Active Aging

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 7 Do what you love! Inspire others and get paid for it. Many Fitness Leader certification options Call us today @204-235-1245 or visit www.manitobafitnesscouncil.ca PAIN: RELIEF IS WITHIN REACH FREE PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM REGISTER TODAY: ARTHRITIS.CA/PRAIRIESYMPOSIUM FOR INFORMATION: 204-942-4892 | 1-800-321-1433 | info@mb.arthritis.ca YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR ARTHRITIS PAIN • Research on pain and pain management • Cutting edge treatment options • Talking to your health care team • Patient success stories • Optimal lifesyle choices PAIN: RELIEF IS WITHIN REACH Symposium with Webcast & Resource Fair Caboto Centre – 1055 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg Saturday, November 3, 2018 9:30 am-2:30 pm Lunch is included Cost: Free (ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR IN-PERSON AND ONLINE EVENTS) arthritis.ca The National Association of Federal Retirees is the largest national advoca- cy organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors. If you are a member, drop by and say hello. If you are eligible to be a mem- ber, or need more information, stop by to learn why you should join us! email: nafrwpg@mymts.net | Phone: 204.989.2061 | www.federalretirees.ca MOBILITY PRODUCTS CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS LIFT CHAIRS, WALKERS, STAIRLIFTS AND MORE! > homequip.ca 385-550 Century St. (204) 949-2300 "They resemble an aerobics class, only they've been modified for older adults who are looking to stay active," Letain says. "The exercises can be done standing up, sitting down or in a walker. We have 184 peer leaders trained in safe exercise who lead the classes throughout the province." By modifications, Letain means classes can be geared toward older adults with certain physical conditions. "For example, we can modify exercises to meet individual needs such as those someone with Parkinson's disease has," he explains. "All the exercises done in class would be specific to the needs of individuals dealing with Parkinson's. The exercises could help participants learn actions that would help them put a cup away, or help them brush their teeth more efficiently." As for class participants, they come from all age groups. "We get people in their 50s who are retired and live in 50-plus condos all the way up to 100-year-olds," Letain says. "We actually had a 100-year-old who came to class with their own hand weights. That was so inspiring." If the Steppin' Up With Confidence program had a central theme, it would be that's it's never too early — or late — to start exercising, he adds. "It's crazy good the way the body responds to exercise at any age — it's like a miracle pill. It works wonders with function, both physically and mentally. The camaraderie also helps people with their mental outlook, too." Another program — the AAIM for Optimal Health Presentation Series — is also available to help older adults learn how to live longer, healthier lives. "There are five presentations," says AAIM peer leader co-ordinator Sue Mackenzie. "Each provides information to help older Manitobans make informed decisions to improve and maintain health- enabling quality of life and independence." Key messages include the importance of physical activity, social engagement and lifelong learning. Topics include active living with a focus on physical activity, benefits and types of activity, fall prevention, nutrition and 10 habits of healthy living. "We also provide information on other areas," she notes. "They include oral health and two presentations on brain health. One deals with how to protect and improve brain health and the other — which is done in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society — deals with dementia." Education and participation are the keys to older Manitobans leading longer, healthier lives, says Letain. "Once you start doing positive things, more positive things start to happen. We want older adults to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to their health. By getting educated on healthy life habits and participating in activities, they can delay the effects of aging and improve their quality of life," he says. "We're here to help people age actively in whatever way we can." "OUR GOAL IS NOT ONLY TO HELP PEOPLE GET THE AMOUNT OF EXERCISE THEY NEED TO STAY INDEPENDENT LONGER, BUT TO ALSO HELP THEM SOCIALIZE, SOMETHING THAT'S AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE PROGRAM." For information on Steppin' Up With Confidence or other AAIM programs visit the AAIM website at activeagingmb.ca, call 204-632-3947 or (toll-free) 1-866-202-6663 or email info@activeagingmb.ca.

• Cover