Active Aging

OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 15 Dawn Bourbonnais, communications and outreach manager for Volunteer Manitoba, says volunteering also provides an opportunity for older adults to participate in their community more fully. "It helps you to get more involved in your community," says Bourbonnais, whose organization connects volunteers with volunteer organizations. "A lot of older people are at a point in their life where they've been through a lot. Volunteering is an opportunity to make the changes or participate in the change they want to see in the world." Bourbonnais also points out that getting involved in volunteering can also help deal with feelings of isolation that can arise when peers pass on or health complications limit a person's interactions with others. "Volunteering is a great way to deal with that isolation. It helps us to stay connected and to be social," she says. "We're social beings and we really saw that the last two years when many of our social connections were taken away. Volunteering is a way to socialize with others." It also represents an opportunity to share knowledge with others who can benefit from the expertise you possess, according to Brown. "Older adults have so much knowledge and expertise to share," she says. "Whatever their career has been, that can translate into something they can do now as a volunteer and provide an organization with that knowledge and at the same time allow themself to feel good about giving back to the community." Brown says one bit of advice she often shares with older adults about volunteering is to choose something they enjoy doing. "It's important to volunteer in something you enjoy or that you have some experience in or expertise with," she says. "If you pick something you enjoy, it's more likely to make it a successful volunteer commitment." Bourbonnais agrees and says that older adults should approach volunteering the same way they would approach a job search. "You want to have the same criteria as you would for a new company you would join or a new office that you're thinking of applying to," she says. "As a volunteer you're going to work for someone else, so you want to make sure you understand what the application process looks like, but also what the work is going to be." AAIM (activeagingmb.ca) offers a number of volunteer opportunities through programs such as Steppin' Up with Confidence, a peer-led exercise program, a Speaker's Bureau that promotes active living, and the Manitoba 55+ Games. Volunteer Manitoba (volunteermanitoba. ca) provides a referral service that connects volunteers with volunteer opportunities. FRED DOUGLAS PLACE IS A 55+ INDEPENDENT LIVING LIFE LEASE COmmUNITy Known for its large, bright and well-maintained apartments with beautiful rounded balconies. Other amenities include: • Five appliances • In-house management • In-house security • Heated underground parking • Full gym on site As a resident of the "Place" you will enjoy climate- controlled walkways to downtown shopping, dining and a variety of entertainment venues. We look forward to seeing you at the "Place". ENTRANCE FEE RANGE - $16,859 (Studio) - $43,976 (2 BR) Please call Elaine at 204-982-0330 to book a tour. www.freddouglasplace.com 333 Vaughan Street – corner of Vaughan and Ellice "THE PLACE WITH HEART" FRED DOUGLAS PLACE IS A 55+ INDEPENDENT LIVING LIFE LEASE COmmUNITy Known for its large, bright and well-maintained apartments with beautiful rounded balconies. Other amenities include: • Five appliances • In-house management • In-house security • Heated underground parking • Full gym on site As a resident of the "Place" you will enjoy climate- controlled walkways to downtown shopping, dining and a variety of entertainment venues. We look forward to seeing you at the "Place". ENTRANCE FEE RANGE - $16,859 (Studio) - $43,976 (2 BR) Please call Elaine at 204-982-0330 to book a tour. www.freddouglasplace.com 333 Vaughan Street – corner of Vaughan and Ellice "THE PLACE WITH HEART" FRED DOUGLAS PLACE IS A 55+ INDEPENDENT LIVING LIFE LEASE COMMUNITY Known for its large, bright and well-maintained apartments with beautiful rounded balconies. Other amenities include: • Five appliances • In-house management • In-house security • Heated underground parking • Full gym on site As a resident of the "Place" you will enjoy climate-controlled walkways to downtown shopping, dining and a variety of entertainment venues. We look forward to seeing you at the "Place:. ENTRANCE FEE RANGE – $16,859 (Studio) – $43,976 (2BR) Please call Elaine at 204-982-0330 to book a tour. www.freddouglasplace.com 333 Vaughan Street – corner of Vaughan and Ellice FRED DOUGLAS PLACE IS A 55+ INDEPENDENT LIVING LIFE LEASE COmmUNITy Known for its large, bright and well-maintained apartments with beautiful rounded balconies. Other amenities include: • Five appliances • In-house management • In-house security • Heated underground parking • Full gym on site As a resident of the "Place" you will enjoy climate- controlled walkways to downtown shopping, dining and a variety of entertainment venues. We look forward to seeing you at the "Place". ENTRANCE FEE RANGE - $16,859 (Studio) - $43,976 (2 BR) Please call Elaine at 204-982-0330 to book a tour. www.freddouglasplace.com 333 Vaughan Street – corner of Vaughan and Ellice "THE PLACE WITH HEART" Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and direction, especially for somebody who's newly retired. " CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Community spirit is another desirable by-product of volunteering. (Supplied photo)

• Cover