Finding Joy in the Journey: How Trishaw Rides Help Seniors Reconnect with Nature and Each Other

For years, the Vedder River Trail was a special place for Doug and Sheila Johnston – a familiar path they loved to walk together. But when Sheila’s health began to decline, their visits to their special spot quietly came to an end. That is, until they moved to Elim Village.

Thanks to a partnership between Elim Village and the University of the Fraser Valley, Doug and Sheila have found their way back to the trail – this time from the front seat of a trishaw, a three-wheeled bike with a passenger seat in the front, designed to help older adults experience the outdoors again.

Overcoming Uncertainty, Finding Joy

On their first ride, Doug wasn’t sure how Sheila would respond.

“We got on the trishaw, put on our helmets, and at first, she was anxious being on it,” he said. “But then, I saw her getting ok with it and laughing.”

Behind the wheel was Stephan Murphy, a Kinesiology student at UFV and trained volunteer, who quickly became more than just a driver to the couple.

“Stephan was very important because he took a real interest in Sheila. He saw how much it meant to her and me,” Doug said. “And he makes the trip interesting. Stephan has pointed out where a tree has been toppled by a beaver, or a bald eagle perched on a log in the river. He makes it more than just a ride.”

More Than a Volunteer

For Stephan, volunteering as a trishaw pilot is personal. At his grandmother’s funeral he made a promise to live a life that would make her proud. The trishaw has become part of fulfilling that promise.

“When I learned about the trishaw, I thought it would have been a really cool experience to give my grandma when she was alive. Now I get to give it to someone else’s grandma,” Stephan said.

Over the past year, Stephan has built a meaningful connection with Doug and Sheila. He’s watched Sheila – who lives with brain trauma and mild dementia – grow more confident with every ride. And he’s witnessed special moments, like the time she threw her hands in the air and cheered as they coasted down a hill.

“Doug turned around and looked at me and said, she’s having a great day. He was crying. I was crying. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

A Life-Changing Experience

What began as a volunteer opportunity has become life-changing for Stephan.

“I didn’t think it was going to become this absolutely massive part of my life,” he said. “I’ve known joy, I’ve known pleasure, but I’ve never known the level of happiness that this has given me. It’s been the most therapeutic thing I’ve ever done in my life – and I didn’t expect any of that.”

For Doug, Sheila, and the many other Elim Village residents, the trishaw isn’t just a ride. It’s a way back to nature, connection, and moments they thought they had left behind.

“Coming to Elim and having something like the trishaw got us outside and got us with people,” Doug said “I keep going back for the enjoyment of it, and seeing Sheila happy and comfortable – and because it’s our old favourite walk. I keep going back because of that.”

It turns out, joy isn’t just found in the destination. Sometimes, it’s rediscovered in the journey.