Active Aging

8 Active Aging Week September 27 - October 3, 2015 The key to a happy retirement is staying active and connected to the community. And volunteering is a great way for retirees to connect to a new network of people, many of whom become friends. " S tudies have proven that adults who volunteer live longer, healthier lives because it decreases social isolation," says Noreen Mian, executive director of Volunteer Manitoba. "Retirement puts an end to the daily dose of friendship you might get while you're working, so you need to find other ways of staying connected." Mian says so many retired baby boomers are discovering the joys of volunteering that they're having a dramatic impact on their communities. "People don't retire and do nothing. Many say they're busier than ever before because of all their volunteer commitments," she says. "Baby boomers have worked hard all their lives and now want to give back based on their skill sets." It's not just the community that benefits: Volunteers enjoy being socially engaged, learning new skills and pursuing personal interests. You'd be surprised at the variety of volunteer options available — anything from walking dogs at the Winnipeg Humane Society to taking tickets at Winnipeg Blue Bombers games, arranging thrift store displays and working as an exhibit guide at the Manitoba Museum. Spark Winnipeg (www.sparkwpg.ca) is a service of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network that matches skilled professionals with community groups and businesses for short-term projects ranging from graphic or web design work to consulting and mentorship. "Any opportunity could be an opportunity for seniors," Mian says. "I recommend people find something they're really interested in and are passionate about. That way, it won't seem like work." For example, a group of seniors who love the Assiniboine Park Zoo get together to make papier mâché toys with treats inside for the tigers and other animals. "The energy in that room is like being in a (children's) classroom, but it's all older people," Mian says. "Once the toys are finished, the volunteers get to stand outside the cage and watch the animals play. They've been going to Assiniboine Park all their lives and now they have the opportunity to give back." ● Manitoba Association of Senior Centres 204-792-5838 info@manitobaseniorcentres.com Centres are places where older adults come together to improve their health and quality of life,for services and pro- grams,andtosupportpersonalindepen- denceandencourageinvolvement incommunitylife. BeActiveallaround.Exerciseyourbody andbraintostayactiveandaliveall yearlong.Visitourwebsitetoday,we haveaprogramthat'sright foryou! foryou! WILL&ESTATELAWYERS OFWINNIPEG 246St.Anne'sRd., Winnipeg,MBR2M3A4 200-99ScurfieldBlvd., Winnipeg,MBR3Y1Y1 207-2211M c PhillipsSt. Winnipeg,MBR2V3M5 204-989-4236 DAVIDG.VINCENT TANISB.JURY IF YOU ARE A SENIOR ... Youshouldensurethatyouhavethefollowinginplace: Will •The Executor - the person who will administer your Will and Estate; make decisions on your behalf; file appropriate tax returns; protect and preserve your assetsandfollowyourwishes. •The beneficiaries - this includes making special provisionsforbeneficiarieswithspecialneeds. •Handlingyourfuneralandburialarrangements. PowerofAttorney Youmaybecomeincapacitatedand/orunabletomanage your affairs personally. Without a designated Power of Attorney,thePublicTrusteecanassumecontrol ofyour assetsandadministeryouraffairs.Alternatively,someone elsecanapplytothecourttoobtaincontrol,butthismay provetobealengthyandcostlyprocedure. HealthCareDirective(LivingWill) Wecanhelpyouremovetheburdenandthepressure fromyourlovedonesofhavingtoguessyourwishes bypreparingadocumentthatwillenabletreatment decisionstobebasedonyourhealthcaredirectives. StandardFees* Seniors LastWillandTestament $175.00 $150.00 PowerofAttorney $125.00 $100.00 HealthCareDirective $75.00 $50.00 HomeVisit-Extrachargeof$125.00 *plusGST&PST-ratesarebasedperperson expAnd your horizons "Retirement puts an end to the daily dose of friendship you might get while you're working, so you need to find other ways of staying connected." Discover the joys and benefits of volunteering

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