Active Aging

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The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) in partnership with Winnipeg in motion and Manitoba Fitness Council created the program, which trains senior volunteers to lead safe, effective exercise programs in their own communities and residences. Recognizing that many older adults face barriers that keep them from joining gyms, Steppin' Up With Confidence brings the gym to them. "The gym isn't on a lot of seniors' radars. It isn't something they grew up with or are accustomed to valuing," explains Andrea Bedard, master trainer for Steppin' Up with Confidence. "Part of the training we provide involves ensuring our peer leaders understand the benefits of exercise, as well as the barriers people face when trying to exercise." Both the peer-leadership training program and the exercise classes are offered free of charge. Over the past 10 years, ALCOA has trained over 150 people to be peer leaders. They have around 100 active leaders at any one time. "This program overcomes barriers because older adults can exercise where they live, and it's free. A lot of people don't drive as they get older, and a lot are on fixed incomes," says Arlen Jones, the program's peer leader facilitator. The success of the program is also attributed to the fact older adults can relate better to those their own age. "If a 20-year-old told them to do something, they might do it, but when they see someone in their age group leading the class, they think, 'If she can do it, so can I,'" Jones says. During the two-day training program, peer leaders learn how to teach fitness classes which include a warm-up, cardio exercises, resistance training, and techniques to increase flexibility and balance. "These workouts can be done while seated, standing, or a combination of both. "The exercise routines mimic movements you would need to do every day," Bedard says. "Most of the workout programs our leaders start are offered once or twice a week for about an hour." The safety of the participants is ALCOA- MB's first concern. The exercise routines are extremely adaptable to any level of fitness and health, says Jones. "A lot of the time, people are worried the program will be too hard, but I reassure them that it's safe and age-friendly. You work at your own capability, and our peer leaders adjust what we teach them to their own groups." The results of the program have been nothing short of miraculous. Jones recalls one participant who used to be in a wheelchair, but now is able to do every activity standing up. "We're trying to encourage more older Manitobans to take part in the program. It can be tough to find exercise programs (for older adults) in rural communities, so we are working with rural communities to build their peer leader capacity," Jones says. "Our volunteers feel good because they're helping others stay physically active, and that's so important." Prospective peer leaders should be 50 or over, and have a keen interest in exercise and helping others stay active, says Bedard. "Teaching these classes is a way for our peer leaders to keep in shape themselves, and a way of keeping their education going after retirement. A lot of our peer leaders worked in education or health care before they retired." The classes have an added benefit that goes beyond physical fitness — social connection. "Often these exercise classes are the only reason some people get out of the house that day," Bedard says. "We have people in their 90s doing the routines." The socialization is always the first benefit people mention, Jones agrees. "When I ask people what they like about the program, the first thing they always say is 'It gets me out of my apartment — it gets me with other people,'" she says. "A lot of older adults feel isolated. Maybe their spouses have died, and their families live far away." If you're interested in learning more about the Steppin' Up With Confidence program, or are considering becoming a peer leader and getting an exercise program started where you live, you can contact ALCOA-MB by calling 204-632- 3947 or via email at info@alcoamb.org. They are always searching for new volunteers to lead the program. ALCOA-MB provides the necessary training, lesson planning and ongoing support. "Because of this training program, we're able to offer exercise (classes) to a wider variety of people," says Bedard. "Our peer leaders start running classes in their communities, and we check in on them and support their efforts." Steppin' Up BRINGS THE GYM TO YOU BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF

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