SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 | View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications online at winnipegfreepress.com/ For advertising information, call: 204-697-7389
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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 3
Engaging the aging A not-for-profit organization that promotes healthy living for older Manitobans is embracing change with a new name and new mind-set on aging. community in which that person lives.” As a continuation of ALCOA-MB’s important work over the past 15 years, AAIM will emphasize the word “active” to encourage older Manitobans to get engaged in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic realms.
entire month of October,” Evanchuk said. AAIM will continue to promote and recruit for the Steppin’ Up With Confidence peer volunteer leader program, which prepares older adults to lead age-friendly exercise sessions with their peers close to home. Currently, about 150 volunteers in Winnipeg are involved in this program. AAIM will also provide and expand on peer-led presentations to older adult groups on healthy aging topics. Looking ahead, AAIM will act as the lead organization for the annual Manitoba 55+ Games, which will be held in Swan River, June 11 to 13, 2019.
“The essence of active aging means continuing to be active contributors and resources to your family, peers, community and country throughout your entire lifetime,” Evanchuk said. By launching its new brand and look, AAIM is encouraging all older Manitobans to move
Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), formerly known as ALCOA-MB, will continue to promote healthy choices and behaviours for Manitobans aged 55 and older. As the population of older adults grows in the province, the organization aims to help them achieve optimal health and the best possible quality of life. AAIM strives to engage older Manitobans in healthy choices and behaviours that contribute to physical, social and mental wellness. As a result, older Manitobans can foster independence and improve their quality of life by staying socially connected, participating in regular physical activity, eating healthy foods and reducing risk for falls. “Engaging the aging requires an entirely new way of thinking about aging,” said executive director Jim Evanchuk. “For the first time in our history, there are more Canadians 65-plus years of age than there are 18 years or younger.” The World Health Organization defines active aging as “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” This approach can vary with each individual, yet the common thread is that older people can continue to be active throughout their entire life. “Within a reframed context of aging, growing older is not a negative,” Evanchuk said. “Viewing aging with a more positive outlook can benefit the individual and the
AAIM has also developed an information resource entitled, Inspiring Wellness – Your Guide to Active Aging in Manitoba to showcase some
more and sit less. The organization aims to inspire older adults to stay socially connected and to contribute their time, knowledge and skills to
great opportunities to engage older adults. The guide will be distributed throughout Manitoba and will be available on the AAIM website. In addition, the organization will keep collaborating on special events, including Active Aging Day that will be hosted by the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital on Sept. 25. For another special event, AAIM is teaming up with Sport Manitoba to participate in Toward Sport For Life at the Active Aging in Manitoba Expo on Oct. 1 at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, located at 145 Pacific Ave. For more information about Active Aging in Manitoba, visit the AAIM website at activeagingmb.ca, call 204-632-3947 or (toll-free) 1-866-202-6663 or email info@activeagingmb.ca.
their community. That way, they can strive toward optimal health for life. “You can thrive and be fully alive beyond 55. The longer you engage, the better you will age,” Evanchuk said. “We are excited about our
new name, new look and life- course approach that celebrates growing older in Manitoba.” This year, Active Aging Week runs from Sept. 23 to 29, focusing on the theme
“Inspiring Wellness.” As the lead promoter, AAIM is issuing a call to action for older Manitobans to sign up for an activity, start a personal project and work towards something they love to do. “As well, AAIM will be joining hands with many other organizations to promote participation in activities and events to engage older Manitobans throughout Seniors and Elders Month, which is recognized throughout the
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4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018
Active Aging Expo encourages fitness for life
BY JENNIFER MCFEE FOR THE FREE PRESS
Two local organizations are teaming up to encourage older Manitobans to keep active throughout every age and stage of life.
Sport Manitoba is partnering with Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) to offer an event called the Active Aging in Manitoba Expo: Toward Sport for Life. This collaborative expo is set for Monday, Oct. 1 at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, located at 145 Pacific Ave. This free event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature 10 free fitness classes geared specifically for older adults. These 30-minute sample classes focus on topics such as posture, gentle yoga, strength and conditioning, and much more. Giulia De Leo, Sport Manitoba fitness centre manager, highlights some of the expo’s attractions. “We’ll be showcasing sports in our court
facilities led by some of our provincial sport organizations. There will also be a trade show with booths promoting active aging, nutrition and fitness. There will be tours throughout the new facility, which is great, and there will be lots of chances to win prizes. We’ll also have our running coach leading some of our walking and running programs,” she says. “The event is open to anyone, and we are targeting older adults who are interested in learning more about fitness as well as how some of our programs and services can help support them in their fitness goals.” She points to a six-week program called Active Agers, which aims to improve strength, balance, flexibility and mobility. This low-impact program starts
Oct. 12, and a posture workshop will also be offered in October. No matter what type of activity you choose, it’s clear to see the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. “It’s preventative, so it can reduce the risk of disease and injury, falls and fractures. It can also help to prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It can decrease blood pressure and hypertension, and it helps you maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints. It can decrease anxiety and depression, and it’s a
really great way to meet new people in the community and build some friendships. It helps people to stay independent and social as they age,” she says. “In a facility like ours, having all those programs that target older adults can help improve their quality of life while keeping them moving well.” As a special promotion, a trial membership for the fitness centre will be available for $25, which includes eight fitness classes. “We’re encouraging people to come and
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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 5
The free event Active Aging in Manitoba Expo: Toward Sport for Life is open to anyone interested in learning more about how to keep active throughout every age and stage of life. SUPPLIED BY SPORT MANITOBA EXPO AND FIND A NEW ACTIVITY OR PROGRAM TO ENGAGE IN THAT WILL CARRY INTO THE WINTER." “OUR HOPE IS THAT PEOPLE WILL COME TO THE
check out this beautiful facility that’s accessible to the public. It’s not just for athletes. It’s for everyone of all ages,” she says. “We have programs for youth all the way up to seniors, and we’re really excited to dedicate this day to older members of our community.” Tara Skibo, business development and external relations officer for Sport Manitoba, explains that they chose Monday, Oct. 1 as the day for the first annual Active Aging in Manitoba Expo because it’s National Seniors and Elders Day in Canada. It also kicks off Seniors and Elders Month, which runs
throughout October. “Our hope is that people will come to the expo and find a new activity or program to engage in that will carry into the winter,” she says. “Hopefully, that will make them more active throughout the winter and improve their lifestyle overall.” All year round, there are plenty of activities to choose from at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, and ample opportunities also exist at community centres and fitness clubs throughout the city.
“Sport Manitoba’s focus is to let older adults know that they can play sport for life. Lots of us did when we were younger and we often lose it for so many reasons,” Skibo said. “If you didn’t have time when you were working or raising a family, retirement is a perfect time to go back to the sports you loved as a kid.” For more information or to register for a class at the Active Aging in Manitoba Expo, visit sportmanitoba.ca/active-aging.
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6 ACTIVE AGING WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018
Steppin’ Up With Confidence
BY TODD LEWYS FOR THE FREE PRESS
wherever people live and congregate,” says Lance Letain, master trainer for AAIM’s Steppin’ Up with Confidence program. “The idea is to work with shut-ins to make sure they get the exercise they need.” Letain says the mission of the program which works in conjunction with all the other AAIM program offerings is twofold. “Our goal is not only to help people get the amount of exercise they need to stay independent longer, but to also help them socialize, something that’s an important aspect of the program,” he says. “Within that, we’re really pushing fall prevention. The longer people stay fit and healthy, the longer they avoid taking harmful falls.” The classes — which are led by Steppin’ Up with Confidence peer leaders 55 and over — typically run three times a week for 50 minutes. wherever people live and congregate,” says Lance Letain, m
Back in 2004, the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) started a program aimed at promoting active aging through older adult peer leaders. Fourteen years later, the program, known as Steppin’ Up With Confidence is thriving under ALCOA’s new moniker, Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM). “In a nutshell, it’s a free peer-led fitness program that’s carried out in condominiums, apartments and community clubs — basically
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 7
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“They resemble an aerobics class, only they’ve been modified for older adults who are looking to stay active,” Letain says. “The exercises can be done standing up, sitting down or in a walker. We have 184 peer leaders trained in safe exercise who lead the classes throughout the province.” By modifications, Letain means classes can be geared toward older adults with certain physical conditions. “For example, we can modify exercises to meet individual needs such as those someone with Parkinson’s disease has,” he explains. “All the exercises done in class would be specific to the needs of individuals dealing with Parkinson’s. The exercises could help participants learn actions that would help them put a cup away, or help them brush their teeth more efficiently.” As for class participants, they come from all age groups. “We get people in their 50s who are retired and live in 50-plus condos all the way up to 100-year-olds,” Letain says. “We actually had a 100-year-old who came to class with their own hand weights. That was so inspiring.” If the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program had a central theme, it would be that’s it’s never too early — or late — to start exercising, he adds. “It’s crazy good the way the body responds to exercise at any age — it’s like a miracle pill. It works wonders with function, both physically and mentally. The camaraderie also helps people with their mental outlook, too.”
Another program — the AAIM for Optimal Health Presentation Series — is also available to help older adults learn how to live longer, healthier lives. “There are five presentations,” says AAIM peer leader co-ordinator Sue Mackenzie. “Each provides information to help older Manitobans make informed decisions to improve and maintain health- enabling quality of life and independence.” Key messages include the importance of physical activity, social engagement and lifelong learning. Topics include active living with a focus on physical activity, benefits and types of activity, fall prevention, nutrition and 10 habits of healthy living. “We also provide information on other areas,” she notes. “They include oral health and two presentations on brain health. One deals with how to protect and improve brain health and the other — which is done in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society — deals with dementia.” Education and participation are the keys to older Manitobans leading longer, healthier lives, says Letain. “Once you start doing positive things, more positive things start to happen. We want older adults to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to their health. By getting educated on healthy life habits and participating in activities, they can delay the effects of aging and improve their quality of life,” he says. “We’re here to help people age actively in whatever way we can.”
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For information on Steppin’ Up With Confidence or other AAIM programs visit the AAIM website at activeagingmb.ca, call 204-632-3947 or (toll-free) 1-866-202-6663 or email info@activeagingmb.ca.
8 ACTIVE AGING WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018
“IT’S REALLY ABOUT ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION.”
Fun is the ‘AAIM’ of new 55+ Games initiative BY JIM TIMLICK FOR THE FREE PRESS
AAIM for Fun is open to any community-based groups that serve people aged 55-and-over including seniors’ centres, community clubs and 55-plus housing complexes. All they need to do is submit a request to AAIM’s office. AAIM provides a “menu” that allows community groups to choose the events and dates they are interested in and promote them within their respective communities. The organization will then dispatch a team to help participating groups prepare for the event, conduct a demonstration and answer any questions they might have including how to organize future activities for themselves. “Our team will be able to go out and visit these active living centres and not only show them the basics of these events, but also what they would actually look like with the equipment set up using the actual space within the centre,” Heidrick says. Interested groups will be able to sign up for AAIM for Fun beginning in September and AAIM plans to begin offering information sessions starting in October. Members of the public will be able to learn
Organizers of the Manitoba 55+ Games will soon launch a new initiative they hope will bring the Games to people close to home to introduce age-friendly and socially engaging activities that encourage them to participate in sport for life. The AAIM for Fun program is scheduled to kick off later this month at various locations throughout the province. It’s the brainchild of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), a not-for-profit organization that co-ordinates the provincial 55+ Games.
55+ Games-related events on a year-round basis in their own community. “It’s really about encouraging participation,” Heidrick says. “Some people don’t have the opportunity or the desire to go all the way to the provincial 55+ Games each year. This is a way for people who can’t get to the Games to still experience the Games for themselves and with their friends.”
Co-ordinator Karyn Heidrick says the aim of AAIM for Fun is to expand the reach of the Games and make them more accessible by offering “how to” sessions on activities such as floor curling and pickleball and brain games like bridge and cribbage to various community groups in a location of their choosing. While some participants may go on to compete in the annual provincial event, the real hope is that the sessions will encourage people to participate in these
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 9
AAIM for Fun's goal is to extend the reach of the Manitoba 55+ Games by offering “how to” sessions on activities like floor curling and pickleball and brain games like bridge and cribbage to community groups in locations of their choosing. MANITOBA 55+ GAMES PHOTOS
To learn more about the Manitoba 55+ Games, visit activeagingmb.ca or call 204-261-9257 or toll-free 1-855-261-9257.
more about the program at the first annual Active Aging in Manitoba Expo, scheduled for Oct. 1 at the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre on Pacific Avenue. Although it’s too soon to gauge how much interest there may be in the program, Heidrick says AAIM officials have high hopes. Community groups have been requesting some kind of introductory program for several years now, which was one of the main reasons AAIM for Fun was created, Heidrick says. “We started to get a lot of requests for something like this. People were interested in us coming in and providing demonstrations, whether it was pickleball or floor curling or Nordic walking,” she says. “We definitely think the need and the desire for something like this is out there and we’re hoping it’s going to be a pretty big success.” The Manitoba 55+ Games have been
hosted in nearly every corner of the province — from The Pas in the north to Glenboro in the west and Winnipeg in the south — and have been embraced by each host community. That’s why organizers are intent on promoting the AAIM for Fun initiative not just in Winnipeg, but across the province. “We want to be able to spread it across Manitoba as much as we can,” Heidrick says. “We want to be able to reach as many regions of the province as possible.” AAIM, formerly known as the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), has been the driving force behind the 55+ Games since 2012. In addition to organizing the Games, it offers a number of healthy living initiatives including active aging presentations and Steppin’ Up With Confidence, a peer-led exercise program.
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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 11
Moderate, regular activity is key to healthy aging
BY TODD LEWYS FOR THE FREE PRESS
It’s an aspect of life we all have to deal with: getting older. While everyone deals with the inevitability of aging — there were 198,965 Manitobans aged 65-plus in 2016 — people generally deal with it in two ways, says Michelle Porter, director of the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging. “They either perceive aging to be all about decline and bad health, or that because they have lots of money, they believe they’re going to be healthy in their later years,” she says. “Most people fall into the first category.” Porter says that resignation to becoming decrepit as years go by is misplaced. “The reality is that there are a lot of things you can do with activity to maintain function as you age. There are all kinds of activities you can take part in to maintain muscle health and strength, and to combat diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.” And while public awareness of how daily activity can slow down the aging process is higher than ever — older Manitobans between the ages of 55 and 75-plus are particularly aware of its merits — there’s still a disconnect, says Porter. “Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who aren’t very active. They need
to find a way to get more active, whether it’s going for a walk, gardening, doing yard work. The reality is that you can walk year round, so there’s no excuse not to be active.” That said, there are barriers older Manitobans must surmount to establish and maintain an active lifestyle. “While it’s true that people can walk year- round, the bigger question is, do we have the physical infrastructure to promote that activity?” she says. “The reality is that not everyone has the income that allows them to get a membership at a fitness facility. Another factor that can prevent older persons from being active is transportation — they might not have the means to get to a mall or fitness facility to go for a walk in the winter.” Older Manitobans face other more subtle barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle, adds Porter. “Factors like types of programs, instructor knowledge and confidence in instruction can also prevent older persons from being as active as they should be. Poorly designed programs that aren’t designed for older persons can discourage them from participating, while instructor knowledge and lack of confidence in instructors can also be barriers,” she says. Still, there’s really no excuse for not being active, whether you’re 45, 55, 75 — or older. “We recommend 150 minutes of activity per week,” says Porter. “And activity can
Michelle Porter is director of the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging. SUPPLIED PHOTO
and mentally. Maintaining a good level of activity — putting in those 150 minutes per week — is huge. Put in the time, and decline isn’t going to affect you nearly as much. You’ll feel better, and enjoy a better overall quality of life.” As the old Nike ad once implored, “Just Do It.” “No matter what age you are, there’s some activity you can do that will help you maintain physical and mental function as you age. Go for a walk, garden, do some yard work or go to a fitness class — whatever gets you moving on a regular basis,” says Porter. “It will help you live a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life.” To find out more facts on aging visit the Centre on Aging website at: umanitoba.ca/centres/aging.
be done in all kinds of different ways and time configurations. You don’t necessarily have to exercise for half an hour or 45 minutes — even 10-minute bouts of exercise done throughout the course of the day are enough to maintain a good level of physical function.” In other words, moderate daily activity is the key to maintaining muscle strength, bone density and co-ordination as we age. “You don’t need to be a superstar athlete wearing the right clothes and doing high- intensity activities to stay fit and healthy as you get older. The key is to stick to it, and keep doing those healthy activities over and over.” Stay committed, and the results can be surprising, she adds. “An active lifestyle leads to an overall better sense of feeling well both physically
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... there is no age limit for an active life Active Aging Day
Free 55 + Event Sept 25
Open House Drop-in for a workout 5:00 am - 11:00 pm Active Aging Keynote Toward Optimal Health for Life: 11:00 am Health Talks Frauds & Scams: 1:30 pm Knee Arthritis: 7:00 pm
30-min Group Exercise Senior’s Spin Class: 11:00 am Functional Fitness: 1:00 pm Yoga for Older Adults: 6:15 pm Find Stretch Breaks & Active Aging in Manitoba Activity Area Activities on the Gym Floor Rehab Clinic Area
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10:00 am - 11:00 am Farmers’ Market 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Exhibit Area
Make lasting, positive changes in your life through active living. Learn more during Active Aging Week. COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR SEPT 28 9 am - 1 pm Find the full schedule of educational sessions and health screening clinics on our website: www.reh-fit.com
Advance registration for keynote and health talks available at 204-632-3900 and online. Event day sign-up for Group Exercise classes at front desk. Non-members welcome! Browse exhibits. Book a hearing screening: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
wellnessinstitute.ca
One Body For Life
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SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 13
Physiotherapy boosts quality of life
BY TODD LEWYS FOR THE FREE PRESS
Like it or not, aging is inevitable.
“We’ll look at things like your strength, flexibility and movement patterns to get a sense of how your body is working from a mechanical standpoint. Also, as part of the assessment we’ll ask many questions to get a sense of your lifestyle, your aspirations and goals. We’ll get a sense of your current level of fitness, function and activity and try to match our treatment plan with one that will help get you to your end goal.” The next step is treatment with a physiotherapist. “The treatment may involve things like stretches, strengthening exercises, soft tissue techniques like myofascial release, cupping and blading. It can also include joint mobilization or manipulation, movement correction or patterning exercises to correct inefficient movement and much more,” says Christie. If anything, taking the time to see a physiotherapist can serve as a wake-up call. “It may sound like a cliché, but if seniors don’t use their bodies, they quickly lose their strength and flexibility and with it the ability to move well. With that comes a loss of independence and function. You need to stay active — and get focused treatment on problem areas — to maintain your physical vitality. Don’t let a bad knee turn into a bad
As we grow older, our body parts wear down. Aches and pains result, some of them minor, some of them significant. Over time, those aches and pains — if left untreated — can become debilitating. Unfortunately, many older Manitobans sit and suffer through the discomfort of, for instance, a bad hip or knee. They become increasingly inactive as the years go by, thinking there’s nothing they can do to regain their vitality. Turns out, there actually is something older adults can do to regain a better quality of life: see a physiotherapist. “Many of the aches and pains that seniors experience come from a gradual breakdown in tissues rather than one specific injury or event,” says physiotherapist Trevor Christie. “Unfortunately, those issues won’t get better on their own. The good news is that a physiotherapist can help you get better.” The first step on the road to a better quality of life, less pain and improved function is to make an appointment with a physiotherapist so they can do a thorough assessment of how your body is presently performing. “That assessment will allow us to pinpoint what area or areas of your body need to be treated so you can get back to doing routine tasks more efficiently,” he explains.
MPA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Physiotherapists assess strength, flexibility and movement patterns to get a sense of how your body is working from a mechanical standpoint, and also take into account your lifestyle, aspirations and goals.
heart, lungs and overall poor health.” Should you be experiencing a physical issue that’s causing your pain and loss of function, get your doctor or a trusted friend to refer you to a physiotherapist (or check out the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association website to find a physio — mbphysio.org/ find-a-physiotherapist). Develop a strong relationship with them and co-operatively work towards achieving your goals. “The good thing about physiotherapists is that we actually care,” Christie says. “We take time to discuss issues, we listen and we work collectively with our patients towards a goal. I feel you’ll find your relationship with your physiotherapist a very rewarding one.
Over time, you’ll see results and will feel better, you may well be able to do things you were previously unable to do, such as going up the stairs, going for a walk or gardening.” In short, a physiotherapist can serve as an avenue to a much-improved quality of life. “If you’re experiencing physical issues that are preventing you from leading an active, enjoyable life, we can help you get back into an active lifestyle,” he says. “Don’t let finances or a lack of transportation prevent you from seeing a physiotherapist. Seeing a therapist is a worthwhile investment and could be one of the best investments you ever make.” An investment that can help you lead a healthier, more enjoyable life for longer. ❚
Physiotherapists can help
stay engaged
in their communities. What does this mean for me?
Physiotherapists can provide an exercise program to help maintain strength and balance, keeping seniors in their homes and as active members of their community.
14 ACTIVE AGING WEEK SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018
EVENT PROMOTES BENEFITS OF ACTIVE AGING Open house, open minds
aging services. This day helps us introduce or showcase some of the services we offer,” she says. “We know from research that regardless of where you are at with your health that looking after yourself in terms of healthy aging — diet, mental well-being, social connections — can help optimize an individual’s well- being. It also helps our whole health-care system if we keep people healthy and they’re able to maintain their independence longer.” The open house is organized by the Wellness Institute along with support from presenting community sponsor, River Ridge Retirement Residence. There is also participation of several community partners, including Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), the group formerly known as the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). The day will feature a series of presentations on personal wellness. It will kick off with a talk on healthy active aging at 11 a.m. which will be followed at 1:30 p.m. by a presentation from the Winnipeg Police Service on how people can protect themselves against fraud and scams. There will also be a presentation that evening on knee arthritis and post-surgery physiotherapy services
BY JIM TIMLICK FOR THE FREE PRESS
The Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital will fling open its doors later this month as part of the facility’s annual Active Aging Day open house — and it will have some award- winning individuals on hand to welcome visitors.
The institute’s Active Aging Ambassadors will be in attendance to inspire and encourage participants with their personal stories and share a message of the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. The ambassadors program, one part of Active Aging Day, has been so successful it recently received an award from the International Council of Active Aging in recognition of its success. “People really see them as role models and that a healthy, active lifestyle is attainable. They think this is something that can be achieved in my life if I want to do it. They show people it’s really achievable,” says Karin Whalen, director of community services at the Wellness Institute.
This year’s Active Aging Day open house will take place Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The annual event has been running for more than a decade and regularly attracts hundreds of visitors each year as part of the Wellness Institute’s mandate to promote healthy aging. Whalen says promoting the benefits of active aging is becoming increasingly important as Canada’s population grows older. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of seniors who make up the country’s population is expected to increase from a little under 15 per cent to more than 25 per cent by 2063. “From our point of view, we feel we are one of the leaders in Manitoba when it comes to providing healthy
SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 15
55+ Games and will have representatives available to answer questions. There will also be exercise classes, stretch breaks with a Wellness Institute consultant and a rehabilitation and sports injury clinic area where visitors can meet with trained therapists. Whalen says one of the purposes of the demonstrations is to show people that active aging can be fun. “If you don’t like to do something, what is the likelihood you will stick with it? If we can act as a catalyst, inspire people about the importance to get active or stay active at the Wellness Institute or elsewhere, I think we’ve achieved our goal,” she says. Admission to the Wellness Institute’s Active Aging Day open house is free of charge and no registration is required. For more information about the event visit wellnessinstitute.ca.
available at the Wellness Institute. Visitors will also be able to check out a number of exhibitions on the institute’s gym floor that will showcase services and resources available at Seven Oaks General Hospital and in the surrounding community. While many of those who attend the open house are first-time visitors to the Wellness Institute, it also attracts a number of the facility’s 6,800-plus current members. “A lot of people come here to the Wellness Institute just to work out. We want to show them that being healthy is more than just exercising,” she says. In addition to a farmers’ market and live entertainment, there will be an opportunity for guests to gain some first- hand experience in what active aging is all about. AAIM will conduct a series of demonstrations to showcase some of the events that make up the Manitoba
The Active Aging Day open house is set for Sept. 25. The annual event has been running for more than a decade and regularly attracts hundreds of visitors as part of the Wellness Institute’s mandate to promote healthy aging. WELLNESS INSTITUTE/DARIN KACHANOSKI PHOTOS
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