Active Aging

12 ACTIVE AGING | SPRING 2021 BY TODD LEWYS B eing active at any age is important for everyone, including older adults who are living with breathing issues. According to the Lung Association, Manitoba, about one in five Manitobans suffer from some form of lung health issues. Of these, Manitoba Health reports that there were 90,000 people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2018. That sobering statistic prompted them to search for a way to help those living with illnesses such as COPD gain a better quality of life. Their search culminated with the creation of a brand-new initiative called LUNGtivity, says Hailey Coleman, spokesperson for The Lung Association. "Our president and CEO, Neil Johnston, actually came up with the idea based on successful models in other provinces," she says. "It's basically a community exercise program for people with COPD and other respiratory issues. We've teamed up with two supporters, the Wellness Institute, and the Manitoba Fitness Council, to start the program and we are continuing to add more supporters such as Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM)." Program implementation is being led by experienced fitness instructor trainer Andrea Smith, an instructor in the University of Winnipeg's department of Kinesiology and Applied Health. The once or twice-weekly sessions have been tailored specifically to the needs of those who've been affected by breathing issues, notes Coleman. "Classes will be offered both virtually (online) and in-person – right now, because of Code Red restrictions, classes are mostly online," she says. "Classes are run by fitness leaders who've been specially trained to reduce the risks for those who have lung conditions." As might be expected, classes are gentle and low-key in nature. "Participants have the option to take part either standing or seated – whichever is more comfortable for them. They work at their own pace and comfort level. The program has three main goals. Those goals are simple: to help a person with the self-management of their strength and stamina, to improve a person's daily function during daily activities and to provide a safe, accessible environment in which they can learn how to better manage their condition." Although the program is in its infancy, reaction has been excellent. "It's been really good," Coleman says. "We ran an ad in local newspapers, and we received tons of phone calls." She adds that people have only one issue with the program. "Right now, the biggest barrier for participation is that it's being offered mainly online. Because many of the people who want to access the program don't have access to a computer, it's been difficult getting them set up on Zoom. " It's really just a matter of getting a tablet or computer, adds Coleman. "Once people get connected, the instructors who run the program will help them get going. We keep the online and in-class sizes small so they can have a safe space to exercise and learn how to move their body so they can get stronger and more independent in their daily activities," she says. "It also gives them something to look forward to once or twice a week." Further, the program offers an opportunity for isolated people to connect, share and learn from each other. Johnston says while there's a fee for participation, the Lung Association is seeking low to no- cost options as the program expands. The good news is that, with more people getting vaccinated, in-person programming may well resume in earnest in the fall. "When you exercise in a group, you get a real community feel, and you get a much better instructor-client rapport," he says. "The instructors are to provide that unique individual guidance each participant needs through the different exercises while monitoring them to make sure they're coping as well as possible." If you or someone you know is living with a lung health issue, contact the Lung Association, Manitoba for advice immediately. "Please give us a call or send us an email. We'll be happy to get you set up online or in-person so that we can pair you up with an instructor," says Coleman. "They'll get to know you, and then will come up with an exercise plan that meets your individual needs. We're hoping in-person classes will commence in the fall when things will be more back to normal." To find out more about the Lung Association Manitoba's new LUNGtivity Program, please contact program coordinator Andrea Smith at a.smith@ uwinnipeg.ca, or Hailey Coleman at Hailey.Coleman@mb.lung.ca or call 204- 774-5501 At present, LUNGtivity classes – which run once or twice weekly – are mostly online, but Coleman is hopeful in-person classes will resume in the fall when life gets back to a semblance of normal. Lung Association Manitoba Introduces New LUNGtivity Program

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