Active Aging

OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 9 3-1115 Gateway Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R2G 0A5 Phone: (204) 661-1900 @CompletePhysio.WPG www.completephysiotherapy.ca Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you Restoring you to the BEST you WE TREAT DIZZINESS, VERTIGO AND BALANCE DISORDERS • Treatment of Acute and Chronic Injuries • Custom Orthotics • Pre and Post Surgical Management • Vertigo and Post Concussion Therapy • Motor Vehicle and Work Place Accident Injuries • Acupuncture and Dry Needling • Treatment of the Jaw A s important as it is for younger and middle- aged folks to socialize, it's even more important for older adults. And while some older adults were isolated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, that sense of isolation became even more pronounced during a province-wide lockdown that stretched from spring into early summer. Already limited in their social contact, many older adults became almost completely cut off from family and friends due to fear of contracting the coronavirus. It's a situation that had a very negative impact on many older adults aged 55 and up, says Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. "Older adults need to connect in order to thrive," she says. "COVID or no COVID, isolation creates mental health problems for people." Thankfully, senior centres stepped up during the lockdown. Older adults were shown how to use an iPad or laptop so they could go online to connect with friends and family via Zoom, Skype or other applications that enable people to connect virtually. While it wasn't — and still isn't — a replacement for in-person contact, it helped fill the void. Newman adds that restoring the ability to connect wasn't the only challenge many older adults faced during the lockdown. "It's also important for older adults to stay active, even in COVID," she says. "For example, I'm not a walker, but I started walking. When you do that, you can get out, walk to the corner and maybe talk to a neighbour along the way. We have to adjust to the new normal individually and collectively." Now that life is up and running again — albeit with certain restrictions in place — older adults need to summon up the courage to venture back out into the world. "Some of our members are paranoid about COVID," says Newman. "I understand that reluctance to get out, but at the same time, I encourage them to call their local senior centre. All senior centres now have COVID protocols in place." Those protocols include using hand sanitizer, social distancing — and smaller classes. "We know that it's very important to make our members comfortable, so there will usually be about five to six people spread out in classes in smaller spaces and around 20 people in larger spaces. Classes will also be held outdoors for as long as the weather allows it, as the risk of transmission is very low." Those who've attended classes in the past month or two have been pleasantly surprised by what they've found. "Again, the focus at centres is providing a safe environment, so that shouldn't be an issue. However, when you get there, look around and assess what you see. If it looks like distancing rules aren't being followed, leave. If you see that they are, go in and do your thing." Make no mistake about it — there are plenty of things to do, from yoga to zumba, line dancing and more. "The important thing is to get active," Newman says, noting she's even seen people in wheelchairs taking part in classes. "There's something for everyone, so you should be able to find an activity that works for you." While it's only normal to fear COVID-19, getting educated about it will help put it in the proper perspective. "The reality is that the coronavirus is transmitted mainly by droplets. If someone has COVID and you spend over 15 minutes with them face-to-face, then there's a good chance you'll catch it," she says. "If you social distance, avoid crowded rooms, use a mask where appropriate and wash your hands regularly, you should be fine." Most importantly, educational information should come from a verified and trusted source. "Don't believe alarmist articles or posts you see on Facebook. If you're in doubt, see what experts like Dr. Roussin are saying. They can be trusted. Sources like conspiracy theories can't." As challenging as life is right now, do your best to get out and live it, says Newman. "To live life to the fullest, older adults need that in-person connection. Don't let a lack of information and the paranoia it breeds prevent you from getting the social contact you need. It's critically important for your mental and physical health." ■ "As challenging as life is right now, do your best to get out and live it." – Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres Pre-pandemic activities allowed for social connection among older adults. Senior centres still offer ways to connect with COVID precautions in place.

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