Active Aging

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 | Active Aging Week 3 "By raising the visibility of older adults during Active Aging Week and Senior and Elders Month in October, we can start to combat ageism." Throughout October, National Senior and Elders Month highlights the contributions older adults have made, and continue to make, to their community. "It's a time to reflect on those contributions and recognize the value of older adults in community and how their contributions shape our society," Brown says. "Older adults need to be proud of who they are and what they're doing." The main principles of active aging focus on physical activity, mental engagement, social connections and making healthy lifestyle choices. "Regular activity helps maintain health and improve strength and mobility," Brown says. "We all want to maintain our independence as we age. One key factor for that is to be active for approximately 20 to 30 minutes per day." At the same time, Brown suggests doing cognitive exercises, which could include learning new skills, engaging with others and participating in activities that stimulate the mind. In addition, she stresses the significance of maintaining community connections or making new connections by participating in community activities. "It's important to our health that we stay engaged to have that sense of belonging," she says. "Staying connected also reduces social isolation." As for making healthy lifestyle choices, Brown recommends maintaining balanced nutrition, avoiding harmful habits, getting enough sleep and managing stress. These suggestions overlap with the seven dimensions of wellness: intellectual/cognitive, emotional, physical, professional/vocational, social, spiritual and environmental. Brown explains that the intellectual/ cognitive dimension involves engagement in stimulating activities to keep your mind sharp. The emotional component focuses on the ability to control and direct your feelings to create a balanced life, while the physical dimension (i.e., activity) helps maintain independence and mobility. Then, there's the professional/ vocational component, which involves working or volunteering to use skills to contribute to society. Social interactions with family, friends, peer groups, neighbours and younger generations are valuable to maintaining optimal health. For the spiritual component, it doesn't necessarily involve a specific religion. Instead, spiritual growth can stem from living life based on your values, participating in regular meditation and experiencing nature. Finally, there's the environmental dimension, which is about respecting resources and choosing green processes. Brown points out that many urban designs, such as walking or cycling paths, encourage environmental wellness by providing spaces to interact with nature. "No matter what dimension of wellness one wants to work on, it is important to set realistic goals," Brown says. "If the goal is to increase physical activity, it's important to start off slowly and find an activity that's enjoyable. Starting off slowly and celebrating small accomplishments can be very motivating and empowering." For those who would like to learn more, AAIM has developed an Active Aging Week Guide, which is posted on their website at www.activeagingmb. ca. Hard copies are also available on request. "This guide is designed to help groups or individuals develop plans for activities during the first week of October," Brown says. "We also host regular programs such as the Manitoba 55+ Games, our peer-led exercise program and community outreach education programs that encourage Manitobans to sit less and move more." On Oct. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Wellness Institute will host an event with the theme "Take a step in the right direction." All are welcome to come out and try new activities, connect with community resources, engage with other older adults and improve wellness. For more information, visit www.activeaginmb.ca or call 204-632-3947. IT'S A TIME TO REFLECT ON THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS AND RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND HOW THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS SHAPE OUR SOCIETY" Linda Brown, executive director, Active Aging in Manitoba " THE MAIN PRINCIPLES OF ACTIVE AGING FOCUS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, MENTAL ENGAGEMENT, SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND MAKING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES

• Cover