55+ Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo

M ilestone years are approaching for both A & O: Support Services for Older Adults and the 55+ Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo — the 60th and 10th anniversaries, respectively — and A & O CEO Amanda Macrae says both are more important than ever to our aging population. "Statistics Canada has released data that shows for the first time we have more folks 65 and older than we do children 14 and under," she said. "So the need for A & O services are more relevant than ever." In 2014, A & O produced a strategic plan that restructured programming to better serve the needs of older adults. The new model focuses on the three pillars of safety and security, social engagement and counselling. "Our services have become more refined to better meet the needs of older Manitobans," she said."A lot of our programs are being emulated across the country and some even on an international level, because they are innovative and we're being consulted on a very regular basis." It's no longer so much the community-based senior centre model, but a more tailored offering of services. "Based on feedback from older adults, it's more about specialized services," she said. "Older Manitobans told us they need more in terms of safety and security, and resources and support." Macrae says A & O is working more than ever to keep older adults socially engaged, citing the 'Senior Centre Without Walls' program that works to connect clients through a telephone-based conference call model involving presentations and facilitators. "We hear a lot around social isolation now," she said. "To be socially isolated in Manitoba in -40 C weather is a very different reality than aging in Florida. There are definitely unique challenges. To maintain connectivity and keep people engaged socially is really important for all of us, but particularly as we age." Macrae says the expo is all about empowering and informing. "It's a very informative and busy day," Macrae said. "We're trying to encourage older adults to be informed and proactive. The whole goal is to empower people and to let them know they have choices." The newest edition of the A & O Winnipeg Housing Directory for Older Adults will also be released at the expo. "It's a huge resource for people and it's organized by community area," Macrae said. "Housing is a huge challenge. Especially if you're in a situation where you have not had the privilege to be proactive and look at alternate housing solutions. This a really critical event for people because we don't all have the luxury of being able to plan." Add life events to the mix, whether it's the sudden death of a partner or a debilitating fall, and you may be quickly facing a housing dilemma. "There are also issues around low-income housing and we know that is very tight," Macrae said. "The expo offers up a smorgasbord of every type of housing option available in Winnipeg and information about how people can access them." The expo will also feature plenty of information for those who may be looking to sell their home or downsize and exhibitors will also focus on issues including transportation, health and technology. "There will be many different experts on hand to guide you and advise you as to whether these things should be on your radar right now," Macrae said. "What we often see is that it's adult children bringing parents or folks coming independently who feel it's time to start thinking about these issues." A & O has extended the hours of the expo this year to accommodate more people. "We have a larger cohort of 55-plus folks, and a lot of them are still working," she said. "The extended hours came out of feedback we have received." ◗ EMPOWER & INFORM BY JASON HALSTEAD FOR THE FREE PRESS "TO BE SOCIALLY ISOLATED IN MANITOBA IN -40 C WEATHER IS A VERY DIFFERENT REALITY THAN AGING IN FLORIDA. THERE ARE DEFINITELY UNIQUE CHALLENGES. TO MAINTAIN CONNECTIVITY AND KEEP PEOPLE ENGAGED SOCIALLY IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US, BUT PARTICULARLY AS WE AGE." Are you renting or leasing? Are you in a building that provides tenant services? If you or someone you know is renting or thinking about renting, knowing your rights and responsibilities may help make the transition from years of home ownership to renting a smoother process. The Residential Tenancies Branch: Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch with your questions Visit our website at www.manitoba.ca/rtb or call us at 204-945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403

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