Active Aging

6 Active Aging Week September 27 - October 3, 2015 Roy Read Roy, 83, has always been active, playing lacrosse, cricket, and participating in track and field. At the Wellness Institute he participates in TRX classes, bike interval training, walking laps, stretching and strengthening exercises. At the age of 76, Roy was a participant in the first Fitter Firmer Faster Weight Loss Challenge. His group took first place and they formed a social group which includes his wife, Alicia. Roy says the social component is just as important as physical fitness. As a volunteer peer leader of the Get Better Together program, he says it's rewarding to see people make positive changes to their lives. Roy's Active Aging Advice: "Live life to the fullest. Keep moving." Cory Juan Cory Juan is the founder of Active Living Seven Oaks (ALSO), a guided exercise program for seniors held three days a week at Garden City Shopping Centre. It was launched in 2013 with a partnership between Garden City Shopping Centre, the Seven Oaks School Division, which has integrated students into ALSO, and the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). Cory enjoys aerobics, yoga and biking, and she power walks every morning while listening to music. You might even catch her singing a tune or two. Cory also enjoys Scrabble, Sudoku, crocheting, writing poetry, playing cards and socializing with her husband and friends. Cory's Active Aging Advice: "Keep on laughing. Live, love, laugh! Spend time with family and stay positive. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel." 2015 ACtIve AgIng AmbAssAdors meet the Wellness Institute's Alicia Read Alicia and her husband Roy joined the Wellness Institute in 1999. She enjoys the friendly faces she sees here and the good feeling she has after a visit. You will find Alicia walking, doing free weights and stretching. She is a frequent participant in our annual Commit to Get Fit Walk/Run and has also participated in yoga classes. In her spare time you will find her out for a leisurely walk or gardening. Alicia believes in keeping her mind fit as well. She loves playing Solitaire on her tablet and watching Jeopardy!, and she may read up to three books a week in winter. Alicia and Roy encourage each other, and they're also motivated by the friends they met through the Wellness Institute. Alicia's Active Aging Advice: "Take care of yourself and watch what you eat." John Triggs At the age of 35, John joined FitStop, which encouraged individuals to quit smoking and start running — and that's exactly what he did. An avid runner, John joined the Wellness Institute eight years ago. He loves that people know him by name and says it's a great way to start the day six mornings a week. His routine involves running, using the weight machines and spinning. John takes his two dogs, Miko and Milo, for walks two or three times per day. He also enjoys watching football, boxing, gardening and travelling. Healthy eating is important to John and his wife and they often take turns cooking. John's Active Aging Advice: "Keep Moving." Peter Pauls Peter Pauls joined the Wellness Institute as a result of pressure from his younger brother, also a member, to get into shape! Almost seven year later, he enjoys the sense of community and plays pickleball here up to six times per week. At first, he thought pickleball was a "wussy" sport, but now he can't get enough of it. In his spare time Peter and his wife love to cook, entertain and make wine. He served over 25 years with Variety Children's Charity on the Board and continues to volunteer his time. Peter's Active Aging Advice: "You need to keep moving, otherwise you will become a miserable old fart." Richard Ritchie Richard has been a member at the Wellness Institute since it opened and says he "can't leave the place." When he was younger, Richard says he "got fat" and couldn't even run a mile. He decided to start running and set a goal to run a mile a day for a year. Richard didn't succeed his first year, but he met his goal the second time around. He has also completed a few full marathons and 20-30 half marathons. His routine at the institute includes 30-45 minutes of cardio, weights and stretching. Richard married his high school sweetheart and they have been married for 48 years. Richard's Active Aging Advice: "There is no secret, just do it every day, be consistent."

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