Active Aging

4 Active Aging Week September 27 - October 3, 2015 At one time, Peter Pauls worked 55 hours a week, never having time to exercise. t hat lifestyle changed several years ago when Pauls' brother convinced him to join the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital. While Pauls doesn't enjoy regular gym workouts, he discovered a love for pickleball, which he credits with keeping him fit and healthy. Now 66, Pauls still holds a job to keep busy, but he also plays pickleball up to six times a week, for two hours at a time — and loves it. "I am in better physical shape today than I was at 40," he says. During Active Aging Day at the Wellness Institute — set for Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Pauls and five other inspiring Active Aging Ambassadors will be sharing their stories about keeping healthy as they grow older. The free annual event promotes the benefits of leading healthy and active lifestyles as we age. Staying physically active greatly reduces many of the health issues associated with aging, such as high blood pressure, chronic pain and stiff joints, while maintaining a social network keeps your mind sharp and your spirits high. Ashley Derlago, Health Education and Lifestyle coordinator at the Wellness Institute, says Active Aging Day debuted in 2006, after staff at the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), which has offices in the Wellness Institute, came up Active Aging dAy Wellness Institute offers information & inspiration By Kathryne Cardwell Active Aging Ambassador Peter Pauls thought pickleball was a "wussy" sport when he was first introduced to the game. Now he's hooked — and fit as a fiddle. He plays pickleball up to six times a week at the Wellness Institute. Photos by Darin Kachanoski with the idea of showcasing the facility's resources and supports for older adults. The event attracts about 400 visitors, who find a wealth of information about staying fit physically, mentally and emotionally as they age. "It's never too early to start thinking about your future and what kind of life you want to lead as you age," says Derlago. "I just want to encourage older adults to embrace well-being and adopt it into their lifestyles." Active Aging Day is free, though guests are asked to register. Guests planning to attend the opening keynote presentation at 9 a.m. should register early, as it always fills to capacity. Starting at 10 a.m., explore the Exhibit, Testing and Active areas. Pick up a Passport to Active Aging in the entrance lobby and get it stamped for a chance to win prizes. Approximately 30 organizations provide information on nutrition, fitness and health. Many booths provide on-the-spot health screenings, checking vision, blood pressure, balance and cognitive abilities. Some go even further — the University of Manitoba's booth checks your multi-tasking abilities by having you perform simple tasks during a walk on a treadmill, while the osteoporosis awareness booth fits guests with a brace so they can experience the feel of the disease. Guests can break a sweat by taking part in stretch breaks, sampling spinning and yoga classes and taking in ALCOA-MB exercise demonstrations. And since wellness involves more than exercising and eating well, exhibitors also provide information about volunteer opportunities and social groups. As well, the band Howling Coyotes will be performing alongside the farmers' market, a regular event at the institute. The Active Aging Ambassador program began in 2012, with community members nominating individuals committed to active living, and it is one of the most popular parts of the event. Derlago says many guests feel more comfortable taking advice from a peer than from someone more official. "They've been a great addition, really adding an inspiring level to the event," Derlago says. "They're almost like celebs!" Two of this year's ambassadors are a husband and wife in their 80s, and their commitment to fitness would inspire anyone. Alicia and Roy Read have been working out at the Wellness Institute for many years and they praise the range of activities and the warmth of their peers. "It's a very welcoming gym. There's something for everyone," says Alicia. Ambassador Richard Ritchie, 71, agrees that one of the institute's strengths is in its wonderful group of members. He plans to encourage people to keep busy even if they aren't into the gym. "I haven't changed that much, but my age has," says Ritchie, who exercises at the Wellness Institute six days a week. "I still can do pretty much what I want to do." ● I am in better physical shape today than I was at 40." ~ 2015 Wellness Ambassador Peter Pauls

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