Active Aging

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 5 Last year, the Games returned from the pandemic when Selkirk hosted the thirty- ninth event. This year, the largest provincial multi-sport event for older adults in the province will be held in Portage la Prairie, June 2022. More than 1,000 people are expected to compete in over 20 events, ranging from cribbage and arts and crafts to pickleball and slo-pitch. The Games are open to any Manitoban 55 and over, including anyone who turns 55 this year. Heidrick says many participants make a point of participating in the Games every year - for the competition, and the camaraderie that's long been the Games' calling card. "Our participants enjoy travelling Manitoba to experience different cultures," she says. "It's not just the physical benefits that come with the Games. There are many elements to enjoy at this age-friendly event." But to truly enjoy the Games, participants must avoid injuries. That means to prepare in advance for competition - particularly for events that are more physically demanding. "Well before the Games, engage a therapist to talk about any lingering, nagging aches and pains you might have, and what can be done about them now," says athletic therapist Robyn Edge. "They will establish a routine that's individualized, specific and tailored to the person, and tailored to whatever their activity participation choices are going to be." One aspect of preparation involves participants pretending to throw bowling balls or mimic golf swings beforehand - and keep doing it right up until the event starts. Edge also emphasizes getting enough hydration and proper sleep before exerting yourself in the heat of competition. "It's always beneficial to have adequate nutrition, adequate hydration – having that well before the event occurs is always best for the system," she says. "So, you're coming from a state of readiness in a surplus of nutrition, in a surplus of sleep, and surplus of hydration." Why is good nutrition, proper and adequate hydration so important? "Having those things in place will enable you to draw from those stores when you're actually competing in the event. More immediately before the event, you're looking at continuing on with hydration and proper nutrition." But, how should someone expect to feel after competing for the first time in a year with no prep? "Hopefully, proud of themselves for doing it," Edge says. "It's very realistic for the body to send a lot of communication saying, 'Hey, you just used a lot of parts in ways that you haven't in a while.' Not all communication from the body to the brain is bad. What's bad is if it lingers in a way that impedes your ability to function to do different things." Everyone can expect to be at least somewhat sore and fatigued after competing physically, she adds. "My recommendation to people is to gently and lightly move as much as possible right after the event," Edge says. "Heat can be quite comfortable to help f luids circulate and help that recovery process happen." She adds there are other treatment options that will speed up recovery. "Sometimes, compression therapy – assuming that's okay for an individual to do – is also very beneficial. The more movement that you can work through even though you're stiff, the better off you're going to be. The stiffness will leave your body faster." Anyone interested in taking part in the Manitoba 55+ Games can now register with ease. AAIM has created a new online registration to make it easier to register for whatever events a participant wishes to enter and make a payment to be automatically registered. Visit www.activeagingmb.ca. Click on Events in the top menu bar, then click on 55+ Games Registration. Fill out the prompts, then pay. The cost is $40 for the first event, then $15 for any other one. Some events, such as golf, will have additional fees to cover green fees, etc. Teams must register as a group. The website also lists where each event will be held and when. Registration opened on March 20 and closes May 12. Participants book their own accommodations. When you can't see properly, bad things happen. SAVE YOUR SIGHT. SEE AN OPTOMETRIST www.Optometrists.mb.ca

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