Active Aging

September 22-28, 2013 Active Aging Week 3 O pen your front door and explore the world around you during Active Aging Week September 22 - 28. "This year's theme is 'Discover your Community,' and it presents a wealth of exciting opportunities," says Jim Evanchuk, Executive Director of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). "It really is a friendly challenge to older adults and their caregivers to try something new — to really delve into what your community offers, because every neighbourhood, every community has a whole lot of things going on. People just need to take that first step to connect with their community — that one step can lead to many programs and services that will enhance their health, well-being and their outlook," Evanchuk says. "This is about getting people to venture out of their front door, to go into their own neighbourhoods to see some things again, perhaps for the first time." If you're a caregiver who schedules activities for seniors, explore fresh options and new destinations. If you're an older adult, give your curiosity free rein. You might be surprised to discover how many appealing activities are offered throughout your community — many as close as your neighbourhood senior or community centre. You don't have to be an athlete to take up a new sport or activity. Trendy Zumba dance classes (Zumba Gold) are now tailored for older adults, tai chi and Nordic pole walking are great exercises that are easy on aging joints and the fast growing sport of pickleball is the new sensation for older adults across Manitoba. Physical fitness contributes to mental and emotional well- being, and the evidence suggests keeping active can help ward off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Healthy, active living for older adults is good medicine without a litany of side effects. Of course, it also helps to give your brain a workout. Sign up for a computer course, take an acting class, learn to play an instrument or learn to play bridge. The more engaged you are in lifelong learning, the more confident you'll become to try new things. Volunteering is another great way to discover your community. When you give your time, you receive a lot in return — experience, a more active social life, a feeling of belonging and a sense of making a difference to someone. "The volunteer experience is wonderful and rewarding. People who volunteer feel better about themselves and they continue to participate because they want to," Evanchuk says. "You can donate your time and talents, but it's not like a lifelong obligation; it's on your terms and timetable." Several events held during Active Aging Week can help kickstart the discovery process. ALCOA-MB and Active Aging Ambassadors will be on hand for Active Aging Day, coordinated by the Wellness Institute at the Seven Oaks General Hospital on Sept. 24 to offer advice and encouragement. ALCOA-MB also organizes the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 55 Plus Games, which encompass sports events as well as table games and social activities. Next year, the Games will feature a dance competition and there's a Senior Idol talent show for the entertainers in the crowd. Active Aging Week leads into Seniors and Elders Month, which kicks off Oct. 1 with a free celebration at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The month is another opportunity to encourage people to try new things. It's also a good time to show appreciation for older adults' contributions to the community and to recognize that they continue to play a vital role in a healthy society. With a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge to share with one another and pass on to succeeding generations, older adults are important role models and mentors, and Evanchuk encourages all Manitobans to make sure they're always included in age-friendly community events and activities. "We'd like every community, every senior centre, club and community centre to be thinking about how they can promote, accommodate and facilitate healthy active living in their particular setting to include older adults in the equation." APlaceto CallHome. Caring,Activeand SafeCommunityLiving. OPENFOR TOURSDAILY CallJackieToArrange aVisitorDropBy LuxuryLifestyleIncludes: � ������������ � ��������������� � ������������ � ������������������ � ��������������������� � ���������� � ������������������������� � ������������������������ � ���������������� � ����������� WhereCaringisOurNumberOneConcern™ PROUDLY CANADIAN www.allseniorscare.com CalltoArrangeYourPersonalTour 204.589.CARE(2273) 50RidgecrestAve,Winnipeg,MB Volunteering is another great way to discover your community. When you give your time, you receive a lot in return — experience, a more active social life, a feeling of belonging and a sense of making a difference to someone. } { ALCOA-MB Executive Director Jim Evanchuk and Active Aging Ambassador Felix Perera enjoy Nordic pole walking. Photo courtesy of the Wellness Institute Discover your WorlD Active Aging Week opens doors to new experiences

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