Active Aging

OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 3 2157 Portage Ave. at Sharp Blvd. 204 - 897 - 4665 1020 Main St. at Manitoba Ave. 204 - 586 - 8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS Funeral Chapels & Crematorium "Where care & compassion come from understanding" Our licensed funeral directors will guide you through at need and thoughtful pre-planning arrangements. SERVING FAMILIES IN WINNIPEG AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR OVER 20 YEARS. I t's no exaggeration to say that almost every aspect of our lives has changed as a result of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the way we work to the way we play. Still, despite the ever-evolving changes we are trying to adapt to in our daily lives, there are some things that aren't likely to change any time soon — and that includes the importance of taking care of our physical well-being. But how do you remain active when many of the everyday activities you normally engage in have been paused or are no longer available? It's a question people have been asking since the pandemic first struck back in March, especially many older Manitobans. Jim Evanchuk, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), says it basically comes down to using common sense. "We're not saying don't go out there because it's dangerous. Yes, there is some risk, but you can reduce that risk substantially. There are still plenty of great outdoor days ahead of us this year and now is really the time to take full advantage of that," he says. "I think the key thing is that people are cognizant of the risk and do what they can to reduce it, but not be paralyzed by it. What we are emphasizing is the importance of moving on a regular basis and keeping active … and how that can be safely done within your bubble or sphere or neighbourhood." One of the easiest, and safest, ways for people 55 and over to be active is to spend more time working in their yard. Evanchuk says AAIM, which promotes active aging opportunities for older Manitobans, has been flooded with comments from people who say their yards have never looked better than they do now. "We've talked to a lot of people who have said this has been one of the best years with respect to yard work and gardening. They've really ratcheted it up a notch and are now seeing the benefits of that," he says. "I think the pandemic has caused people to not be out and about as much and going from one place to another. They're spending more time closer to home. They see the world a little bit differently now." That can include the world right outside your door. Evanchuk explains that a great way to get moving is to explore your neighbourhood on foot, be it the neighbourhood you've just moved into or the one that's been your home for years. "You can discover or rediscover some of the interesting aspects of one's own neighbourhood simply by walking," he says, adding a bicycle or wheelchair can present the same opportunity. "You can check out how people in your neighbourhood are caring for their yards or what flowers they've planted. There's lots of ideas that can spring up on a journey around your neighbourhood." The recent proliferation of active transportation paths in Winnipeg and other neighbouring communities has also been a boon during the pandemic. Evanchuk says they are a perfect opportunity for people to move safely from one neighbourhood to another while practising social distancing. Of course, you don't have to leave the cozy confines of your home if you're looking to get active. Evanchuk says now is the perfect time to put that stationary bike or treadmill you bought to good use. You can also increase your daily step count by using the steps in your home as a simple exercise device. "The key message is to do something as opposed to just sitting and watching television all day," he adds. Regardless of how you choose to be active, Evanchuk stresses that it's important for people, especially older adults, to make a list of activities they can do at home or outside. Such a list can include both new activities as well as ones that may rekindle a past interest or hobby. Equally important, he adds, is to make a schedule of the activities you list to ensure you follow through. "It's all about goal-setting. Without that commitment … all kinds of things can get in the way of you being active. A personal physical activity plan will help people to picture themselves doing it. In most cases, people feel a whole lot better for participating than just sitting around wishing they had." ■ Participating during a pandemic AAIM says active lifestyle still possible despite COVID-19 fears BY JIM TIMLICK For many older adults, the toughest part of becoming more active is figuring out how and where to get started, especially during the current pandemic. Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) has some tips on where individuals can find valuable guidance on that subject. • The Government of Canada offers this infograph on how to be safely active in your community: https://www.canada.ca/ content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/ publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19- going-out-safely/cov19-gt-eng.pdf • The Gerontological Society of America offers advice on how to interact with people outside your home during the pandemic: https://www.geron.org/images/gsa/ documents/GSA_Decision_Aid.pdf • Winnipeg in Motion provides numerous how-to videos on its YouTube channel: https:// www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion • Active Aging Canada offers up a number of options on how older Canadians can be active while remaining in the comfort of their home: https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/whats- new.htm#aah • AAIM provides a variety of information on programs and other resources on its own website that Manitobans can tap into: www.activeagingmb.ca

• Cover