Active Aging

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 3 Prosthetics & Orthotics Specializing in www.andersonortho.ca WINNIPEG CLINIC 1.885.837.7190 BRANDON CLINIC 1.855.729.8216 Engaging the aging A not-for-profit organization that promotes healthy living for older Manitobans is embracing change with a new name and new mind-set on aging. Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), formerly known as ALCOA-MB, will continue to promote healthy choices and behaviours for Manitobans aged 55 and older. As the population of older adults grows in the province, the organization aims to help them achieve optimal health and the best possible quality of life. AAIM strives to engage older Manitobans in healthy choices and behaviours that contribute to physical, social and mental wellness. As a result, older Manitobans can foster independence and improve their quality of life by staying socially connected, participating in regular physical activity, eating healthy foods and reducing risk for falls. "Engaging the aging requires an entirely new way of thinking about aging," said executive director Jim Evanchuk. "For the first time in our history, there are more Canadians 65-plus years of age than there are 18 years or younger." The World Health Organization defines active aging as "the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age." This approach can vary with each individual, yet the common thread is that older people can continue to be active throughout their entire life. "Within a reframed context of aging, growing older is not a negative," Evanchuk said. "Viewing aging with a more positive outlook can benefit the individual and the community in which that person lives." As a continuation of ALCOA-MB's important work over the past 15 years, AAIM will emphasize the word "active" to encourage older Manitobans to get engaged in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic realms. "The essence of active aging means continuing to be active contributors and resources to your family, peers, community and country throughout your entire lifetime," Evanchuk said. By launching its new brand and look, AAIM is encouraging all older Manitobans to move more and sit less. The organization aims to inspire older adults to stay socially connected and to contribute their time, knowledge and skills to their community. That way, they can strive toward optimal health for life. "You can thrive and be fully alive beyond 55. The longer you engage, the better you will age," Evanchuk said. "We are excited about our new name, new look and life- course approach that celebrates growing older in Manitoba." This year, Active Aging Week runs from Sept. 23 to 29, focusing on the theme "Inspiring Wellness." As the lead promoter, AAIM is issuing a call to action for older Manitobans to sign up for an activity, start a personal project and work towards something they love to do. "As well, AAIM will be joining hands with many other organizations to promote participation in activities and events to engage older Manitobans throughout Seniors and Elders Month, which is recognized throughout the entire month of October," Evanchuk said. AAIM will continue to promote and recruit for the Steppin' Up With Confidence peer volunteer leader program, which prepares older adults to lead age-friendly exercise sessions with their peers close to home. Currently, about 150 volunteers in Winnipeg are involved in this program. AAIM will also provide and expand on peer-led presentations to older adult groups on healthy aging topics. Looking ahead, AAIM will act as the lead organization for the annual Manitoba 55+ Games, which will be held in Swan River, June 11 to 13, 2019. AAIM has also developed an information resource entitled, Inspiring Wellness – Your Guide to Active Aging in Manitoba to showcase some great opportunities to engage older adults. The guide will be distributed throughout Manitoba and will be available on the AAIM website. In addition, the organization will keep collaborating on special events, including Active Aging Day that will be hosted by the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital on Sept. 25. For another special event, AAIM is teaming up with Sport Manitoba to participate in Toward Sport For Life at the Active Aging in Manitoba Expo on Oct. 1 at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, located at 145 Pacific Ave. For more information about Active Aging in Manitoba, visit the AAIM website at activeagingmb.ca, call 204-632-3947 or (toll-free) 1-866-202-6663 or email info@activeagingmb.ca.

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