Active Aging

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 | Active Aging 3 "We think it's important to show that older adults are still very active and contributing, whether they're retired, working or volunteering," say Linda Brown, Active Aging in Manitoba's executive director. "The other purpose of Active Aging Week is to emphasize the importance of being physically and mentally active." She adds that there's also a third component to the week-long celebration of older adults. "I think it's important to combat ageism, so that's another important reason why we celebrate Active Aging week. I don't think people realize that ageism is quite prevalent in society. We feel there's the need to do something about it. That's why we want to show that older adults are still making contributions in so many areas of society." Why are so many older adults still key contributors at work or as volunteers? Simply put, they've stayed engaged in virtually every area of life, says Brown. "There's a misconception that you start to fall off when you pass 50, or when you retire. That only happens if you allow yourself to decline. If you don't stay active and engaged, then the chances of physical and cognitive decline increase dramatically." Suffice it to say the importance of staying active can't be emphasized enough. "Take the event we put on, the Manitoba 55+ Games," she says. "The amazing thing about them is the ages of the people that take part. The Manitoba 55+ Games are a great example of active, healthy aging as we have participants from 55 to over 90 years of age." Not only do the 55+ Games underscore the need to stay physically active to age well, but they also speak to the need to be socially engaged. "A lack of connection is a detriment to health and has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of the physical toll it can take on individuals. While people come back to the 55+ Games every year to compete, they come just as much to connect with all the friends they've made over the years." Likewise, older adults need to establish similar connections throughout the rest of the year by volunteering, going to weekly exercise classes or establishing groups that go for walks several times a week. "It's been shown that you make better gains in physical activity if you do it with others," Brown says. "Activity is a habit, just like brushing your teeth. If you put it into your schedule, it will happen consistently and become part of your everyday lifestyle." Once that lifestyle is established, the benefits become evident in short order. "People feel better physically and sleep better, which immediately improves the quality of their lives. It's also been shown that strength and agility gains can be made at any age, so getting active will only help you age better." What are the keys to aging well? "Those who stay involved in life age the best," says Brown. "So, make a point of staying active and socially engaged. If you do, you'll be able to contribute to society into your seventies, eighties and beyond, and show that even though you're getting older, you still have much to offer." "Your Trusted Africa Travel Advisor" www.AuthenticAfricAtoursAnd sAfAris.com/contAct CALL OR TEXT 403-613-3043 travel@africatourssafaris.com We craft amazing adventures in some of the most unforgettable destinations in Africa! Explore amazing game parks, experience once-in-a-lifetime safaris, and relax in fantastic game lodges and camps. Where luxury counts the stars above you, not just the ones on the door. • Extraordinary Safaris designed to be different • Many years spent curating & researching the lodges and operators we work with • Privately owned and operated small business • 10+ years of experience T O U R S & S A F A R I S "STRENGTH AND AGILITY GAINS CAN BE MADE AT ANY AGE, SO GETTING ACTIVE WILL ONLY HELP YOU AGE BETTER." — LINDA BROWN, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba SWIMMING IS ONE OF THE BEST EXERCISES YOU CAN DO.

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