a wonderful option. But what matters most is finding the home that feels right for you or your loved one. There are many excellent non-profit and private homes out there.
The key is not to wait until it’s urgent. Visit a few places while you can still shop around yourself. Make a shortlist of homes where you feel welcome. Talk to your children or loved ones so they know your preferences when the time comes. For some, it may be 20 or 40 years away. For others, it comes suddenly.
Natalia
Let’s switch gears. We’ve talked about personal resilience—would you say organizational resilience is similar?
Olya
In many ways, yes. The mindset is the same: don’t give up. Stay the course.
For an organization, resilience means having a clear long-term vision—and the willingness to do the hard, often unglamorous work to get there.
When I look back, I’m amazed by how much Ivan Franko Homes has grown—from a single building to a mission-driven organization known for high-quality care.
Our new campus in Mississauga took more than a decade to shape. It started as a dream. Then a concept. Then a plan. Now, it’s becoming reality.
We don’t just plan for success—we build in contingencies. That’s what organizational resilience is about: staying grounded in your values while preparing for all scenarios.
When designing the Centre for Aging and Longevity, we took the time to listen. We asked residents, families and staff what they need, want and dream about. The result is a campus that functions like a small city. Everyone is welcome. Care is coordinated across the full spectrum: long-term care, assisted living, independent apartments, specialized support services.
That means couples don’t have to be separated when one partner’s needs change. One may live in long-term care, the other in assisted living next door. They can still share meals, routines and daily life—while receiving the personalized care they each need.
Our campus includes an intergenerational centre, walk-in clinic, pharmacy, chapel and dedicated spaces for memory care and palliative support—all integrated into one environment.
And as a teaching home, we welcome students—not just to study clinical care, but to hear our elders’ stories, explore aging and dementia, and learn how to care with compassion. You see it in the small things: how a hallway is cleaned, how a resident is gently tucked in at night, how a meal is served. As you know, we have an excellent menu, a dedicated dietary manager and a dietitian. Over sixty years, we’ve served more than 8 million meals—with care in every one.
Natalia
We’ve shared a few meals, and I have a sense of where I’d love to be in my later years. For my final question—how can your community support the next 60 years of Ivan Franko Homes?
Olya
A society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable—and that includes our elders.
There is no greater honour than giving back to those who once built the world we live in: our parents, teachers, war veterans and community leaders. They created our infrastructure, our schools, our hospitals. They shaped the freedoms and quality of life we enjoy. Now, it’s our turn to care for them.
Every act of support—big or small—makes a difference. It could be showing up for a parent, joining our family council, or simply spending a few hours each month chatting with a resident.
Here are a few ways to support Ivan Franko Homes:
Name a space on our new campus. From gardens and care units to the chapel or café, there are many meaningful options to honour a loved one.
Donate. Contributions directly fund resident programs, enhanced care and the completion of our new Centre for Aging and Longevity.
Sponsor an experience. Help fund a resident’s field trip, museum visit, a bingo game, a wheelchair-accessible van for outings, or a cozy new chair for quiet evenings in our lounge.
Volunteer your time. Whether it’s leading a music class, helping with gardening, or simply offering companionship—your presence can mean the world to a resident who may not have family nearby.
Bring your talent. Tradespeople, artists, teachers, musicians—everyone has something to offer to brighten a resident’s day.
We are also looking for partners to bring in new technology—from virtual reality to advanced equipment for our memory and palliative care units to smart sensors that detect early signs of illness. Imagine identifying a UTI before symptoms appear—that’s the kind of innovation we are working toward.
And for those in a position to leave a legacy, a rare opportunity is open. A major donor has graciously stepped aside to give someone else the opportunity to leave their mark. You can name our new Centre—or a space within it, like the café, library, chapel or memory care wing—and help bring our vision to life.
Natalia
Thank you so much for this heartfelt conversation, Olya. It’s been an honour to reflect with you on resilience and the stories of those who’ve truly lived it all. Congratulations again on 60 remarkable years. I’m looking forward to our next conversation!
Olya Vovnysh, MHA, CHE, CHRP, is the Chief Executive Officer of Ivan Franko Homes (IFH), a non-profit senior and long-term care organization providing compassionate, culturally enriched care for older adults. She holds a Master’s in Health Administration from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, is a Certified Health Executive and HR professional, and a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Olya is currently overseeing the completion of IFH’s new Centre for Aging and Longevity in Mississauga. She also serves on the board of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, contributing to the advancement of Ukrainian culture and community initiatives across Canada.
Natalia Smalyuk is an award-winning advisor specializing in strategic communication, crisis resilience and stakeholder engagement. She leads NBAU, a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified communication consultancy. What is NBAU? Not Business as Usual. Why NBAU? Because there’s no such thing as business as usual for leaders who think ahead and see a landscape of opportunity — and risk — across the unchartered global space. NBAU supports organizations in building resilience before, during and after adverse events with a unique crisis planning and training model that broadens the understanding of crises and enables positive action in an uncertain world.
Earlier chats in the Resilience Unfiltered Series:
Dr. Matt Tidwell: crises, values and media readiness in a divided world
Anne Marie Aikins on proactive reputation management in ‘good and really bad times’
Coffee chat with Kim Clark: is there a way to get layoffs right?
A coffee break Q&A with Alexander Rau: “Cyber resilience is a marathon, not a sprint”
A coffee Q&A with Helio Fred Garcia: the agony of decisions and the power of patterns in a crisis
A coffee Q&A with Christal Austin: climate emergency & disaster preparedness