Active Aging

14 Active Aging Week September 22-28, 2013 variety of services spice up life at community hubs by Kathryne cardwell For the Free Press S ocialize with friends, take a class, join a sports team — when you discover senior community centres, you open doors to new opportunities. "I see such a need for people to connect," says Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC). "As human beings, we need shelter, we need food, we need clothes and we need people. And a senior community centre provides people." MASC works to develop new senior centres, support existing ones and promote communication, networking and planning among 35 centres across Manitoba, including 20 in Winnipeg. It also collaborates with other senior-serving organizations such as the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), Transportation Option Network for Seniors and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Older and retired individuals who find themselves with more time on their hands may become bored, restless and unhappy. And they're more prone to becoming socially isolated, particularly if their social life depended on their work or their spouse's work connections. Filling those free hours and connecting to the community are crucial to enjoying retirement years to the fullest, and senior centres offer a variety of options. Hours, programs and fees vary from centre to centre, but newcomers will be pleasantly surprised by the range of services on offer, from exercise classes to social networking groups to current- events lectures. And most activities, be they cooking classes or walking clubs or health seminars, have social benefits. One of the most popular events at centres across the city is Lunch and Learn, a series of luncheons that feature speakers on a variety of topical subjects. The luncheons have gained a wide following because, as Newman says, "We love to eat and we love to learn!" Centres often host seminars and classes on subjects like money management, cooking, computer usage and crime prevention. And they often partner with programs that provide core health services, or collaborate with organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba to provide a wider range of services and ensure that members have access to important information. Those looking for a new hobby might try their hand at woodcarving, stamp collecting, quilting, choir, recorder, harmonica, book clubs, Toastmasters, creative writing, watercolor and acrylic painting. You can play bridge, dominoes, cribbage, Scrabble or any other game where you want to flex your strategizing skills. There's a growing awareness of the importance of remaining active and healthy as we age, and most senior centres provide exercise classes, activity groups and team sports. Activities may include aerobics, water aerobics, swimming, tai chi, yoga, line dancing and even belly-dancing classes. Zumba dance is one of the most popular exercises these days, and many centres offer beginning, intermediate and even advanced groups. Many activities are tailored to seniors who may have health issues, such as heart concerns or arthritis, and groups specifically aimed at older seniors include chair aerobics and classes featuring low-impact exercises. And those who just want to have fun with their friends can enjoy walking clubs, golf parties, badminton, billiards and more. Sports and games are popular, with pickleball, a racquet sport combining elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis topping the list. Senior centres have traditionally attracted more women than men, but they're reaching out and creating men's breakfast groups, team sports and other programs. Good Neighbours Active Living Centre in St. James, for one, offers Men in the Kitchen, a cooking class just for men. Everyone will enjoy special events such as holidays teas, bake sales and dances. And since you don't have to drive or find parking, excursions to casinos, museums, art galleries and other destinations are convenient and conducive to expanding your social horizons. "It's a basic need from birth for people to connect with one another," Newman says. "I see such value in that community." to find a senior community centre near you, visit www.manitobaseniorcentres.com. finD your centre You may be surprised at the range of activities, services and social events at your senior or community centre. A ���� ��������� ��������� ���� ��� ��� yearstoherhusbandwithAlzheimer's, Audrey Kirkpatrick, age 80, knew that she was worn out. "When my husband was placed into a care facility, I was exhausted. In �������������������������������������� myselfanditshowed,"saysAudrey. HersonrecommendedthatshejointheReh- Fit Centre and Audrey found the welcoming environmentshewaslookingfor."Istartedwith aReh-FitassessmenttoseewhatconditionIwas inandthenthestaffmaderecommendationsof things to do. They were very professional and madeitagreatexperience." AudreynowcomestotheReh-Fitthreetimes a week to walk the track and participate in the Stretch & Strength class. She has also joined twoyogaclasseswhereshe'senjoyedtheadded bonusofmakingnewfriends. Her blood pressure has dropped from 165 ���� ��� ���� ������� �� � ������� ��� ��� Audrey credits her time at the Reh-Fit to the improvement. "My doctor is very happy with me. People say I look like a different person – there'sbeensuchabigchangeinhowIfeeland howIlook." Audrey believes that staying active is importantasyouage."It'ssoeasytositaround and do nothing and that's just not healthy. You havetoworkatkeepinghealthy.Thebestpartof mydayiswhenIcometotheReh-Fit!" Sue Boreskie, CEO of the Reh-Fit agrees that it's never too late to start enjoying the powerful effect that exercise and a healthy lifestylecanhave."Everydayweseepeopleof allagesloseweight,boosttheirenergy,eliminate pain,andreducetheuseofmedication.Itisthe oneprescriptionthatdeliversongoingphysical, ���������������������������� �� �������� ���� �������� ������� ������ facility, the Reh-Fit takes a comprehensive approach – offering a wide array of programs andservicesthathelppeoplereachtheirhealth goals–nomattertheirabilityorage. "Physical activity can help prevent and treat almost every disease, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and arthritis," says Boreskie. "It also helps us maintain mobility and independence as we age and increases our lifespan. It's a proven fact thatexerciseismedicineandthatthisapproach representsthefutureofhealthcare." Findouthowtofeelyoungerandmanagehealth issues by attending free educational workshops, healthscreeningandpreventionclinicsandspecial presentationsattheReh-FitCentreincluding: ReasonsandWaystoStayPhysically HealthyasWeAge Dr.ElizabethReady,Universityof ManitobaProfessor Thursday,Sept26 7:00-8:00pm LifeChangingChoices Dr.StevenBlair,award-winningU.S. researcherandexercisescientist Monday,October7 7:00-8:00pm Visit��������������orcall204-488-8023 foracompletelistofprograms. 1390TaylorAve. AgingwithEnergy FREEActiveAging WeekPrograms! He bl d h d ed f 165 "It'ssoeasytositaroundand donothingandthat'sjust nothealthy.' –AudreyKirkpatrick Reh-FitCentre September22-28attheReh-FitCentre ADVERTORIAL

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