Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1029740
6 ACTIVE AGING WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 BY TODD LEWYS FOR THE FREE PRESS Back in 2004, the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) started a program aimed at promoting active aging through older adult peer leaders. Fourteen years later, the program, known as Steppin' Up With Confidence is thriving under ALCOA's new moniker, Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM). "In a nutshell, it's a free peer-led fitness program that's carried out in condominiums, apartments and community clubs — basically wherever people live and congregate," says Lance Letain, master trainer for AAIM's Steppin' Up with Confidence program. "The idea is to work with shut-ins to make sure they get the exercise they need." Letain says the mission of the program which works in conjunction with all the other AAIM program offerings is twofold. "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," he says. "Within that, we're really pushing fall prevention. The longer people stay fit and healthy, the longer they avoid taking harmful falls." The classes — which are led by Steppin' Up with Confidence peer leaders 55 and over — typically run three times a week for 50 minutes. BY TODD LEWYS FOR OR THE THE FR FREE EE PRE PRESS SS h wherever peo l ple li live a d nd congr g egate," says y Lance Let etai ain, m Steppin' Up With Confidence