Active Aging

10 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 It's got the Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) working overtime to make sure Winnipeg's older citizens can still do what they need to get done in as safe a way as possible. Samantha Rodeck is the executive director of the not-for-profit organization, which is run by a volunteer board of directors and receives its funding from a variety of sources including the Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living branch. Her office isn't receiving panicked phone calls from starving seniors, she says. There is most definitely, however, a general level of concern out there. Now everybody is in the same position, she says. Issues that affected a smaller population before now are affecting many because there is a general concern about what's a safe way to get around other than driving your own car. TONS doesn't do programming of its own but instead specializes in education delivery in the community. Regardless of the pandemic, people still need to get groceries or go to medical appointments. But rather than rely exclusively on old-school methods by walking through a store's doors, Rodeck and her team are encouraging older adults to use online grocery delivery and app- based programs wherever possible. The challenge, of course, is many baby boomers are nervous to try the latest technologies — and many may not have the financial means or access to these technologies that could make grocery shopping that much easier. But they shouldn't be intimidated (even if they don't have a teenager handy). Instead, she recommends turning it around and looking at the new reality as a chance to learn new skills that they didn't have before. "You can do this. It's a good opportunity to build more confidence. We all have to do it; it's not just older adults," she says. It helps that a lot of grocery providers — including Food Fare stores, Real Canadian Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart — have altered their hours to allow early morning shopping for seniors on select days. Avoiding the prime shopping hours can make for a relatively stress-free trip, she says. So, how should people get around? Rodeck recommends using one of the 13 senior resource finders in town, which are community gatekeepers funded by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. They've got lists of resources for older adults, which might include volunteer driving programs. For example, there's Caregiving With Confidence in the southwest part of the city and the Transcona Senior Resource Council, which covers the east end of Winnipeg. "We encourage people to assess the need of an activity. If it's not high priority, will it be the end of the world if you don't do it?" she says. If you absolutely, positively have to go out, she recommends the lowest-risk option, which is active transportation, such as walking and biking. "We recommend getting as much fresh air as you can," she says. Riding the bus should be a little less stressful now that Winnipeg Transit has mandated that every rider wear a mask. Rodeck says it should be comforting to know that Winnipeg Transit and its Transit Plus division, which provides door-to-door service for people with mobility issues, are being monitored very closely by the city. Its drivers have been well trained and there are strict guidelines about how the buses are cleaned at the end of every day. She considers vehicles for hire, such as TappCar and Uber, to be "lower to moderate risk." With payment being done via an app, neither customers nor drivers need to handle cash. Where taxis have the superior set up is the shields between the front and back seats, she says. Regardless of how you move around, Rodeck recommends — at a minimum — continuing to follow public health guidelines by washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a mask when out in public and in any form of public or private transportation. "Do your research to find what's comfortable for you. We want to empower people to make their own decisions," she says. "It's important that we continue to be socially engaged and look for ways to engage ourselves physically and mentally, no matter how challenging it can be to get from Point A to Point B." ■ 40 DUNKIRK DRIVE Call Jenna Moore to book your tour today 204.231.5777 • Three nutritious Meals a Day • Complimentary 24 Hour Bistro • In suite laundry • Fitness Centre • Craft and Games Area • Complimentary Internet Access Room • Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery • Building Staffed 24/7 • 24 Hour Emergency Response Pendant • Weekly in-Suite Light Housekeeping Services • Weekly Linen and Towel Services • Complimentary Transportation to Medical Appointments and Outings • Heat, Hydro, and Water ALL INCLUSIVE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY TONS of ways to connect BY GEOFF KIRBYSON Has there ever been a more stressful time to go from Point A to Point B? T he COVID-19 pandemic has turned what used to be routine outings into major affairs requiring masks, an ocean of hand sanitizer and eyes in the back of your head to make sure nobody is encroaching into your space.

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