6 Active Aging Week | MAY 2026
84-year-old 55+ Games participant loves to keep active LIVING TO THE FULLEST
BY JANINE LEGAL
Longtime Manitoba 55+ Games participant Sonja Lundström loves being part of the annual event that helps keep her mind, body and soul vibrant and healthy. The 84-year-old retired nurse
itoba, the Games attract hundreds of participants from across the province, who take part in everything from com- petitive bridge to swimming and arts and crafts to snooker, golf, slo-pitch, pickleball and shuffleboard. Activities are open to a broad range of ages and abilities. Some take the competitive aspect more seriously, while others take part just for the fun. Lundström is president of the Swed- ish Cultural Association and regularly organizes several bocce teams of club members to participate in the annual 55+ Games. She fondly remembers attending the games in Selkirk and Steinbach in previous years and explor- ing the towns while there. She looks forward to doing the same during her time in Winkler. “Everybody wants to get out of town — there’s a sense of adventure in that. We get all dressed and wear our group shirts,” she said. Lundström said anybody can play
bocce, even people with poor vision and those who use walkers. “There’s not a bunch of rules. You learn as you go.” Lundström and her fellow team- mates have been diligently practising and are officially registered to compete on June 11 in Winkler. They have orga- nized some carpooling for the one-day trip involving the five teams of two in their group. Each team will play three games. She said there will be time for socializing and dancing on their outing, too. “The fellowship keeps me motivated. It’s good for our health,” she said, adding that new friendships continue to be made during bocce practice and the many other activities with which she likes to keep herself fit. “Just come and have fun,” she said, adding that they’ve found a perfect spot at Kildonan Park for honing their skills. Lundström likes to stay active. Club responsibilities such as organizing and co-ordinating club outings and events help maintain her brain health. Along with those, and preparing for the 55+ Games, she’s got a long list of other things on the go. “I’m a painter. I make Swedish cos- tumes. I’m a gardener. I kick-sleigh (the skis with the little chair) — I’m getting really good at it. I love the hills. I love to hike. When out walking, I’ve got spikes on my boots, so I don’t worry about falling. I love music, dancing. I write books about Swedish culture. I always find something to do,” she said, adding that she lives independently, in a home
and bocce player is all about staying active and engaged.
“I’ve been living fully ever since I was born,” Lundström said enthusiastically. “We are all going for fun. We are not going to win, but we have won every year,” she laughed. “Right now, the anticipation is as great as the sensation of competing,” she said about this year’s Manitoba 55+ Games, which will run Tuesday to Thurs- day, June 9 to 11, in Morden, Winkler and the R.M. of Stanley. The largest annual 55-plus multi- sport event in Manitoba, the Games are jam-packed with fun and engaging competitions, and a welcome opportunity to socialize and make new connections. Organized by Active Aging in Man-
A regular 55+ Games participant, Lundström stays active year-round.
“The fellowship keeps me motivated. It’s good for our health” — Sonja Lundström, Games participant
she calls a party house. “Swedish people like to be active. Our whole
club is about staying con- nected, and just
being the best friend you can be. It’s part of our culture.”
Grateful to Active Aging in Manitoba for opportunities to stay motivated, healthy and active, Lundström said she’ll keep practising to compete in the 55+ Games, rain or shine. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad attitude or bad cloth- ing,” she said, with a chuckle. n
SUPPLIED PHOTO
Sonja Lundström and her bocce teams at last year’s 55+ Games.
ALL-INCLUSIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING ON THE RED
• Three nutritious meals a day • Complimentary 24 hour Bistro • In suite laundry • Fitness centre • Craft and games area • Complimentary internet access room • Dry cleaning pickup and delivery • Building staffed 24/7
• 24 Hour emergency response pendant • Weekly in-suite light housekeeping services • Weekly linen and towel services • Complimentary transportation to medical appointments and outings • Heat, hydro, and water • Pet friendly living
One Bedroom Suites AVAILABLE Call today to book a tour
204.231.5777 40 Dunkirk Drive www.canoeclub.ca
Powered by FlippingBook