Active Aging

4 Active Aging Week September 21-27, 2014 F ourteen years ago, Errol Mondell hadn't heard of active aging. His doctor had been warning him for years that he needed to lose weight, but at the age of 54, he finally decided to follow doctor's orders. "For some reason, the way he mentioned it to me, I thought I'd better do something," Mondell says. He lived only five minutes away from the Wellness Institute — a community fitness and health promotion centre run out of Seven Oaks General Hospital — so he dropped in one morning to try it out. He was hooked. Now 68, Mondell is a running buff who visits the Wellness Institute daily. He's lost 60 pounds, gained a host of close friends and even ran the full Manitoba Marathon to celebrate his 60th birthday — although he doesn't plan to make that a habit. "It was a lot of fun, but once was enough," he laughs. Mondell's success makes him a perfect role model, which is why he was selected as one of five ambassadors for the Wellness Institute's seventh annual Active Aging Day on Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 1075 Leila Avenue. The ambassadors will be greeting guests and sharing information at the free event, which shows middle-aged and older adults how to stay active and feel great as they age, and provides information to get started. Active Aging means keeping fit mentally, emotionally and socially as well as physically. It refers to a whole spectrum of care that can enhance overall well-being, not just physical health, says Ashley Derlago, Health Education and Lifestyle Coordinator at the Wellness Institute. "Someone who's active is more likely to have a better life." Studies show that active adults live longer and feel better. Active seniors typically boast better flexibility and balance (lowering their risks of dangerous falls), are less likely to develop chronic illness, and suffer lower instances of mental health problems such as depression. Active Aging Day covers the entire range of needs. Starting at 10 a.m., visitors can check out exhibits offering information on everything from nutrition to exercise programs to volunteer opportunities and fun activities. Visitors are given a passport and receive a stamp for every exhibit they visit, which makes them eligible for prize draws. Specialists will offer free health screenings in the Health Education rooms, including balance testing. Connect Hearing will offer hearing testing, and Osteoporosis Canada will measure guests and supply information on tracking potential spinal problems. One of the most popular sites is the activity area hosted by the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). Wellness Institute instructor and Active Aging Ambassador Murray Chimilar will offer low-impact spin (exercise bike) classes. If spinning isn't for you, ALCOA-MB executive director Jim Evanchuk will be demonstrating other exercises for keeping fit at a comfortable pace. ALCOA-MB will also show off some fun senior team games, such as pickleball, and Wellness Consultants will hold stretch breaks every 15 minutes through the day. Visitors can write inspiring messages and post them on the Tree of Life display and receive an apple as a reward. Active Aging Ambassadors will circulate among visitors. Mondell will be joined by his good friend George Koch, who can't wait to meet people and share his own story. Like Mondell, Koch led a largely sedentary lifestyle up until about 14 years ago. After retiring, he tried out the Wellness Institute, rediscovered his youthful love of running and made a host of new friendships. "It was a slow journey, but it was a wonderful journey," he says. "I've enjoyed health benefits and joy along the way. Whatever individuals can do as they begin to age, adapt to health challenges, there's something for everyone at the Wellness Institute." The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a speech by Dr. Kevin Saunders, "Exercise is Good Medicine." Since space is limited for the keynote speech, visitors must register online at www.sogh.ca/wellness/events/ activeagingday/ or by calling 204-632-3900. Registration is not required for other Active Aging Day activities. REGISTERattheWellnessInstitute:204-632-3927or getbettertogether.ca GetBetter Together! JoinusandmeetourActiveAgingAmbassadors.While you'rehere,tryaseniors'spinclass,checkyourhearing orenjoyourfamer'smarket.Alleventactivitiesarefree. Pleasesigninwhenyouarrive.Non-memberswelcome. in in ingAm Am Am Amba ba ba bass ss ssad ad ad ador or or ors. s. s.Whi hi hi hile le le le openingkeynote Exerciseis GoodMedicine Dr.KevinSaunders Calltoreserveaseat: 204-632-3900 Tuesday,September 23 ActiveAging Open House 9 : 00am-1 : 00pm Add life to your years and let the adventure begin! Joinusforscreenings,fitnessclasses, activitydemosandexhibitsandget afree14-monthcalendar. www.wellnessinstitute.ca HeldatlocationsacrossWinnipegandManitoba.Supported byManitobaHealthandRegionalHealthAuthorities. Areyousickandtiredofbeingsickandtired? TakechargeofyourlifewithafreeGetBetterTogetherprogram nearyouortheGetBetterTogetherOnlineworkshop. VisitusattheActiveAgingOpenHousefordetails! Have a nice active aging day By Kathryne Cardwell For the Winnipeg Free Press

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