55+ Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo

Ruth Gardens Move up to a higher standard of living. Two bedroom suites currently available in Ruth Gardens, offering quality and convenience in a luxury setting. Featuring: Underground Parking • In-Suite Laundry • Breakfast Bars • Stainless Steel Appliances • Walk-in Closets • Ensuite Bathrooms • On-Site Management • Security Entrance • Private Covered Balconies • Fitness Room Luxury Adult Apartment Living in the Heart of North Kildonan www.RuthGardens.ca (204) 515-5529 1167 Rothesay Street Welcome home. Style, comfort, convenience. Visit www.EdisonProperties.ca to see all suites for rent. A & O is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1957, that provides programs and services to older, 55-plus Manitobans. The agency offers specialized, innovative programs and services that fall under the three following pillars: SAFETY & SECURITY • Elder Abuse Prevention Services Safe Suite Program • Older Victim Services • SafetyAid: Crime and Falls Prevention for Older Manitobans • This Full House (addresses Hoarding Disorder) SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT • Senior Centre Without Walls Program • Connect Program • Entry Program for Older Adult Immigrants COUNSELLING • Information & Referral • Intake Services • Counselling Services • Housing Program • Legal Services A & O's VISION To develop and deliver innovative programs and services that improve the quality of later life. A & O's MISSION To offer specialized programs and services that are accessible to older Manitobans that support and enhance their social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual lives and promote active participation in all aspects of community life. When poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "Age is opportunity, no less than youth itself," he seemed to recognize that people have choices about how they will live their post-retirement years. It is that same spirit of empowerment that organizers hope to bring to the A & O: Support Services for Older Adults 10th Annual 55+ Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo on May 17 at Winnipeg's Victoria Inn. Presented free of charge, the day- long event is open to all ages and features entertainment, demonstrations, a Nygard fashion show and more than 100 exhibitors representing various housing options, active lifestyle opportunities and senior support services. This year's expo coincides with the 60th anniversary of the host organization, A & O, a not-for-profit provider of specialized services for older Manitobans, offering a variety of programs designed to enhance the social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual lives of older adults across the province. "It is really a fact-finding kind of expo that we hope will provide answers when people are looking at major life changes, such as downsizing," says CEO Amanda Macrae. "There will be a lot of service providers there, not only related to housing options available, but also other supports for people as they age." Macrae says changing demographics now indicate that, for the first time ever, there are more Canadians aged 65-plus than there are in the 14-and-under age bracket. Thanks to advances in health care, people are generally living longer than their ancestors might have thought possible. Effectively accommodating the needs of older adults means that planning ahead is particularly important for governments and individuals, the latter usually benefitting more from proactive, rather than reactive, decisions. Not considering options in advance often compounds the stress individuals and families experience when someone, through illness, accident or death of a spouse, can no longer live alone in their homes. The show's organizers emphasize that life happens whether we are ready or not — and knowledge is power. "Sometimes, we think that these kinds of things are never going to happen to us, but it is nice to know what is available, just in case," says Macrae, noting families often attend together. "Sometimes, adult children are concerned (for their parents' well-being) and looking ahead on their behalf. Maybe mom and dad don't need help now, but it is good to have older adults empowered to take the lead, so that family members are not necessarily in a difficult situation later." In addition to housing, the expo will feature information about another often-neglected aspect of retirement planning — how will you now fill your days? Experts say social engagement is key to a happy life at any age, but especially in one's latter years, as it typically lends interest and purpose to daily life, while also promoting emotional and physical well-being. "We hear a lot about social isolation and some of the risks and challenges that come with that," says Macrae. "It is very important that we identify that there is life after work." Whether you were in the workforce or not, aging is inevitable and most people would prefer to make their own decisions about how to live their lives. Growing every year in scope and popularity, A & O's 10th Annual 55+ Housing & Active Lifestyles Expo provides one- stop convenience for information related to living one's life to the fullest, no matter what your circumstances. "Often, people talk about aging, though not always in a positive light. It is our goal to help people age successfully, be happy and have control over where they are heading and how they would like to see their later years transpire," says Macrae. "I think healthy, successful aging is what everybody wants — and on their own terms." ◗ SUCCESSFUL AGING A & O: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS

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