Active Aging

2 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 Showcasing and Celebrating Active Aging BY JENNIFER MCFEE A n active lifestyle offers benefits that can be celebrated at any age and stage of life. Karin Whalen, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), outlines the importance of keeping active as we get older. "With an active lifestyle, you reap many benefits for mental health, social health, and physical health. The pandemic has really brought to light the importance of keeping active and connected for your own well-being," she says. Whalen adds that the secret to staying active lies in getting involved. "Of course, we want people to be physically active, but they could be active via volunteering, helping others out or by participating in an activity. Perhaps they can contribute their time and their skills. It's about getting engaged in your life and your community." Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) is the lead organization in the province to promote the annual Active Aging Week, targeted to older adults 55-plus, in conjunction with the International Council on Active Aging. This year, Active Aging Week runs from Oct. 3 to 9 during National Senior and Elders Month, which spans the month of October. To launch the festivities, International Day of Older Persons is slated for October. 1. "Active Aging Week is a celebration. At AAIM, which is a not-for-profit organization, we're joining with one of our partners and planning an open house at The Wellness Institute, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be free for anyone in the community to attend," Whalen says. The purpose of that day is straightforward, she adds. "We really want to encourage people to do whatever they can in their community to promote lifelong engagement and inspire people to live an active lifestyle, however that might be. They can then reap all the benefits that come along with it." AAIM encourages communities throughout Manitoba to participate in Active Aging Week by planning an event that celebrates healthy, active aging. "We're asking communities throughout our province to consider planning something that would encourage people 50 years of age or older to participate in during that week," she says. "It could be something simple like crafting or hosting a bocce ball tournament or going on a community walk and inviting others to attend." CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Running outdoors connects you with nature and helps increase cardiovascular capacity.

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