Active Aging

6 Active Aging Week September 22-28, 2013 September 22-28, 2013 Active Aging Week 7 by Jackie de pape Hornick For the Free Press F orget the adage, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' It may be true for dogs, but it couldn't be further from the truth for people. Older adults are embracing lifelong learning in greater numbers, and they'll find almost 100 new ways to do so in Creative Retirement's Fall 2013 55+ Learning Guide. "Exercising the brain is as important as exercising the rest of the body," says D'Arcy Mansell, Creative Retirement director of marketing and resource development. "Taking in new information and discussing it with others keeps the brain active and positively impacts the way you age. Everyone talks about physical health, but mental health and social health are vital too, and that's what we focus on at Creative Retirement." The not-for-profit organization creates courses specifically for adults who are 55 and older. Computers and technology, the arts, languages and special-interest classes are taught by industry experts and professors, many of whom donate their time. With three terms each year, new learning adventures are always available. Almost 25% of courses are first-time offerings, and while each term brings new faces to classes, Mansell says one student has been coming back since the organization's inception in 1981. This fall term, seniors will be treated to unique lecture presentations from experts like Dr. Peter Markesteyn. Manitoba's chief medical examiner from 1982 to 2000, Markesteyn shares what goes on behind the scenes of an investigation in a lecture titled Forensic Science and Crime. Students can explore herb shops in Chinatown, study classical music, learn to play bridge, try their hand at cake decorating and much more. The most popular subjects right now deal with computers and technology, with courses that include Using Your iPhone, Facebook, Pinterest and Using Your Mac. "Knowing that if you don't learn new technology you can be left behind, we offer a lot of practical computer courses," Mansell says. "Some people come in not knowing where to find a computer's start button, while other users are quite computer savvy and are looking to try the latest trendy program like Skype." Many organizations recognize that lifelong learning contributes to good health and longevity. The University of Manitoba partners with Creative Retirement for the Curiousity Series, a summer bus-tour program. And the University of Winnipeg offers a 55-plus program through its Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) branch. Some seniors are thrilled to have an opportunity to pursue interests they were too busy to take on during their working lives. And with so many learning options to choose from, many discover brand-new interests and passions. "Have a look at the courses we offer," Mansell advises. "Often people develop an interest for something just by reading a course description. You never know when you might find something that you will become truly passionate about — something that will add to the enjoyment of your retirement and enrich your life overall." The organization racked up 5,700 registrations last year, and participation is also high in Creative Retirement clubs, which are great avenues for meeting people with similar interests. "When people retire, they often miss the social aspect of their working lives," Mansell says. "We have book clubs, lunch clubs, digital photography clubs and financial management clubs that allow people to socialize while learning and to be a part of a new community." Creative Retirement's 55+ Learning Guide is available online and at Safeway stores and Winnipeg public libraries. See www.crm.mb.ca. Take a class, attend a lecture or join a book or bridge club at Creative Retirement. Photo by Darcy Finley live & leArn James (Jim) Tomko Jim joined the Wellness Institute last year, after he broke an ankle and attended the Rehabilitation & Sports Injury Clinic. An ALCOA-MB peer leader, golfer, curler, coach and gardener, he's also a musician and a busy volunteer. You may hear him as an announcer on CJNU 107.9 FM nostalgia radio. A former councillor and mayor of Winnipeg Beach, he's motivated to keep active so he can enjoy a long life with his wife of 48 years and their two children. Judy Winnicki Judy has taken part in classes as a member of the Wellness Institute for the past 16 years, but these days you're more likely to find her working out on the treadmill, bike, elliptical and weight equipment. When she's not enjoying the camaraderie at the institute, she likes to keep her mind sharp with crosswords and Sudoku. Her advice: "Stay as active as you can. Stay positive." 2013 Active Aging AMbAssAdors Meet the Wellness Institute's Felix Perera Already active when the Wellness Institute opened, Felix has been a member from the start. When he retired due to health problems, he took part in the Cardiac Rehab program at Wellness and increased his visits from two to five days a week. A volunteer for Seven Oaks General Hospital and the institute's Chronic Disease Programs, as well as at a kids cricket camp, he's also an avid gardener. His advice: "Keep active. Eat well. Garden for relaxation." Gordon Laschuk A former professional hockey player whose career took him to Vancouver, the U.S. and Jamaica before he returned to Winnipeg to be close to family, Gord still straps on the skates — along with rollerblading, golfing and curling. A musician with several bands, he's also an expert on reggae aerobics. His advice: "Find something that motivates you to do something. Make sure it's a stress relief." Harold Bagan An early bird, Harold is at the Wellness Institute at 5 a.m. five days a week. A former couch potato, he started running to deal with workplace stress and never stopped. Now retired, he takes part in marathons and fun runs and enjoys a good walk with his dog. He also enjoys the healthy low-salt, low-fat meals his wife prepares, and he loves to spend time with his grandchildren. His advice: "If you don't use it, you lose it. This applies both physically and mentally. People should find what works for them and do it! Keep with it and you will feel great." THOMSON"INTHEPARK" FuneralHome&Cemetery 204.925.1120 KLASSENFUNERALHOME 204.338.0331 THOMSONFUNERALHOME 204.783.7211 GREENACRES FuneralHome&Cemetery 204.222.3241 Preplan today...Peace of Mind Tomorrow Whydopeopleprearrangefuneralandcemeteryneeds? Becauseit'sdifficulttomakearrangementsduringatimeofgrief,whenyou havenoideawhatyourlovedonewouldhavewanted. It'sanactoflove. Nowisagoodtimetotakecareofthispartoflife... *Earn1AIRMILES ® rewardmileforevery$25spent oneligibleprearrangedcemetery&funeralpurchases. (seelocationfordetails) Pleaseallowupto45daysforrewardmilestoappearinyourCollectoraccount. ® † ™ † TrademarksofAIRMILES ® InternationalTradingB.V.Usedunderlicenseby LoyaltyOne,Inc.andServiceCorp.International(Canada),ULC.ValiduntilDec.31,2013. † † Sandra Swenarchuk A Wellness Institute member since 2003, Sandra is flexible — yoga is her focus, but she skates, curls, plays volleyball and basketball and is sports captain of her golf club. Always on the go, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, volunteering at Seven Oaks General Hospital, gardening, listening to music and socializing with friends. Her advice: "Keep yourself active, keep your body moving and keep socializing." chart a new course with creative retirement

• Cover