Active Aging

SPRING 2021 | ACTIVE AGING 11 I am able to travel to the homes of clients or meet in a convenient location, to prepare wills and powers of attorney, co-habitation and separation agreements or other documents, as may be required. ALL INCLUSIVE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 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 The short, one-minute clips walk people through a variety of exercises designed specifically for people 55-plus. In addition, the organization is also posting a variety of activity-related webinars and presentations online that are available free of charge. Whalen stresses that while it's important to follow public health recommendations about social distancing, that doesn't preclude spending time outside. "Doing things outside is wonderful, not only for your physical health but your mental health too. People sometimes forget how great going outside can be. You tend to feel more energized," she says. One of the most enjoyable and accessible outdoor activities is walking. Whalen suggests making things a little more interesting by changing up your walking route on a regular basis, incorporating other activities into your walks such as simples stretches and even changing the time of day you go for a walk. Yard work is a great way to kill two birds with one proverbial stone: in addition to beautifying your yard, it can also provide a great, low-impact workout. "Gardening is a fantastic activity. A lot of people don't think of it as exercise, but some of it can be pretty intense, especially if you're doing any major landscaping," says Whalen, adding frequent breaks will help minimize any joint or muscle pain you might feel afterwards. If you prefer the great indoors, Whalen says there are plenty of activities around the house to choose from that will get you moving such as riding a stationary bike, yoga, tai chi and even dancing. One of the most important things for anyone 55-plus to consider, should they be looking to be more active, is to set up an action plan tailored to their lifestyle and personal goals, notes Whalen. Not only does it provide a road map to follow, but it also forces you to be more accountable to yourself. "Our experience has been that when people put their action plans up on their fridge, they're really making themselves accountable since it's highly visible," she says, adding that any such plan should include activities a person is reasonably likely to perform. Regardless of what your personal plan may include, Whalen says the most important thing is to find something you enjoy that will get you up and moving. "One of the messages that I often relay to people is the big thing is just taking that first step: get out of that chair, get off the couch. As you do it, it becomes easier and can become a habit." CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 "Gardening is a fantastic activity. A lot of people don't think of it as exercise, but some of it can be pretty intense, especially if you're doing any major landscaping." Gardening is a low-impact and enjoyable way to keep moving.

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