Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1120522
As members of the baby boomer generation continue the journey into their retirement years, there is a growing demand for programs, services and housing options to help older adults live their best lives. A & O: Support Services for Older Adults invites everyone to explore the possibilities, and plan accordingly, by attending the 12th Annual 55+ Housing and Active Lifestyles Expo on May 29, at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg. Admission and parking are free for the daylong event, where guests of all ages can enjoy entertainment, see product demonstrations and learn more about the vast array of choices older Manitobans can consider today to help ensure a better tomorrow. A & O EXPO PROMOTES HEALTHY AGING FOR THE FREE PRESS Cannabis can be used to treat symptoms of the following medical conditions: Joint Conditions Full Body Conditions Gastrointestinal Conditions Neurological Disorders Pain Management Vision Conditions 202 – 478 River Ave | Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm | 204-410-3424 Fully Accessible 3 In-house Local Physicians Book an appointment online at delta9life.com ST VITAL SQUARE Unit 1 – 827 Dakota St Mon-Sat: 10 am-10 pm Sun: 10 am-6 pm OSBORNE VILLAGE 478 River Ave Mon-Thurs: 10 am-10 pm Fri-Sat: 10 am-11 pm Sun: 10 am-6 pm SHOPPERS MALL 1570-18th St Mon-Sat: 10 am-10 pm Sun: 10 am-6 pm WINNIPEG BRANDON The event is a major initiative of A & O, a Winnipeg-based non-profit organization that provides specialized services for older Manitobans, including a variety of innovative programs and services developed to enhance the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual lives of older adults across the province. Over its more than 60-year history, A & O has earned an excellent reputation for helping older adults in Manitoba enjoy an enhanced quality of life through an impressive slate of support services that encourage happy, healthy living and community connection. "Demographic studies now indicate that, for the first time ever, there are more Manitobans aged 65-plus than there are in the 14-and-under age group," says the organization's CEO, Amanda Macrae. "Advances in health care and disease prevention have resulted in people generally living longer than their ancestors would have thought possible. Longer lifespans mean that planning ahead has become even more important for older adults and their families as they look to the future." Macrae says this year's expo will feature over 100 exhibitors representing a wide range of products and services of particular interest to older Manitobans, including housing, health and wellness, nutrition, estate planning, and transportation. The event's popular fashion show is returning, this year featuring inter- generational models on the runway. A silent auction, offering a variety of attractive prizes, is also planned. But the main focus is on empowering guests through information. Organizers acknowledge that some people are sometimes reluctant to plan for their post-retirement years, perhaps not realizing the practicality and peace of mind that advanced planning can provide. "Not considering one's options in advance often compounds the stress that individuals and families experience when someone, either through illness, accident or death of a spouse, can no longer live alone in their home," says Macrae. "The philosophy behind our show is that life happens, whether we are ready or not — and knowledge is power. The goal is to assist Manitobans to age well." Supporting that goal will be such on- site services as walker/cane fittings and hearing screenings, along with a wealth of information about A & O's programming designed to encourage dignity, independence and active living for older Manitobans. Community connection is beneficial for people of all ages, as demonstrated by research that indicates social isolation tends to contribute to poorer health, lower rates of physical activity and higher mortality rates. A & O offers several initiatives to address social isolation, from volunteer home- visiting services to the organization's Senior Centre Without Walls (SCWW). The first program of its kind in Canada, and delivered via telephone, SCWW invites socially-isolated Manitobans aged 55- plus to enjoy interactive, educational and recreational activities from the comfort of their own homes. Another Canadian first from A & O is an innovative program called This Full House. Developed in 2004, the program was designed to help Manitobans aged 55-plus who are living in conditions of severe squalor and/or severe hoarding. People living in such conditions are at greater risk of fire, falls, injury and social isolation. This Full House connects clients with appropriate treatment, including professional counselling intervention. More information about these, and other important products, programs, services and housing opportunities, will be available on- site. "Our pillars — safety and security, social engagement and counselling — were selected to identify the most important issues and areas of opportunity affecting older adults," says Macrae. "Through offering these innovative programs and services, A & O is able to continue enhancing the quality of life for older Manitobans." ◗ HOUSING&ACTIVE LIFESTYLES EXPO 55+ 12TH ANNUAL 2