Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1413311
8 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 4–11, 2021 LUNGtivity A community exercise program for individuals with lung diseases such as COPD To register contact us at: mb.lung.ca or 204-774-5501 TM The National Association of Federal Retirees is the largest national advocacy organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors. If you are eligible to be a member, or need more information, please contact us by email or phone listed below to learn why you should join us! email: nafrwpg@mymts.net | Phone: 204.989.2061 www.federalretirees.ca Invite a friend; reap more rewards BY JENNIFER MCFEE O ftentimes, tasks seem much easier when you're working out with a friend. And when it comes to keeping engaged and active, you can reap even more rewards if you're striving towards a goal together. "We know both anecdotally and in the research that exercising with a friend definitely improves adherence to the activity," says Linda Brown, master trainer and active aging consultant with Active Aging in Manitoba. "You've committed to another person, and you don't want to let them down." At the same time, it's also important to enjoy your activity so you'll feel inspired to continue. If you try something out of your usual routine, you might discover — or perhaps rediscover — an enjoyable pastime. "If you want to try something new but you're nervous about going alone, you can call a friend to go with you," Brown says. "It will improve the adherence to that activity if you both try it together, especially if it's something you're doing week after week. Repeating an activity over and over becomes part of our way of life, so having a buddy is beneficial." Peer support within your own age category can be another motivating factor. Through Active Aging in Manitoba's peer leader program, leaders aged 65-plus instruct fitness classes for others within their age group. "You identify better with a leader who's a peer," Brown says. "The leader will understand your everyday aches and pains or your mobility concerns because they're in the same category." In the spring, Active Aging in Manitoba developed a program called Take a Minute to Move TWOether. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 A group weight lifting session helps maintain muscle strength and promotes social connection. - photo courtesy of Active Aging In Manitoba