Active Aging | September 2017

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Fire up your passion BY JENNIFER MCFEE

T here’s no time like the present to ignite your passion and lead a life filled with activities you truly enjoy. During Active Aging Week Sept. 24-30, Manitobans can embrace this year’s theme to “Ignite Your Passion” by signing up for an activity, starting a personal project, joining a group or taking other steps to do something they love. The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) hopes everyone aged 55 and older will discover the spark of motivation to live the best life possible. For Jim Evanchuk, executive director of ALCOA-MB, this year’s theme serves as an invitation to take actions towards personal fulfilment. At the same time, Active Aging Week also kicks off Seniors’ and Elders’ Month, which spans the entire month of October. “We’re talking about living life to the fullest by getting immersed in something. There are so many different ways that we can do that,” he says. "Maybe there's something you haven't done for a while that you used to love doing, so we're inviting you to reconnect with that experience you thoroughly enjoyed. For those who may have some interest in something they never tried, we encourage them to actually take the steps to try it out.” Some people might find ways to connect through their nearest 55-plus active-living centre or perhaps at their local library, he adds. “There are worlds of experiences and opportunities to ignite your passion. When you think of this as a stimulus or

maybe a friendly challenge to get out there and make that connection, there are some very positive spinoffs for each person who takes that step,” Evanchuk says. “This is the warm-up act to ongoing activity that will be socially engaging, personally fulfilling and will also contribute to the health and well-being of others in the older adults’ lives.”

that. We have quite a few requests coming in from a variety of groups, so we match them up with a volunteer speaker,” Evanchuk says. “We’re trying to translate health-related information into everyday language so people will actually understand and apply that in their lives.” ALCOA-MB also works in partnership with the Manitoba 55+ Games committee. Plans are already in the works for the 2018 games, which will be held in Glenboro June 12-14. The Manitoba event is an ideal lead-up to the 2018 Canada 55+ Games, which will be held in Saint John, N.B., Aug. 21-24. “There is a great opportunity to participate as an athlete in the events or to be a volunteer on a variety of levels,” Evanchuk says. “With our Manitoba 55+ Games committee, we would very much like to strengthen that committee, to bolster it, to have boots on the ground in the communities to make sure information is flowing to our target population.” In addition, ALCOA-MB encourages anyone who is interested in promoting healthy active aging to consider serving on its board of directors. “We also want to reach out to communities outside of Winnipeg, so if there are people from any part of Manitoba who would like to be a part of this organization, they could connect with us as well,” Evanchuk says. “You often hear the phrase that it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to contribute to the health and well-being of older adults.” For more information or to get involved, call 204-632-3947 or toll free 1-866-202-6663 or email info@alcoamb.org. Information is also available online at alcoamb.org.

If anyone is looking for ways to connect with inspiring activities and individuals, ALCOA-MB offers ample volunteer opportunities for Manitobans aged 55 and older.

If anyone is looking for ways to connect with inspiring activities and individuals, ALCOA-MB offers ample volunteer opportunities for Manitobans aged 55 and older. “We have a peer volunteer leadership program that people could participate in if they would like to become exercise leaders within the residences where they live,” Evanchuk says. “Through the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program, we provide the information resources and the proper techniques so they can encourage others to participate in a regular exercise programs.” Another option is to get involved with the ALCOA-MB Speakers Bureau, which prepares older adults to share credible health information on a variety of healthy aging topics. “If people are inclined to share and present to older adult groups, we have information that will enable them to do

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“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.”

Keep connected BY TODD LEWYS I t’s an issue that’s muted, yet nevertheless present in society today: ageism.

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.

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

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Get up, stay active BY GEOFF KIRBYSON

Sitting is the new smoking. As crazy as that may sound, recent studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can have as big an impact on your health and wellness as smoking cigarettes. Move over, Marlboro Man, make way for the Tablet Teens. Perhaps even more troubling, says Karin Whalen, director of community services at the Wellness Institute, is for the first time ever, the lifespan of the up-and-coming generation is less than that of its predecessors. A focus of Active Aging Day is to ensure that older adults do not fall into the same trappings. “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” Whalen said. Whalen is overseeing Active Aging Day on Sept. 26 at the Wellness Institute’s 1075 Leila Ave. location, adjacent to Seven Oaks General Hospital. This free annual event is part of Active Aging Week and showcases a growing effort from professionals in the health and wellness field to help people maintain or develop an active lifestyle that they can follow their entire lives. This year’s version will feature speakers, exhibits, demonstrations and an activity area. There will be spin classes (stationary bikes), walking with Nordic walking poles and even hearing tests. This year for the first time, the Wellness Institute’s rehab and sports injury clinic will open its doors so people can meet their team of physio-, massage and occupational therapists. There will even be a farmer’s market selling fresh produce outside. The expected 400 visitors will be welcomed by the Wellness Institute’s active-aging ambassadors, a peer-nominated group who demonstrate a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. “They’ll show people around. They come from all walks of life. The super-fit ones are doing eco-marathons while others provide a more traditional example. People can see them and say, ‘this is achievable. I can do some things to improve my health and maintain an active lifestyle. If they can do it, so can I,’” she said. Contrary to the belief of some, the Wellness Institute, a medical fitness facility, doesn’t cater primarily to octogenarians. In fact, the 6,500 members that use its fitness facilities come from all ages and demographics, starting at age 16.

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But don’t worry if you’re a couch potato who sits at their desk at work all day, there’s still time. But if you’re not prepared to put in the effort to get active today, you’ll feel the pain of regret (and probably your back) in the future. The benefits of active living can be felt almost immediately but you’ll especially notice them when you’re older. (And trust us, you’re getting older by the second.) If you have a chronic condition, such as arthritis, obesity or depression, exercise has been shown to mitigate the effects in the vast majority of cases. It also helps reduce health-care costs and recovery time for a variety of medical procedures. “If you’re fit before going in for a hip replacement, you’ll be better able to deal with it (post-surgery). Chronic disease

disproportionately affects older adults with disability and (reduced) quality of life. Active living can help people live longer and maintain functional independence,” she said. The need for active-living facilities is only going to increase as baby boomers continue to leave the work force and move on to the next stage of their lives. Whalen said by 2031, seniors will make up one-quarter of Canada’s population. But no matter what everybody says, the key to long-term active living is finding something you enjoy. “If you don’t like running, why are you running? If there is something you can find to match your personality and what you like, the probability of sticking with it is far greater,” she said.

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Step up &lead BY JENNIFER MCFEE

P eer leaders are making a difference by actively encouraging older adults to take steps towards a healthy lifestyle through two interactive programs. Volunteers are always in demand for the popular Steppin’ Up With Confidence and Speakers Bureau programs, which both promote healthy lifestyles for older adults. Through the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program, peer leaders receive training to lead fitness classes for other older adults. “One of the big hurdles when you’re older is being able to get to a different facility to take an exercise class, so a lot of these classes are taking place within seniors’ homes,” says Lance Letain, a master trainer for the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program. “Since the classes take place right within their own facility, that removes the barrier of them having to take a bus or drive or take a cab to get to a different facility to exercise.” The volunteer fitness leaders gain confidence in their abilities by attending a training workshop and receiving a binder full of resource information. “Some people understand the benefits of exercising and fitness but they lack the confidence to actually step up in front of their peers to lead a fitness class that could be anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes to

an hour long,” Letain says. “We give them the tools to lead such a class through proper demonstration of how the exercises are done, laying out the program for them step by step, and then giving them the binder that also includes a DVD of exercises.” Ideally, the fitness leaders will provide classes three to five times per week with a focus on cardiovascular exercise, strength, conditioning, flexibility and fall prevention. “This is a very gentle way to learn how to lead a class. All the supports are there for the people from beginning to end,” Letain says. “If we taught somebody in one of our workshops, we also follow up with them. We ask them questions about how we can help them more. We take a look at the room in the facility to see how it could be more conducive for moving around and for people to feel comfortable.” A free two-day training workshop is scheduled for the end of October, and Letain welcomes people to contact him for more information at 204-475- 0156 or lance.letain@hotmail.com. There are no age restrictions, so volunteers of all ages can get involved. Similarly, the Speakers Bureau program offers another opportunity to step up in front of a crowd and share beneficial information. This program launched in 2006 to provide information to older adults through interactive discussions. At the same time, the program also offers an opportunity for older adults to volunteer to lead presentations on behalf of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults. The volunteer speakers use PowerPoint to enhance their presentations since they might be speaking to

people with hearing or vision impairments. “There is an orientation for new volunteers that’s somewhat tailored to their experience,” says Sue Mackenzie, peer leader co-ordinator for ALCOA-MB. “So if people want to volunteer and they’ve had no experience, that’s no problem. If they have a lot of experience, we’ll work from where they’re at and provide content.” Volunteers receive all the content and resources for the presentations, which focus on topics such as active living, 10 habits for healthy living, healthy mouths, get into the 55+ Games and fall prevention. A new presentation on brain health will also launch this fall. The presentations are developed with input from experts on these topics, including representatives from the Wellness Institute, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association and the Alzheimer Society. “These are standardized presentations and the content is vetted by people who have expertise,” Mackenzie says. “There is so much information out there and not all of it is reliable, so we use well- grounded research and best practices to augment the content.”

Through the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program, peer leaders receive training to lead fitness classes for other older adults.

Anyone who would like more information or would like to get involved in the Speakers Bureau program can contact Mackenzie at 204-444-5120 or suemack@mymts.net.

Lance Letain and his Steppin' Up With Confidence program. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY

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Connection & competition BY TODD LEWYS

W ith the 2017 Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA- MB) led Manitoba 55+ Games only just recently completed, games co-ordinator Karyn Heidrick and her team have already started planning the 2018 event. “The 2017 games ran recently in Killarney (June 13-15) and went extremely well because it was the third time they’ve held the games,” she says. “I think we took about two weeks off, then we were right back at it.” Once again, the Manitoba 55+ Games will be held in the western part of the province, this time just a short drive down the road in Glenboro, June 12-14, 2018.

Heidrick says the 2018 edition will feature over 20 events, including a pair of new events and three demonstration competitions. “The 2018 games will include two new events – bocce ball, and wall darts. There will also be three demonstration events – badminton, archery and Belgian bowling.” Badminton – check; archery – check. But what exactly is Belgian bowling? “It’s a mix between bowling, curling and bocce ball. Like those other three sports, there’s a point you’re trying to hit,” she explains. "This popular cultural activity should be an interesting one to try out.” It is always inspiring to witness athletes 55 and over competing

in a wide range of events ranging from bowling, to floor curling, floor shuffle board, pickleball and badminton. “Anyone who’s 55 or older can take part in the games – we have competitors in their nineties who compete,” she says. “There are both different age categories and ability categories. The categories depend on the event. In pickle ball, for example, there are two categories – recreational and competitive.” Make no mistake about it, competitive juices still flow freely. Once an event starts for real, competitors forget their age and do their level best to come out on top. “Pickle ball is a good example. It was introduced in the Manitoba 55+ Games five years ago and has grown quickly in popularity. Matches can be very tense, with a great energy level.

continued on page 12

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continued from page 10 Connection & competition

Matches can be very competitive.” Heidrick says the games highlight a very important point. “They show that physical activity keeps you both physically and mentally healthy. If you stay active and keep your hand in a sport, you can stay competitive. The key to competing at a good level is staying active year-round, which is what most participants do.” Those with physical limitations “stay in the game” another way, she adds. “Older competitors will play brain games like cribbage and whist. Like physical activity, mental activity keeps you mentally sharp, and delays aging.” “Older competitors will play brain games like cribbage and whist. Like physical activity, mental activity keeps you mentally sharp, and delays aging.” Another aspect of the games also helps contestants stay young. “People really enjoy the social aspect. Over the three days the event is held, you reconnect with old friends and make new friends, while taking part in friendly or real competition,” says Heidrick. “Of course, people are there to compete. But they enjoy the support that comes from the social aspect of the games as much, or more.” All told, about 950 to 1,000 competitors are expected to compete at venues in Glenboro — Carberry, Spruce Woods Provincial Park — at the 2018 games. As has always been the case, they will prove you’re never too old to put on your game face and play to win. That is, in a more genteel, respectful manner that comes with the broadened perspective gained from living 55 — or considerably more years — on planet Earth. “Ultimately, the Manitoba 55+ Games are about encouraging people to participate in activities at their own level to achieve wellness in their own day-to-day lives,” she says. “It’s an event that invites the rest of the province in to experience all the things a town has to offer and to see that if you stay active, you’re never over the hill. It’s a truly inspiring event that has a great impact in more than one way.”

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W ith an irrepressible zest for life and just one other participant, Winnipeg resident Sandy Hudson started an outdoor adventure group to encourage women to explore Manitoba — and the wonders of life to be discovered outside of one’s comfort zone. Manitoba-Group) has grown to include more than 1,380 members and a crew of seven dedicated volunteers. Together, they have regular opportunities to get together to socialize and participate in a wide variety of outdoor adventures, from simple nature walks to more spirited fun, such as canoeing and dog-sledding. “When women get together, you tend to get a special kind of bond and a special kind of support for one another,” says Hudson, who organized women’s groups for 10 years in her native Great Britain, before immigrating to Canada. “Many of the women who come along with us are at a transitional stage in their lives, including those who may be new in Canada and Manitoba, recently divorced or widowed, retirees and empty nesters. They may be wondering ‘Who am I?’ and ‘How do I find my own life?’ We are all about welcoming everybody from all walks of life.” Seven years later, her “Experience Manitoba” meet-up group (meetup.com/Experience- Prospective members need only computer access, a PayPal account and a willingness to participate. Planned activities are posted on the group’s meet-up site, where members register and pay a nominal fee (via PayPal) to participate in specific events. Groups are usually limited to a dozen women, with a waiting list option that lets organizers gauge the popularity of certain events, so they can plan accordingly. Transportation to

activities is provided via organized carpools, with participants typically meeting at a designated restaurant parking lot on a major bus route. “We don’t have kids at our events because we really want our members to have no responsibilities and just be able to have fun and be child-like themselves,” says Hudson. “It is important to me and the team leaders to make sure that the women are getting some kind of a break, having a good time and trying something new. “Our motto is ‘Do something every day that scares you.’ For some women, that could be simply coming for a group walk with women they have never met before.” Every group activity includes a mix of new and established members to make everyone feel welcome as they participate in winter activities such as snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, tobogganing and tubing. The warmer months might feature outings centred on hiking, bird watching, farm visits, Fort Whyte day trips, canoeing, camping or cycling. “Even when hiking, we always go at the pace of the slowest participant, so it’s not about the exercise so much as it is about experiencing Manitoba,” says Hudson. “You don’t necessarily have to be a fitness person to enjoy yourself with us.” Studies continue to show there are genuine benefits to getting active and maintaining social connections. According to a report by Statistics Canada, “social engagement — involvement in meaningful activities and maintaining close friendships — is a component of successful aging,” often enhancing a person’s physical and mental health. But the women of Experience Manitoba probably don’t need statisticians to confirm that they are onto a good thing. “I joined Experience Manitoba when I was 55 and have never looked back,” says Helen. “I do things that I never thought I would do at my age, such as zip-lining — I love it! This group will try anything, from a simple walk to canoeing to camping. If it is done outdoors, we have probably tried it.” Helen calls Sandy Hudson “an amazing woman” who always makes everyone feel welcome

and ensures women of all ages have a good time on their outings. Others agree that Hudson’s joie de vivre is not only inspiring, but also heartily shared by the group. “I am 70-plus years old and live alone, but I am anything but finished with loving and living life fully,” says another member. “In the past 18 months, I’ve gone on canoeing trips, hiking adventures, learned Nordic pole walking, enjoyed dog-sledding and birdwatching, attended a Nordic spa and flew in an ultralight airplane. In a few weeks, I will be camping in Riding Mountain National Park — all with the terrific women of Experience Manitoba.” “There is such an amazing life out there,” says Hudson, who “absolutely loves” Manitoba and, as a result, is reputed to know more about Manitoba than most people who were born here. “It’s fun and it’s always different. You just never know what you’re going to find in your own back yard.” Studies continue to show there are genuine benefits to getting active and maintaining social connections. According to a report by Statistics Canada, “social engagement — involvement in meaningful activities and maintaining close friendships — is a component of successful aging,” often enhancing a person’s physical and mental health.

BLUE CROSS & ACCREDITED INSURANCE PROVIDER

204-837-6629 or 1-877-Do-My-Feet

SUPPORT & EMPOWER OLDER MANITOBANS Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of older adults in our community.

AOSUPPORTSERVICES.CA A & O: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS

204-956-6440

Active Aging Day ... there is no age limit for an active life Tuesday , September 26 | 9:00 am -12:30 pm | 5:00 pm -8:00 pm • Keynote: Dr. Pollard* • Health talks* • Testing & screenings • Stretch breaks

• Group exercise classes • ALCOA-MB activity area

• Rehab Clinic area • Farmers’ market • Live music • Exhibitors & prizes

New activities include 5-minute massages and exercise demos by our therapists

wellnessinstitute.ca /active-aging-day/

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