Active Aging

4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2017 Keep connected BY TODD LEWYS I t's an issue that's muted, yet nevertheless present in society today: ageism. Simply put, ageism is prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age. Although it's subtle, it's a fact individuals in their seventies, eighties and nineties often find themselves isolated and forgotten. That's why the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) initiated its Connect with Respect program in 2016, says ALCOA's executive director, Jim Evanchuk. "We recognized the negative impact of social isolation on seniors, and wanted to find a way to alleviate and address it," he says. "Our goal was to fight back against ageism by taking steps to be more inviting, accommodating and inclusive to seniors." The program was a success in rural areas last year, so now ALCOA-MB is setting its sights on making more people aware of the Connect with Respect initiative in Winnipeg. "Starting with Active Aging Week (Sept. 24-30), and throughout Seniors' and Elders' Month (the entire month of October), ALCOA-MB will be receiving community event registrations," says Evanchuk. "We will be posting them on our website to share great ways to involve older adults in healthy, active- aging events and activities across the province." Getting older adults involved in those events — not just during Active Aging Week and Seniors' and Elders' Month, but year-round — is important for more than one reason. "There's a whole variety of ways to get people involved, people such as new retirees and widows and widowers. Oftentimes, new retirees have no real association with activities and programs. Those most at risk of social isolation are widows and widowers. Helping them connect with others helps them fill in some gaps." Those gaps can be filled in by formal activities (bridge, pickle ball, mall walking) or simply by going out for coffee for fellowship and good conversation. "When it comes to social isolation, it's not the quantity, but the quality of contact," notes Evanchuk, adding that ALCOA-MB has developed an active-aging guide that organizations can order. "It's just important to make connections. Bridges are built by seeking others out and building relationships." It's just as important for seniors to have social networks as it is for younger people, he adds. "When you get older, there are several factors that can cause social isolation: living alone, compromised health, having no children to help, no contact with family, low income and limited or no access to transportation. Retirement and the death of a spouse are also major factors." That's why it's so important to remember to include older adults in activities and social events. "There's definitely an enriching element to doing that — there's always value in involving older adults," Evanchuk says. "They still feel valued and that they have a purpose in being part of something. Younger people can also learn a lot from them from all the knowledge and skills they've accumulated over the years." In other words, it's a win-win scenario — one that ALCOA-MB is looking to promote in 2017 and beyond. "We're really looking to gain momentum with our Connect with Respect initiative. Our goal is to be a resource to help groups open their hearts up to older adults. It's critically important to start meaningful programs for our elders. We need to involve them in the conversation, and learn about all they can offer. When you do that, it's an enriching experience for all." To learn more about ALCOA-MB's Connect with Respect initiative, or to register a senior-oriented event or activity, visit alcoamb.org, or call 204-632-3947. "Starting with Active Aging Week (Sept. 24-30), and throughout Seniors' and Elders' Month (the entire month of October), ALCOA-MB will be receiving community event registrations," says Evanchuk. "We will be posting them on our website to share great ways to involve older adults in healthy, active-aging events and activities across the province."

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