For Richard, entering his “Freedom Era” is all about savouring great food, travel, and embracing life with energy, vitality, and confidence. Whether he’s traveling the globe or enjoying the best of life in Vancouver, he credits his health to the unwavering support and guidance of his Harrison team. Thanks to their expertise and accountability, Richard has reduced his risk of Type 2 diabetes, built strength, and regained his energy.
An Unconventional Approach to Ageing
In 2019, Richard made the choice to move from Victoria to Vancouver, a decision that goes against the typical path most people nearing retirement take. For a time, he commuted back to the island to see trusted professionals, but when his longtime doctor retired, accessing reliable local healthcare in Vancouver became a challenge. A friend suggested Harrison Healthcare. Richard initially hesitated, unsure if he needed such a comprehensive service. Eventually, he decided it was time to make a change.
“I wasn’t getting any younger,” he quips, realizing that expert guidance was worth investing in. A widower for over a decade, he didn’t have a spouse to remind him to prioritize his health, Richard relied on the encouragement of Harrison’s team, particularly the motivation that came from Registered Dietitian, Nina Hirvi. “Nina was 99.5% responsible for me making the change,” he says with a smile. He also admits the financial commitment motivated him. “I’ve paid for it, so I better use it!”
Personalized Care and Expert Guidance
When Richard joined Harrison Healthcare, he was paired with Dr. Scott Bentley, whose straightforward, expert advice became a cornerstone of Richard’s health journey. Richard quickly proved himself to be an excellent patient. “He’s curious, engaged, and highly receptive to new ideas,” Dr. Bentley shares. He adds that Richard readily follows guidance and commits to the actionable plan created for him.
When asked about the secret to his unwavering commitment, Richard matter-of-factly states, “I just follow orders.”
By sticking to the plan his team created for him, Richard achieved impressive progress in just four months, including significantly improving his cholesterol levels through improved nutrition.
“If you know Nina, you know she’s a huge advocate for beans. So, now I eat beans,” Richard shares with a grin.
A favourite of Dietitians, legumes are a nutrient powerhouse, offering fibre, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and more, while being naturally low in fat, cholesterol-free, and containing a low glycemic index. Research highlights their role in preventing and managing health conditions, further showcasing their value as a dietary staple.
Nina couldn’t be prouder of his progress. “Richard has embraced legumes and even started batching soups and salads at home,” she says. “Anyone who knows me understands how happy this makes me, as they improve your health, help prevent disease, and so much more.”
Patric Gonçalves, Richard’s Exercise Physiologist, also became a vital part of his support team. Richard’s willingness to follow directions has been key to his success. “Patric is encouraging and so nice about keeping me on track, even when I travel and indulge a bit. Thanks to him, I drink a little less alcohol and stick to my exercises while I travel,” Richard shares.
Overcoming Challenges: Planning for Success
Staying consistent with healthy habits while traveling takes careful planning. For Richard, extensive travel, especially to Australia, posed a threat to his routine. Together, he and Patric developed strategies to stay consistent, like using outdoor exercise equipment in Perth and prioritizing strength training even without access to a gym. Richard’s openness to these solutions has been a major factor in his success.
Key Milestones Achieved
Richard’s determination to follow the advice from his healthcare team have led to incredible results:
- Muscle Gain: Richard has gained back 2.2 kg of muscle mass.
- Healthier Body Composition: Richard’s body fat percentage is within a healthy range, thanks to his dedication to fitness and balanced nutrition.
- Improved Insulin Resistance: Richard’s HOMA score (a measure of fasting glucose to insulin ratio) dropped from 3.7 to 2.5, significantly lowering his risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Sustainable Nutrition Habits: Richard now focuses on eating 120g of lean protein daily and incorporating more fibre.
The Power of Support
Richard jokes that Harrison is his “pseudo-spouse” that keeps him accountable in the absence of a partner. “Married men are generally healthier than single men. Harrison has become my support system,” he says. His adherence to their guidance has been crucial in transforming his health and lifestyle. It’s a testament to what’s possible with personalized care, expert advice, and a willingness to trust and follow a healthcare team’s direction. For Richard, it’s not just about improving his physical health, it’s about finding vitality and balance in a life full of travel, socializing, and great food.
Words from the Team
“He’s made huge strides, and I love that he’s embraced my advice. It’s inspiring to see how committed he is to staying on track,” says Nina.
Patric adds, “Richard’s progress proves that with the right mindset and support, you can achieve amazing results.”
