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GET READY TO CELEBRATE WEEK Active Aging OCT. 5–11, 2020
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green.eps; Customer is responsible for accuracy SUPPLEMENT | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
T Thorvaldson Care Center An Intermediate Care Facility for Seniors 495 Stradbrook Ave. • Winnipeg Please call for more information or to arrange a tour Jocelyn Thorvaldson (204) 452-4044 (weekdays) www. thorcare.ca E-mail: thorcare@shaw.ca Over 60 years of caring for Seniors!
What does Intermediate Personal Care offer? • 24 hour care / supervision by Health Care Aides • Registered Nurse on-site (weekdays) • Medications, inhalers, eyedrops are administered • Monitored blood sugar / blood pressure • Bloodwork, Xray services • Medical appts / transportation arranged • Assist with bathing, dressing and hygiene • Assist with catheters / oxygen • Private, bedsitting room with bathroom • Two nurse call buttons in each suite • Three home-cooked meals per day plus snacks • Housekeeping (daily), Laundry (personal and linens) • Accredited Activity Director & Recreation Programs
Thorvaldson Care Center is a government approved, family owned and operated Intermediate Care facility providing care to seniors since 1959. We offer a moderately sized, non-institutional environment with professional services to meet the needs of those in the later stages of life. ‘Intermediate’ personal care is provided to those who are no longer able to manage/cope in their current living situation due to increasing needs, yet are not quite ready for placement in a Personal Care Home. Thorvaldson Care Center is the only Intermediate Care facility in Manitoba.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CALL: 204-697-7332
2 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020
Physiotherapy can keep you in the game at any age
therapists are your neighbourhood ex- perts in education and physical treat- ment to support your active lifestyle. Physiotherapists can be your first point of contact when it comes to addressing the aches and pains that might threaten to keep you glued to the couch. When you visit a physio- therapist, you can expect a thorough assessment, including an in-depth history-taking in which we get to know you and your history. Following a thorough physical examination, we will discuss our impression, including the source of your pain and any contributing factors that might be impeding your recovery, ranging from deficits in strength or mobility to the consequences of posture or stress. Then, we will work with you to cre- ate a treatment plan that fits your life- style. This may include modifications to your current activity routine, home exercises to improve your strength and flexibility, and hands-on therapies such as joint mobilization or soft tissue treatments to reduce your pain and
improve your motion. We will discuss lifestyle changes that will support your recovery, including strategies to reduce stress and optimize rest. We emphasize patient-centered care, meaning that no two treatment plans will be alike. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help you understand the unique variables contributing to your specific issues. Our first pri- ority is to educate and empower each person to help manage their own con- dition, with the end goal of removing perceived barriers to movement and improving quality of life. In fact, you don’t need to be in pain to see a physiotherapist! Physiotherapists are experts in health-promoting exer- cise. Many people could benefit from working with a physiotherapist to develop and progress their fitness regimen, while keeping pain at bay. Quinn Taylor is a physiotherapist at Pure Physiotherapy, you can find Quinn and many other great physiotherapists in the find a physiotherapist section of our website mbphysio.org
A regular walking routine is a simple and effective way to stay healthy at any age. Walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes by reducing body fat, blood pressure and blood sugar all while improving aerobic fit- ness. Even small amounts can be beneficial, so take any opportunity to use your feet and jump on the heel-toe express as a way to build your fitness! As a bonus, walking can prevent and treat depression and anxiety, improving mental health outcomes such as happiness and self-esteem. Quinn Taylor Walking for the win
By Quinn Taylor W
population. Though many therapies exist to address these issues, one form of treatment is consistently shown to have a positive effect on all of the above issues: physical activity. Staying active as you age can chal- lenging and sometimes a little help is needed along the way. This is where physiotherapy (sometimes referred to as “physical therapy”) fits in. Physio-
ith age comes wisdom and experience, but so too come a variety of physical
challenges to overcome. Age-related bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular disease, risk of falls, social isolation, dependency, and mental health issues are all challenges that affect an aging
OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 3
Participating during a pandemic AAIM says active lifestyle still possible despite COVID-19 fears BY JIM TIMLICK
I t’s no exaggeration to say that almost every aspect of our lives has changed as a result of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the way we work to the way we play. Still, despite the ever-evolving changes we are trying to adapt to in our daily lives, there are some things that aren’t likely to change any time soon — and that includes the importance of taking care of our physical well-being. But how do you remain active when many of the everyday activities you normally engage in have been paused or are no longer available? It’s a question people have been asking since the pandemic first struck back in March, especially many older Manitobans. Jim Evanchuk, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), says it basically comes down to using common sense. “We’re not saying don’t go out there because it’s dangerous. Yes, there is some risk, but you can reduce that risk substantially. There are still plenty of great outdoor days ahead of us this year and now is really the time to take full advantage of that,” he says. “I think the key thing is that people are cognizant of the risk and do what they can to reduce it, but not be paralyzed by it. What we are emphasizing is the importance of moving on a regular basis and keeping
journey around your neighbourhood.” The recent proliferation of active transportation paths in Winnipeg and other neighbouring communities has also been a boon during the pandemic. Evanchuk says they are a perfect opportunity for people to move safely from one neighbourhood to another while practising social distancing. Of course, you don’t have to leave the cozy confines of your home if you’re looking to get active. Evanchuk says now is the perfect time to put that stationary bike or treadmill you bought to good use. You can also increase your daily step count by using the steps in your home as a simple exercise device. “The key message is to do something as opposed to just sitting and watching television all day,” he adds. Regardless of how you choose to be active, Evanchuk stresses that it’s important for people, especially older adults, to make a list of activities they can do at home or outside. Such a list can include both new activities as well as ones that may rekindle a past interest or hobby. Equally important, he adds, is to make a schedule of the activities you list to ensure you follow through. “It’s all about goal-setting. Without that commitment … all kinds of things can get in the way of you being active. A personal physical activity plan will help people to picture themselves doing it. In most cases, people feel a whole lot better for participating than just sitting around wishing they had.” ■
active … and how that can be safely done within your bubble or sphere or neighbourhood.” One of the easiest, and safest, ways for people 55 and over to be active is to spend more time working in their yard. Evanchuk says AAIM, which promotes active aging opportunities for older Manitobans, has been flooded with comments from people who say their yards have never looked better than they do now. “We’ve talked to a lot of people who have said this has been one of the best years with respect to yard work and gardening. They’ve really ratcheted it up a notch and are now seeing the benefits of that,” he says. “I think the pandemic has caused people to not be out and about as much and going from one place to another. They’re spending more time closer to home. They see the world a little bit differently now.” That can include the world right outside your door. Evanchuk explains that a great way to get moving is to explore your neighbourhood on foot, be it the neighbourhood you’ve just moved into or the one that’s been your home for years. “You can discover or rediscover some of the interesting aspects of one’s own neighbourhood simply by walking,” he says, adding a bicycle or wheelchair can present the same opportunity. “You can check out how people in your neighbourhood are caring for their yards or what flowers they’ve planted. There’s lots of ideas that can spring up on a
For many older adults, the toughest part of becoming more active is figuring out how and where to get started, especially during the current pandemic. Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) has some tips on where individuals can find valuable guidance on that subject. • The Government of Canada offers this infograph on how to be safely active in your community: https://www.canada.ca/ content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/ publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19- going-out-safely/cov19-gt-eng.pdf • The Gerontological Society of America offers advice on how to interact with people outside your home during the pandemic: https://www.geron.org/images/gsa/ documents/GSA_Decision_Aid.pdf • Winnipeg in Motion provides numerous how-to videos on its YouTube channel: https:// www.youtube.com/user/Winnipeginmotion • Active Aging Canada offers up a number of options on how older Canadians can be active while remaining in the comfort of their home: https://www.activeagingcanada.ca/whats- new.htm#aah • AAIM provides a variety of information on programs and other resources on its own website that Manitobans can tap into: www.activeagingmb.ca
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4 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020
A&O adapts to new normal BY TODD LEWYS
“We’ve needed to be there for older adults pre-COVID, during COVID, and will need to be there for them post-COVID. They need to be part of every policy decision we make.”
– Amanda Macrae, CEO of Winnipeg-based A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
F or years, they’ve been a demographic who have largely suffered in silence. Then, the coronavirus arrived as late winter transitioned into spring. It wasn’t long before that long-silent demographic — older adults — were in the news as record numbers of those aged 55- plus perished from COVID-19 in Canada and beyond. “The vulnerability of older adults has come to the surface during COVID,” says Amanda Macrae, CEO of Winnipeg-based A & O: Support Services for Older Adults. “We’ve needed to be there for older adults pre-COVID, during COVID, and will need
explains. “In some instances, people can’t use a kitchen stove or a room because of stacks of papers or books that are in the way. We send in a registered social worker to help older adults make difficult choices about belongings in their home and to decrease the anxiety they may feel about letting go of their belongings.” Meanwhile, pillar number two — social engagement — uses a three-pronged approach to help older adults stay connected with the outside world. “Social engagement was important before the pandemic but is even more critical now. Our first Senior Centre Without Walls (SCWW) provides educational and recreational programming in a fun, interactive atmosphere that’s provided over the phone,” Macrae says. “Topics include health and wellness, support groups and more. You can
tools they need to age well.” Those tools are delivered through three core programs: safety and security, social engagement and counselling. “We call those programs and services our three pillars. Under safety and security, one of our key services is elder abuse prevention. Last year, we had 333 people that we helped out, spending 180 hours on elder abuse works. And those were just the folks who came forward.” Once an individual comes forward, they can then qualify for A & O’s safe suite program, where abused men and women are placed in a safe suite to receive one-on- one counselling and recover from the abuse they’ve suffered. Another key program goes by the name This Full House, adds Macrae. “It deals with hoarding behaviour,” she
to be there for them post-COVID. They need to be part of every policy decision we make.” Macrae says it’s important that older adults be seen as a valuable part of society. “Older adults shouldn’t be an afterthought — that they’ve had a good life and aren’t an important part of society as they get up in age. It doesn’t matter who you are — we have to value the contributions of all ages and realize what’s good for older adults is good for all of us.” Since 1957, A & O has been ministering to older adults, helping them attain the highest possible quality of life in their latter years, recognizing that each individual needs a different type of support. “We need to be careful about the concept of aging,” says Macrae. “We’re all different, and we all age in a different way. We’re here to support older adults and give them the
OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 5
“Social engagement was important before the pandemic but is even more critical now."
– Amanda Macrae, CEO of Winnipeg-based A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
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A&O’s Senior Immigrant Settlement Services offers various events and activities, such as these outings from before the pandemic, as well as English courses and settlement support to newcomers over the age of 55.
In short, A & O will continue to provide innovative programs and services for older adults during the pandemic, and in the new normal that comes after it. “It’s hard to cover everything, but we’re committed to providing the basket of resources and encouragement older adults need to thrive during the pandemic and beyond,” says Macrae, adding that COVID-19 has spawned creativity and better teamwork with industry partners. “We’ve advocated for older adults for 63 years and will continue to do that for many years to come.” ■ For more information on A & O: Support Services for Older Adults, visit aosupportservices.ca or call 204-956-6440.
register anytime during the term.” Next, the Connect Program matches community volunteers with isolated older adults for a one-hour visit once a week. Newcomers to Canada over the age of 55 can also access Senior Immigrant Settlement Services. “That program helps older adults from outside Canada learn about Canadian laws and culture, health and safety, transportation, and money and banking. There’s plenty of opportunities for folks to get connected with these programs.” Last but not least is pillar number three: counselling. “A wide range of counselling services are available,” she says. “They tackle topics such as loneliness, death of a family member, loss of health and managing relationships with your children, grandchildren and others.”
The National Association of Federal Retirees is the largest national advoca- cy organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors. If you are a member, drop by and say hello. If you are eligible to be a mem- ber, or need more information, stop by to learn why you should join us! email: nafrwpg@mymts.net | Phone: 204.989.2061 | www.federalretirees.ca
6 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020
Left to right: Fitness co-ordinator Lori Orchard (centre of photo) prepares to lead an exercise class with participants physically distanced; a member arrives ready to exercise; Wellness Institute staff physically distance on the gym floor in their PPE.
PHOTOS BY DARIN KACHANOSKI
Welcome to the Wellness Institute BY GEOFF KIRBYSON R ecent visitors to the Wellness Institute can be excused if they don’t recognize the place. “It’s all about comfort levels. We want people to proceed with caution depending on their own health and circumstances.”
“We’re taking every precaution we can for everybody. We have an electrostatic sprayer and every evening, we go through the entire building and spray everything down,” she says. But the staff can only control what they can control. So, if you’re sick or not feeling well, stay home. The new standards aren’t coming out of left field, either. They’re aligned with guidance from the World Health Organization, the CDC (Centre for Disease Control), the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Medical Fitness Association, Manitoba Shared Health and the City of Winnipeg. The 80,000-square-foot facility at Seven Oaks Hospital on Leila Avenue closed in mid- March as part of the province-wide lockdown and then reopened in early June.
Visitors are screened before walking in the building, all of the staff wear personal protective equipment, physical distancing measures are in place and you’ve got to follow the arrows on the floor, for starters. Once you get inside, some programs aren’t being offered because of safety restrictions and many of those that are have a very different feel than they used to. For example, in the fitness studio, which has a maximum capacity of 50, just 15 people are allowed at a time and you’ve got to register in advance to book your spot. There are webinars and video workouts, too. “Every individual is different. They have to be comfortable with their own decision. Staying active is key. We all have to look after ourselves,” she says.
All guests and members are required to wear a mask for all visits. Once they’re inside, however, there are a few exceptions. Masks do not need to be worn during exercise or in the showers and masks may be removed while lying face down during massage. Children under the age of six do not need to wear a mask. Every piece of equipment is sanitized on a schedule, lockers are wiped down, the steam rooms and whirlpools are closed, there’s no towel service, the pool has limited capacity and if you want to go for a run, you can’t do it on the indoor track. Instead, you’ll have to use the treadmills or outdoor track. The indoor track is for walking only.
That’s because the self-supporting non-profit organization, the Lifestyle Medicine department of Seven Oaks General Hospital, has been given a complete COVID-19 overhaul. “Life looks a lot different now being open than it did pre-pandemic,” says Karin Whalen, its director of community services. “We’ve put together a comprehensive strategy to address personal concerns. We see a lot of people here with chronic conditions and they’re at an increased risk with COVID.”
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OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 7
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT SMOKING
“There has never been a more important time to be healthy. The Wellness Institute is here to support the community to be well, whether they choose to visit the facility or access services virtually." – Karin Whalen, director of community services at The Wellness Institute
you might not eat as well. When you’re engaging in healthy behaviours, there’s a spill-over effect.” Members and visitors alike are doing a good job of adhering to the rules, and when they don’t, staff members give them the benefit of the doubt and provide polite reminders. “The rules are there for health and safety reasons. It’s a challenging time. We’re asking people to be patient and respectful. You’re always going to get people who might be a bit more challenging. You have to explain it to them calmly. There’s a purpose to what we’re doing. We can’t slack off,” she says. “There has never been a more important time to be healthy. The Wellness Institute is here to support the community to be well, whether they choose to visit the facility or access services virtually.” ■
It has about 6,500 members, all of whose memberships were frozen when the pandemic hit. For those who didn’t feel comfortable coming back just yet — or who went to the lake for the summer — they’ve been able to maintain their membership at no cost through the summer. As with virtually every other facility out there, the Wellness Institute has online options for a variety of services, including nutrition coaching and even physiotherapy. Participating virtually and getting back into some sort of routine can be particularly critical for older people, she says. “We’re concerned with stress and loneliness,” she says. “It helps people manage their stress, their weight and their emotional well-being. It can be a snowball effect. If you don’t exercise,
We all know that smoking damages the lungs, but did you know that smoking can make you more susceptible to complications from illnesses like Covid-19, which is known to attack the lungs? Those who smoke or vape are also at a higher risk for contracting Covid-19 due to frequent hand-to-mouth contact. In Manitoba, almost 1/4 of all homes have high radon levels. Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas. You can't see radon. It may be a problem in your home. Those who smoke and live in a home with high radon levels have a 1 in 3 chance of developing lung cancer. That's why it's important to test your home's radon level, and talk to your healthcare provider or Certified Tobacco Educator for support to help you quit smoking. You can order a radon home testing kit at mb.lung.ca TWO REASONS WHY IT'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER FOR MANITOBANS TO QUIT SMOKING
FOR FREE SMOKING CESSATION COUNSELLING CALL (204) 774-5501
A member uses hand sanitizer prior to admittance. PHOTO BY DARIN KACHANOSKI
8 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020
Connecting with care BY TODD LEWYS
Already limited in their social contact, many older adults became almost completely cut off from family and friends due to fear of contracting the coronavirus.
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OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 9
A s important as it is for younger and middle- aged folks to socialize, it’s even more important for older adults. And while some older adults were isolated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, that sense of isolation became even more pronounced during a province-wide lockdown that stretched from spring into early summer. Already limited in their social contact, many older adults became almost completely cut off from family and friends due to fear of contracting the coronavirus. It’s a situation that had a very negative impact on many older adults aged 55 and up, says Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. “Older adults need to connect in order to thrive,” she says. “COVID or no COVID, isolation creates mental health problems for people.” Thankfully, senior centres stepped up during the lockdown. Older adults were shown how to use an iPad or laptop so they could go online to connect with friends and family via Zoom, Skype or other applications that enable people to connect virtually. While it wasn’t — and still isn’t — a replacement for in-person contact, it helped fill the void. Newman adds that restoring the ability to connect wasn’t the only challenge many older adults faced during the lockdown. “It’s also important for older adults to stay active, even in COVID,” she says. “For example,
I’m not a walker, but I started walking. When you do that, you can get out, walk to the corner and maybe talk to a neighbour along the way. We have to adjust to the new normal individually and collectively.” Now that life is up and running again — albeit with certain restrictions in place — older adults need to summon up the courage to venture back out into the world. “Some of our members are paranoid about COVID,” says Newman. “I understand that reluctance to get out, but at the same time, I encourage them to call their local senior centre. All senior centres now have COVID protocols in place.” Those protocols include using hand sanitizer, social distancing — and smaller classes. “We know that it’s very important to make our members comfortable, so there will usually be about five to six people spread out in classes in smaller spaces and around 20 people in larger spaces. Classes will also be held outdoors for as long as the weather allows it, as the risk of transmission is very low.” Those who’ve attended classes in the past month or two have been pleasantly surprised by what they’ve found. “Again, the focus at centres is providing a safe environment, so that shouldn’t be an issue. However, when you get there, look around and assess what you see. If it looks like distancing rules aren’t being followed, leave. If you see that they are, go in and do your thing.” Make no mistake about it — there are plenty of things to do, from yoga to zumba, line dancing and more. “The important thing is to get active,” Newman says, noting she’s even seen people in wheelchairs taking part in classes. “There’s something for everyone, so you should be able to find an activity that works for you.”
"As challenging as life is right now, do your best to get out and live it." – Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres
While it’s only normal to fear COVID-19, getting educated about it will help put it in the proper perspective. “The reality is that the coronavirus is transmitted mainly by droplets. If someone has COVID and you spend over 15 minutes with them face-to-face, then there’s a good chance you’ll catch it,” she says. “If you social distance, avoid crowded rooms, use a mask where appropriate and wash your hands regularly, you should be fine.” Most importantly, educational information should come from a verified and trusted source. “Don’t believe alarmist articles or posts you see on Facebook. If you’re in doubt, see what experts like Dr. Roussin are saying. They can be trusted. Sources like conspiracy theories can’t.” As challenging as life is right now, do your best to get out and live it, says Newman. “To live life to the fullest, older adults need that in-person connection. Don’t let a lack of information and the paranoia it breeds prevent you from getting the social contact you need. It’s critically important for your mental and physical health.” ■
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10 Active Aging Week | OCTOBER 5-11, 2020
TONS of ways to connect BY GEOFF KIRBYSON Has there ever been a more stressful time to go from Point A to Point B? T he COVID-19 pandemic has turned what used to be routine outings into major affairs requiring masks, an ocean of hand sanitizer and eyes in the back of your head to make sure nobody is encroaching into your space.
It’s got the Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) working overtime to make sure Winnipeg’s older citizens can still do what they need to get done in as safe a way as possible. Samantha Rodeck is the executive director of the not-for-profit organization, which is run by a volunteer board of directors and receives its funding from a variety of sources including the Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living branch. Her office isn’t receiving panicked phone calls from starving seniors, she says. There is most definitely, however, a general level of concern out there. Now everybody is in the same position, she says. Issues that affected a smaller population before now are affecting many because there is a general concern about what’s a safe way to get around other than driving your own car. TONS doesn’t do programming of its own but instead specializes in education delivery in the community. Regardless of the pandemic, people still need to get groceries or go to medical appointments. But rather than rely exclusively on old-school methods by walking through a store’s doors, Rodeck and her team are encouraging older adults to use online grocery delivery and app- based programs wherever possible. The challenge, of course, is many baby boomers are nervous to try the latest technologies — and many may not have the financial means or access to these technologies that could make grocery shopping that much easier. But they shouldn’t be intimidated (even if they don’t have a teenager handy). Instead, she recommends turning it around and looking at the new reality as a chance to learn new skills that they didn’t have before. “You can do this. It’s a good opportunity to build more confidence. We all have to do it; it’s not just older adults,” she says. It helps that a lot of grocery providers — including Food Fare stores, Real Canadian Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart — have altered their hours to allow early morning shopping for seniors on select days. Avoiding the prime shopping hours can make for a relatively stress-free trip, she says.
So, how should people get around? Rodeck recommends using one of the 13 senior resource finders in town, which are community gatekeepers funded by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. They’ve got lists of resources for older adults, which might include volunteer driving programs. For example, there’s Caregiving With Confidence in the southwest part of the city and the Transcona Senior Resource Council, which covers the east end of Winnipeg. “We encourage people to assess the need of an activity. If it’s not high priority, will it be the end of the world if you don’t do it?” she says. If you absolutely, positively have to go out, she recommends the lowest-risk option, which is active transportation, such as walking and biking. “We recommend getting as much fresh air as you can,” she says. Riding the bus should be a little less stressful now that Winnipeg Transit has mandated that every rider wear a mask. Rodeck says it should be comforting to know that Winnipeg Transit and its Transit Plus division, which provides door-to-door service for people with mobility issues, are being monitored very closely by the city. Its drivers have been well trained and there are strict guidelines about how the buses are cleaned at the end of every day. She considers vehicles for hire, such as TappCar and Uber, to be “lower to moderate risk.” With payment being done via an app, neither customers nor drivers need to handle cash. Where taxis have the superior set up is the shields between the front and back seats, she says. Regardless of how you move around, Rodeck recommends — at a minimum — continuing to follow public health guidelines by washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a mask when out in public and in any form of public or private transportation. “Do your research to find what’s comfortable for you. We want to empower people to make their own decisions,” she says. “It’s important that we continue to be socially engaged and look for ways to engage ourselves physically and mentally, no matter how challenging it can be to get from Point A to Point B.” ■
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OCTOBER 5-11, 2020 | Active Aging Week 11
Embarking on online exercise BY JENNIFER MCFEE
W hen the pandemic began to pulse through the world, life changed in a heartbeat — including the way many people choose to stay active. The Centre on Aging at the University of Manitoba embarked on a survey this summer geared toward participants aged 65 and older to learn more about their experiences with virtual exercise classes during this period. Approximately 700 people responded to the survey, which was mainly distributed by organizations that work with older adults, including those that concentrate on exercise and physical activity. “We focused more on people who were thinking about making the transition to doing online exercise rather than people just starting to be physically active,” says Dr. Michelle Porter, director of the Centre on Aging. “On average, we had a very active group who responded to the survey, with almost half reporting participating in non-exercise class physical activity four or more times per week prior to the pandemic, and 40 per cent of participants also reported participating in exercise classes three times per week or more, again prior to the pandemic.” When in-person programs paused during the lockdown period, online activities began to flourish. The Centre on Aging study aimed to examine the uptake on these online offerings by older adults as well as their reactions to this new experience.
for online exercise classes, and the majority of participants tuned in to programs offered within their local community. A smaller set of participants tried classes from other parts of Manitoba, other parts of Canada and even other countries. “For the people that were participating in the online exercise classes, they really liked not having to spend the time or arrangements for transportation,” Porter says. “It was also interesting that people said it doesn’t matter what they wear. A proportion of people also said that they like exercising without people seeing them.” Most participants sought out classes that combined aerobic strength, flexibility and balance, while others participated in more specialized programs such as yoga, Pilates or tai chi. Another noteworthy finding is that safety didn’t seem to be a big concern for most people. Thinking beyond the pandemic, Porter feels that online exercise classes offer options for future programming. “There are lots of older people who are not physically active enough to get health benefits,” she says. “It would be good for organizations and governments to think about how to reach older people in other ways than would have been done traditionally in the past.” Programs of the future could combine live offerings with recorded options, she adds. “Online programs might not become a mainstay where they replace in-person classes, but I think there is lots of potential to supplement,” Porter says. “For those that aren’t able to get out, it could even become their main source of physical activity.” ■
“We knew there was going to be an impact on older people in particular because they were a higher risk group for potential outcomes from the virus. They were being told to physically isolate themselves and stay at home,” says Porter, who is also a professor in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management. “Physical activity is very beneficial for people, so it’s important for older people to continue to be physically active.” Overall, a majority of respondents said they hadn’t tried online exercise classes. “Some said they would potentially consider it for the future if the weather was bad or if there was another lockdown,” Porter says. For those who did try virtual exercise (about 40 per cent of the sample), 22 per cent of participants did online exercise four or more times per week and 29 per cent did it twice a week. “I think this opens up possibilities for people to get more consistent physical activity,” she says, “maybe as a combination of going to classes and doing classes at home.” Other hindrances to participation in online exercise classes included not having enough space or feeling restricted due to the type of device used for viewing. “If they have a phone or an iPad, the screen size is pretty small for being able to see what’s happening,” Porter says. “That could be an issue, so it might be something for instructors to be aware of.” For those that did make the switch to virtual workouts, many approved of the intensity of the classes since instructors adapted their approach for a variety of abilities. YouTube was the most common platform
Dr. Michelle Porter is the director of the Centre on Aging.
A study by the Centre on Aging examined older adults’ experience with online exercise classes during the pandemic.
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