Active Aging

10 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016 2016 ACTIVE AGING AMBASSADORS Meet the Wellness Institute's JOE ZARRILLO Joe Zarrillo was born in Trapani, a city on the west coast of Sicily. His family decided to come to Canada when he was 10 years old and has lived in Winnipeg since. Joe is an energetic individual who enjoys staying active in as many ways as he can. It is not his nature to sit around; he likes to move, always working to accomplish something. In his youth, he enjoyed playing multiple sports including baseball, soccer and basketball. Joe retired at the age of 55 and became a member at the Wellness Institute shortly after and has been a member for 14 years. He enjoys walking on the track and using the resistance training machines. His favourite activity is relishing in some healthy competition on the badminton courts where he is known for his lively and competitive personality. Joe says the best part about coming to the Wellness Institute is that it helps him stay in shape while socializing with others at the same time. Joe is a family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and his two grandchildren. Joe likes to travel around Canada and the United States with his family and is especially looking forward their trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, this winter. When he isn't with his family, he enjoys gardening, riding his motorcycle and meeting up on the patio with friends for coffee. Joe's Active Aging advice: "Olive oil and pizza… in moderation of course." JIM EVANCHUK Jim Evanchuk has been a member of the Wellness Institute since the opening in October 1996. Jim says he enjoys coming to the Wellness Institute because "it is a first-class facility with lots of options for all ages. It's inspiring to be around individuals working to either maintain or increase their abilities. There is always something new and interesting to do and the linkage to the hospital adds a wonderful continuum of health care." Jim always goes the extra mile; no matter how hectic his schedule, he always finds time to be active. He can often be caught playing pickleball — often five times a week. However, you can also find him using the resistance training machines or Nordic pole walking. When Jim is not busy at the Wellness Institute, he likes to find time to read, watch sports, play his guitar and sing. Jim has had many active accomplishments over the years, some of which include completing five full marathons and several half marathons. He also ran in a few relays in his earlier days and now likes to stay involved by volunteering at the events. Jim truly enjoys cycling and has participated in the Habitat for Humanity Cycle for Hope, which included a three-week ride from Winnipeg to Atlanta, Ga., for a total of 2,700 kilometres. Jim is well-known in the community as the executive director of the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), which is housed in the Wellness Institute. ALCOA-MB consists of 40 partner organizations and 13 supporting partners that are committed to encouraging and promoting active aging in Manitoba. Jim's Active Aging advice: "Set and refresh your goals. Age is just a number — always be open to different activities and explore the possibilities." GORD SAYDACK Gord Saydack was very active in his youth through sport but as he grew older, life got busy and he drifted away from being physically active. He received a wake-up call from his doctor that he was at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Gord realized he needed to make a major lifestyle change, especially to his eating habits and physical activity level. He joined the Wellness Institute when it opened its doors in October 1996 and has been a member ever since. Gord feels the Wellness Institute has given him a second chance; "it's my lifeline." Since joining the Wellness Institute 20 years ago, Gord has made many positive changes to his lifestyle. However, he is the first person to admit it does not happen overnight and that it takes time and effort, but it's totally worth it. Gord arrives early in the morning and enjoys various forms of physical activity. To build his cardiovascular endurance, Gord prefers walking the track, using the elliptical and the bike. To maintain his muscle mass, Gord uses a combination of the resistance machines and free weights. His routine is concluded with a total-body stretching routine. In his spare time, Gord likes to golf, spend time at the lake and watch his grandchildren play sports. He is a family man, always finding time to spend with them. Gord loves to travel with his wife of 48 years and their annual trip to Hawaii is always a highlight. Gord's Active Aging advice: "There is no secret to aging. Try to move — it doesn't matter what you do as long as you do something." GLEN MASSEY Glen Massey's first experience at the Wellness Institute was in 2010 after his physician referred him to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program following a heart attack. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program opened his eyes to the way he was living. Glen was never into exercise or sports, but the program helped him regain his confidence and strength through physical activity. He was motivated by the positive changes he experienced and after finishing the program, he decided to join as a member. Glen now attends the Wellness Institute up to five days a week. You will mainly find him playing badminton with his large group of Wellness Institute friends. Besides badminton, Glen tries to change up his workouts by walking on the track or treadmill, using the stationary bike and free weights. The Wellness Institute has become a place not only for Glen to work out but also to socialize. In his spare time, Glen enjoys playing golf, camping during the summer, doing yard work and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. During the winter, Glen and his wife enjoy going away annually to Barbados for three to four weeks. Glen's Active Aging advice: "After you retire you need to keep busy. What better way than by finding an activity where you can socialize with friends and be healthy at the same time?" SHIRLEY MANN Shirley Mann has been a member of the Wellness Institute for the past four years. She is a frequent user of the warm-water therapy pool, although you can also see her walking the track, using the Nu-Step machine or working out on the Keiser resistance machines. She attends the Wellness Institute twice a week and when the weather is nice she walks from home to get there. Shirley walks everywhere; she has a licence, but never drives. She attributes a lot of her fitness and well-being to this. Shirley has always been an active individual, playing every sport in school. She also participated in tenpin bowling for 30 years. In her spare time, Shirley loves to read, shop, cook, bake and do jigsaw puzzles. She loves being around others and is a very social person, often meeting her friends for lunch. Shirley is a very self- motivated person who prefers to keep busy. Despite being busy, Shirley's No. 1 priority is her family and always makes time for her three children, six grand children, and three great-grandchildren. Shirley always has a smile and a welcome attitude to anyone that crosses her path. Her positive, friendly attitude is contagious — she is a great role model for wellness in the community. Shirley's Active Aging advice: "Be active, try to eat healthy. Take an interest in life and others." SHIRLEY WYNNE Shirley has been a dedicated volunteer in the Renal Program at Seven Oaks General Hospital for the past year, coming in twice a week. Even though she lives in the south end of Winnipeg, she happily travels to the facility to "give back" for the exceptional care provided to a family member in the past. Shirley also helps volunteer for a variety of special events held at the facility. In addition to that, she has volunteered as a patient and family representative on two different project committees. She has given over 225 hours of her time, talents and energy to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Volunteer program in one year. One of her favourite parts of volunteering with the program is getting to know the staff on a different level. Volunteering has always been a big part of Shirley's life. For many years she has been and continues to be involved with various positions of responsibility within her church in areas of finance and children's ministries. She is also involved in co-ordinating an annual ladies' retreat (part of the larger association of Manitoba churches) held each spring at the beautiful Elkhorn Resort. Even Shirley's job was about giving back; she worked for a charitable organization for 25 years before she retired. In her spare time Shirley enjoys handcrafts including knitting and quilting. She also loves spending time with her grandchildren. Shirley lives a balanced, healthy lifestyle ensuring she includes activity into her routine and as such is a fabulous role model for others. Shirley's Active Aging advice: "Physical activity such as walking is a great avenue to find time to think and de-stress."

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