To highlight the 18th Quebec Week of the popotes roulantes, we spoke with their new spokesperson, actress Marie Tifo, for whom aging is an invaluable gift to society.
Since the end of the TV series "O'," which aired for eight seasons on TVA, Marie Tifo has been less visible on screen and theater stage. This is not because the phone stopped ringing, but due to a genuine desire to feel free and serene. "I've spent 50 years of my life as an actress, which means a lot of stress, happiness, and action. Now, we're embracing our freedom to be. It's a great gift I'm giving myself. I'm finding myself and I have no big projects at the moment," shares the actress who played Jacqueline O'Hara in the popular series that ended in 2020, much to the disappointment of its fans.
Getting Involved
A few years ago, Marie Tifo spontaneously assisted a friend who lived alone and struggled with meal preparation. Without being his designated caregiver, she cooked comforting hot meals and delivered them to him. As the man's needs increased and her own hectic lifestyle continued, it became impossible for her to keep up. Thanks to her local CLSC, Marie Tifo discovered the services offered by the popotes roulantes. Simply having proper meals made a significant difference in her friend's life.
About her role in this dedicated week, the actress tells us, "When I was asked to become the spokesperson for Quebec Week of the popotes roulantes, I said yes without hesitation. I visited a large support center, and what I saw delighted me. It confirmed human kindness. Young and older people, dedicated to the cause. There were young men delivering meals by bicycle. It's rewarding," she states.
In Quebec, the popotes roulantes are essential pillars in food security for hundreds of seniors or less independent individuals, both in seniors' residences and at home. They ensure the daily delivery of healthy and nutritious meals at an affordable cost. Under the theme "A Vital Link in Home Support," the 18th Quebec Week of the popotes roulantes takes place until March 25th. "I myself visited a support center and delivered a meal to a lady. I experienced what the popotes roulantes is. Life is difficult for everyone. We're dealing with energy and environmental anxiety," Marie Tifo informs us.
The Place of Seniors in Our Society
Although they are currently taking a break from projects, Marie Tifo and Pierre Curzi are passionate about supporting the next generation by sharing their knowledge and experience, each with over 50 years in the profession. The couple mentors young actors starting in the industry. In this regard, the actress advocates for the place of seniors in our society: "We talk a lot about diversity, women, and assault, but I find that the most abandoned people in our society are the elderly. Ageism is everywhere, in my profession and beyond." She believes we have much to learn from older people, to see and hear them in order to benefit from their knowledge and life experience. "I am an older person myself, but ever since I was little, I've loved older people," she says. "I've always been drawn to older actresses because I had much to learn from them."
Photo: Marie-France Coallier
The Tifo-Curzi couple has put their large Mont-Saint-Hilaire house up for sale to move to the charming village of North Hatley in Estrie. They desire to distance themselves from large urban centers and find peace and tranquility. "Recently, I panicked and wanted to find a place to face the coming years. We found a little cocoon. One day, we'll find a seniors' residence if we're still independent. But not just anyone! We'll shop around for a residence that offers a good quality of life and brings us closer to our children, without necessarily living with them," Marie Tifo tells us. It's the joy of group living in seniors' communities that motivates the famous actress to consider moving to such a housing option one day.
A Tour of Retirement Homes that Made a Difference
During the pandemic, Marie Tifo and her partner organized an unplanned tour of senior residences on Montreal's South Shore, providing some quality time amidst the challenging circumstances. "We read poems, literary excerpts, sometimes even outdoors in the middle of winter! We served hot chocolate to the seniors who attended our performances," the septuagenarian actress shares. Visiting seniors in their residences brought them much comfort, and the same can be said for Marie Tifo and Pierre Curzi. They benefited greatly from the experience and grew more comfortable with the idea of moving to a seniors' residence. "Each time, we left with a lot of energy because my encounters were exceptional. Seniors have an immense cultural thirst," says Ms. Tifo.
About her interactions with the residents, Marie Tifo shares that it was easy for her to connect and communicate with them, as they felt they knew her through her roles on television, film, and theater. "I realized that senior residences allow for incredible socialization, and we must continue to value them," she asserts.
- To learn more about the history of the popotes roulantes in Quebec
- To find a popotes roulantes in Quebec
Moving to a Seniors' Residence: A Simple Avenue with Bonjour Résidences
Whether you're considering a potential move to a retirement home like Marie Tifo or have already made the decision, Bonjour Résidences offers a free search assistance service. Simply fill out an accommodation request online or by phone at 1-844-918-1020 .