SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 | View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications
explore SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016
the possibilities
2016
T T h orvaldson Care Center A n 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 55 years of caring for Seniors!
What does Intermediate Personal Care of er? • 24 hour care / supervision by Health CareAides • 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 (complete assist), dressing, hygiene • Assist with catheters / oxygen • Private, bedsit ing room with bathroom • Two nurse call but ons 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 licensed, 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.
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Hearing happens in the brain, connections happen in the heart At Lisa Reid Audiology we know how important your hearing is to your life and your relationships. Healthy, balanced hearing is key to connecting with those around us. Also, untreated hearing loss can lead to misunderstandings, social isolation and depression, cognitive decline, and even increased risk of falls. Treating hearing loss early minimizes these risks and helps keep us active and youthful. And with today’s sleek styles of nearly invisible hearings aids, you can be confident they look as good as they sound. When you make the investment in yourself to obtain better hearing, our team will be with you every step of the way. We take the time to get to know you and the specific listening situations that are most important to you. We work together to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. r team you work needs.
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SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 3
Stay active & connected BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF
GROWING OLDER DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN SLOWING DOWN. TODAY’S SENIORS CAN — AND DO — LEAD VERY ACTIVE LIVES.
ALCOA-MB PHOTOS
Active Aging Week, which runs from Sept. 25 until Oct. 1 this year, provides an opportunity for seniors to connect with local programming within their communities and neighbourhoods. The week is also the kickoff to Seniors’ and Elders’ Month, which will be celebrated across Canada throughout the month of October. “October is the season of the senior, when organizations try to engage older adults and create opportunities for partnerships,” says Jim Evanchuk, executive director of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). “We encourage organizations to do something a little bit different in October to reach out and welcome the older adults in their communities — it’s a great time to connect people to programs in their community.” To aid organizations in that goal, ALCOA-MB has collaborated with the Manitoba chapters of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) to offer $300 Connect with Respect grants. Several community organizations will be awarded this grant for providing programs and services that meaningfully engage older adults and create opportunities for ongoing social connections.
people to dial into being active, and the social engagement part of this is really huge. This is a gentle reminder and an invitation to engage in healthy activities, which will enable you to better enjoy your life.”
“The funding will assist them in providing future opportunities for older adult participation in socially engaging activities or events,” Evanchuk says. “We want to encourage people to make an extra effort to engage older adults.” While more and more seniors understand the importance of maintaining physical fitness as they age, a lack of social engagement and connection can still be an issue. Exploring the Possibilities, the theme of this year’s Active Aging Week, highlights the fact that there’s more to active aging than attending exercise classes. “Active Aging Week, along with the Connect with Respect program, is a call to action to reduce the social isolation of seniors. Sadly, there are still many older adults who are not connected to what’s going on in their community in meaningful ways,” says Evanchuk. “Social connections contribute to the health and well-being of older adults, and perhaps even their longevity.” Active Aging Week gives older adults many opportunities to try out new activities and discover one they’ll enjoy. “We’re trying to encourage as many people as possible to try something new and see if they like it. We want to make it really easy for people to participate,” Evanchuk says. “We’re helping
move to live and to be engaged as you age,” says Evanchuk. “More people of all ages are buying in to the concept of lifelong learning. They’re starting to get that it’s better to stay involved before and after retirement.” For those who are younger than 55, Active Aging Week and Seniors’ and Elders’ Month presents an opportunity to encourage and support an older adult in your life. To qualify for a Connect with Respect grant, participating groups will be required to plan and facilitate a program, event or activity any time between Active Aging Week (Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2016) and the conclusion of Seniors’ and Elders’ Month (Oct. 31, 2016). Further details and entry forms for Connect with Respect are available on the ALCOA-MB website at alcoamb.org or by contacting the ALCOA- MB office by email at info@alcoamb.org or by phoning 204-632-3947. The toll-free number is 1-866-202-6663. The entry deadline to apply for Connect with Respect is Nov. 18, 2016. “We have lots of templates and ideas available for organizations — they don’t have to create something from scratch,” Evanchuk says. “Make sure you register your event and tell us your story.”
For ideas on how older adults in your community can explore the possibilities, visit the following websites:
ALCOA-MB: alcoamb.org
ICAA-2016 Active Aging Week: activeagingweek.com/index.php Health Canada’s National Seniors Day: seniors.gc.ca/eng/pie/nsd/index.shtml
Older adults can contact 55 Plus Active Living Centres in their neighbourhoods to find out what events and activities are planned for Active Aging Week and Seniors’ and Elders’ Month. See the Ac- tive Aging Week Calendar of Events in this section for a list of key websites offering plenty of healthy active living opportunities for older Manitobans. “Through this movement, a lot more communities are tuning in to the needs of older adults. They’re realizing it’s still important to
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4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016
Active aging in the comfort of your own home (ADAPTED FROM ‘CARE & COMFORT’ BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF)
Being healthy, keeping moving and staying in the comfort of your own home is what “active aging” means to Katherine Peters. Peters is the founder and CEO of Comforts of Home - Care, the premier local provider of home-care services. Comforts of Home - Care strives to keep clients active and involved in the community. “Often when someone is moved into a personal care home, they decline in health and are disconnected from the community,“ says Peters. “We work closely with clients to determine a care plan that can include cleaning, meal preparation and cooking healthy meals, assisting with exercising, extensive personal and dementia care, and shopping and outings to help keep the individual involved in the community.” Comforts of Home - Care was started in 2005 when Peters, a social worker at the time, noticed gaps in patient care. Government home-care services have a limited focus and scope due to funding constraints. However, the province offers funding for private care through its Self and Family Managed Care Program. “If a client is eligible for government home care, they’re eligible for the funding program,” Peters explains. “They can appoint us to take care of the details. All they need
is our invoice to meet the audit requirements.” With over 300 employees and two head offices, Peters and her team have helped over 1,400 seniors stay in their homes. “We’re all about giving our clients the quality of life they deserve,” she says. One of the biggest contributors of Peters’ success is the people she hires. “They do everything a good son or daughter would do,” she says. “The most important aspect of a caregiver is a caring heart. You can train people for many things, but not that.” Her caregivers spend significant time with their clients and form strong relationships with them. “The caregiving bond builds confidence and self-esteem for our clients,” Peters says. “This kind of connection is so important for people who feel isolated, forgotten and alone.” Having proper supports and this feeling of connection is important for healthy and active aging. Another important part of active aging is making sure to take “me time.” “We work with many family caregivers who have become burned out mentally, physically and emotionally,” Peters says. “We take some of the caregiving burden from their shoulders and allow them to enjoy being a son, daughter or spouse once again. The work we do is very rewarding.”
Katherine Peters, founder and CEO of Comforts of Home - Care PROVIDED PHOTO
To learn more about Comforts of Home - Care Inc., call 204-949-3234 or visit comfortsofhomecare.ca.
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6 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016
SENIORS’ & ELDERS’ MONTH PRESENTATIONS: All presentations are free of charge Breast Cancer 101: Back to Basics… There is no end to the information we receive on how to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer through diet and lifestyle. However, too much information can lead to confusion. Join the registered dietitian from the WRHA Breast Health Centre to answer your questions and to learn what the best advice is to reduce the risk of breast cancer. This will also include a discussion on how to put some of the ideas into action. Mon., Oct. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Tips for Talking to Your Pharmacist Did you know your pharmacist can help you improve your health in many more ways than just giving you your pills? Whether you have questions about your medication, need help choosing a vitamin product or need a vaccination, your pharmacist is always there to help you! This session will help make your relationship with your pharmacist more rewarding than ever. Tues., Oct. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Finding Time For Healthy Eating Join a registered dietitian to discover some great tips on grocery shopping, meal preparation, portion control and more. Thurs., Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
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MANY CENTRES OFFER A MONTHLY LUNCH OR FIELD TRIPS, AND SHE’S ALSO HEARD OF GOLF CLUBS, MEN’S WOODWORKING CLASSES, CURLING CLUBS, MEN’S COOKING CLASSES AND DANCING.
Stay social BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF
While older adults can generally expect to live longer, healthier lives than ever before, they also face issues yesterday’s seniors never had to worry about . With families shrinking and moving farther and farther apart, one of the greatest challenges seniors currently face is the risk of social isolation. Once adults retire, the potential for social isolation greatly increases, warns Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Seniors’ Centres. “One of the basic needs in life is social participation — just as we need food and shelter, we need connection with others. Social participation is considered to be one of the determinants of health,” she says. “We’re connected through our work and any other hobbies we might have, but then we retire and we’re left on our own.” It used to be that seniors could count on their families to fill their need for social interaction, but that’s rarely the case these days. Newman says geographic isolation from our loved ones is often to blame. “The family dynamic has changed so much over the years — families have moved and they’re smaller. Either our parents aren’t close to us or our kids aren’t close to us.” Thankfully, seniors’ centres can bridge this gap, offering opportunities for older adults to find companionship among their peers.
Pickleball is played with a small whiffle ball, a low net, a badminton-sized court, and a paddle. Anyone who can walk can play. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” Newman says. “Seniors’ centres are a home away from home for so many. Some people spend all day there.” Even though access to the Internet, Skype and Facebook among older adults is increasing exponentially, she stresses that these types of connections will never replace face- to-face interaction. “Seniors’ centres are perfect for anyone who wants to connect with other people. Happy people are connected people,” she says. “Sometimes if we’re not healthy mentally, it impacts our physical health. We start feeling bad about everything.” Chances are pretty good there’s a seniors’ centre in your community and you aren’t even aware of it, says Newman. “People need to look around their neigh- bourhoods — seniors’ centres come in various models, shapes and sizes,” she adds. “There could be one located right beside you and you wouldn’t know it. I call the centres our best- kept secret.” Nearly 50 centres are members of the Manitoba Association of Seniors’ Centres, but Newman suspects there are at least 40 additional centres in the province. Membership to a centre is generally available to those 55 and up, but exceptions can be made. “If someone is 45 and retired, they may become an associate member. We don’t turn anyone away,” Newman says.
“People are looking for other connections, or connections of their own choice, and seniors’ centres have become a way for people to connect,” says Newman. “Social connection can help improve mental health over the years. It’s not good to stay sitting at home by yourself, staring at those same four walls.” Unfortunately, even seniors who are longing for friendship and camaraderie may avoid going to centres out of fear or shyness. Seniors’ centres can help make this first step easier by doing their best to make everyone feel welcome as soon as they come in the door, Newman says. “When you walk into any new situation by yourself, it’s hard. A welcoming atmosphere is crucial — those first impressions are so important.” So what exactly goes on in a seniors’ centre? Newman says it varies widely, but generally there is a mix of exercise classes, games, a lounge where people can chat, and educational workshops. She says many centres offer a monthly lunch or field trips, and she’s also heard of golf clubs, men’s woodworking classes, curling clubs, men’s cooking classes and dancing. “Dancing is a big activity that’s started to surface, especially line dancing, because anyone can line dance. You don’t need a partner.” Today’s seniors tend to be very active, so the common impression most people have of a seniors’ centre is bound to be quite old-fashioned. “There’s a lot of laughter at seniors’ centres. Some of the popular activities are drums alive classes, Zumba classes and pickleball,” says Newman.
Heart Healthy Nutrition Class High cholesterol? Heart disease? Join a
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SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 7
An innovative exercise program has given hundreds of seniors new confidence. Steppin’ Up BRINGS THE GYM TO YOU BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB) in partnership with Winnipeg in motion and Manitoba Fitness Council created the program, which trains senior volunteers to lead safe, effective exercise programs in their own communities and residences. Recognizing that many older adults face barriers that keep them from joining gyms, Steppin’ Up With Confidence brings the gym to them. “The gym isn’t on a lot of seniors’ radars. It isn’t something they grew up with or are accustomed to valuing,” explains Andrea Bedard, master trainer for Steppin’ Up with Confidence. “Part of the training we provide involves ensuring our peer leaders understand the benefits of exercise, as well as the barriers people face when trying to exercise.” Both the peer-leadership training program and the exercise classes are offered free of charge. Over the past 10 years, ALCOA has trained over 150 people to be peer leaders. They have around 100 active leaders at any one time. “This program overcomes barriers because older adults can exercise where they live, and it’s free. A lot of people don’t drive as they get older, and a lot are on fixed incomes,” says Arlen Jones, the program’s peer leader facilitator. The success of the program is also attributed to the fact older adults can relate better to those their own age. “If a 20-year-old told them to do something, they might do it, but when they see someone in their age group leading the class, they think, ‘If she can do it, so can I,’” Jones says. During the two-day training program, peer leaders learn how to teach fitness classes which include a warm-up, cardio exercises, resistance training, and techniques to increase flexibility and balance. “These workouts can be done while seated, standing, or a combination of both. “The exercise routines mimic movements you would need to do every day,” Bedard says. “Most of the workout programs our leaders start are offered once or twice a week for about an hour.” The safety of the participants is ALCOA- MB’s first concern. The exercise routines are extremely adaptable to any level of fitness and
health, says Jones. “A lot of the time, people are worried the program will be too hard, but I reassure them that it’s safe and age-friendly. You work at your own capability, and our peer leaders adjust what we teach them to their own groups.” The results of the program have been nothing short of miraculous. Jones recalls one participant who used to be in a wheelchair, but now is able to do every activity standing up. “We’re trying to encourage more older Manitobans to take part in the program. It can be tough to find exercise programs (for older adults) in rural communities, so we are working with rural communities to build their peer leader capacity,” Jones says. “Our volunteers feel good because they’re helping others stay physically active, and that’s so important.” Prospective peer leaders should be 50 or over, and have a keen interest in exercise and helping others stay active, says Bedard. “Teaching these classes is a way for our peer leaders to keep in shape themselves, and a way of keeping their education going after retirement. A lot of our peer leaders worked in education or health care before they retired.” The classes have an added benefit that goes beyond physical fitness — social connection. “Often these exercise classes are the only reason some people get out of the house that day,” Bedard says. “We have people in their 90s doing the routines.” The socialization is always the first benefit people mention, Jones agrees. “When I ask people what they like about the program, the first thing they always say is ‘It gets me out of my apartment — it gets me with other people,’” she says. “A lot of older adults feel isolated. Maybe their spouses have died, and their families live far away.” If you’re interested in learning more about the Steppin’ Up With Confidence program, or are considering becoming a peer leader and getting an exercise program started where you live, you can contact ALCOA-MB by calling 204-632- 3947 or via email at info@alcoamb.org. They are always searching for new volunteers to lead the program. ALCOA-MB provides the necessary training, lesson planning and ongoing support. “Because of this training program, we’re able to offer exercise (classes) to a wider variety of people,” says Bedard. “Our peer leaders start running classes in their communities, and we check in on them and support their efforts.”
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8 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016
ÉCOLE VARENNES RUNS A GARDENING PROGRAM THAT WELCOMES ANY OLDER ADULTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE.
École Varennes runs a gardening program that facilitates active interaction between elders and children at the school. PHOTOS BY PAULETTE CÔTÉ
Connecting our elders BY HOLLI MONCRIEFF
When older adults play an active role in their communities, everybody benefits — especially children. Paulette Côté learned this powerful lesson when she volunteered to help with projects in African and Mongolian communities. “In those communities, elders are very involved and very respected. The people there valued their seniors, and this really spoke to me. I have been so impressed by the respect the seniors garner as leaders,” she says. “A couple of grandmothers were raising their orphan grandchildren and they were so active. They played such a prominent role in their community.” Côté, who spent a lot of time with her own grandparents and great-grandparents as a child, was inspired to take these lessons back to her school division. At École Varennes, where she is employed as a community liaison worker, she’s helped create a number of programs encouraging seniors in the community to interact with the students. “The impact of our programs is beneficial to the elders in our community and to the children. It’s very enriching to kids when they have various generations coming out to spend time with them. They’re always learning,” she says. École Varennes runs a gardening program that welcomes any older adults who would like to participate.
“We’ve had grandparents offer to come in and help prepare our programs,” Côté adds. “Encouraging their involvement gives our elders a sense of having a place of honour in our communities. In our Western society, we’ve lost a bit of that. I encourage them to be as involved as they would like.” With more single-parent families and families where both parents work outside the home, the role grandparents fill is more crucial than ever before, she says. “At our Family Centre, we’re seeing more grandparents who are caregivers. Grandparents have more time to sit and be present with the kids. There’s a real unconditional love that’s offered, and the kids respond to that.” Making the school a more welcoming place for seniors has been a win-win from the very beginning, says Côté. “When they come to the school, the elders are so happy to be with their grandchildren, and the children get to learn about previous generations and what life was like prior to technology — it gives the kids an awareness and another dimension.” In time, Côté hopes everyone will see the value of older adults and the skills and wisdom they have to contribute. “I suspect it will take many years to see the fruition of my dreams for our school community, but I am in for the long haul. I’m really excited to be part of a wonderful initiative by the Louis Riel School Division, creating community liaison positions in many of their schools.”
“We like to see some kind of active interaction outdoors between the elders and the children. The seniors can be involved with the gardening in any way they want or can be,” says Côté. “We really appreciate wisdom from grandparents and people who have more experience with gardening.” She adds that she would love to connect with more grandparents who are interested in gardening. “The kids will go out to the garden over recess and lunch hour and it was great to see that interaction happening,” she says. “The grandparents have the opportunity to connect with other children as well, and they can support us in any way they’d like.” Another popular offering at the school is the grandparents’ reading café, which receives funding from Literacy for Life. “We invite elders from the community to share in the storytelling. They read to the kids and the kids read to them,” Côté says. “The kids absolutely love it.” Seniors are always welcome to assist with the school’s breakfast program, which feeds 60 children every morning. “We’re putting out a call for support from parents or grandparents. They can either do some cooking or make sure the students sign in and wash their hands,” says Côté. “We also have one grandma who’s very involved with our hot lunch program.” When it comes to including the community’s seniors, École Varennes has been very creative. Older adults knit mittens for the children, teach kids how to volunteer at a local food bank, and contribute to Families and Schools Together events.
ACTIVE AGING OPPORTUNITIES
Powered by Seven Oaks General Hospital
Ritchot Senior Services (457 Main St., St. Adolphe) Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Everyday Workout Sept. 26, 1 p.m. Yoga for Strength Sept. 27, 10 a.m. Chair Fit; 1 p.m. Tai Chi Sept. 28, 10 a.m. Drumming for Fitness; 1 p.m. Block Therapy (chair and floor options) Sept. 29, 10 a.m. Muscle Fit Sept. 29, 1 p.m. Yoga for Relaxation Come try one or try them all free of charge – for more information call Janice 204-883-2880. CARP-MB (Canadian Association of Retired Persons-MB Chapters) Flag Raising at Winnipeg City Hall October is Seniors’ and Elders’ month. Winnipeg West CARP will raise the CARP flag on Sept. 30 at City Hall at 9 a.m. Please join us to celebrate all that seniors have done to build and support our communities across the world. Contact Rene Lewis at CARP Winnipeg West for more information – rea.lewis@mymts.net or 204-831-1320. Reh-Fit Centre 12th Annual Walk of Life & Health Fair, Oct. 7, 2016 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact karyn.sinopoli@reh-fit.com or call 204-488-8023 for more information. Transcona Health Fair Kildonan Place – Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No registration is required and event is free and open to the public. Contact Colleen Tackaberry at tcs@mymts.net or call 204-222-9879 for more information. Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (999 Sargent Ave.) Oct 18, 10 a.m. Downsizing & Preparing for the Move – Seniors Moving Co. Oct 18, 11 a.m. 75 Tips on How to manage Household Expenses – Credit Counselling Society Oct 19, 10 a.m. I Laughed So Hard I Peed My Pants! (Bladder Health) – Nova Physiotherapy Oct 19, 11 a.m. Driving Safely – Transportation Options Network for Seniors Oct 20, 10 a.m. What Can You Do When a Loved One Has Hearing Loss?
Active Aging Day ... thereis no age limit for an active life presented by All Seniors Care Living Centre
Join us for free 55 + activities: 9:00am Independently Healthy – Powerful Choices for Healthy Aging keynote and panel Group exercise and stretch classes Testing, from balance ree55 endently Healthy – ces for Healthy andpanel eand s
tohearing ALCOA-MB active area Farmers’ market with live music Exhibits and draws ket c raws
Registration is required for the keynote. All other activities are drop-in. Contact us at 204-632-3900, 1075 Leila Ave. or wellnessinstitute.ca for event details. Non-members are welcome! Tuesday, September 27 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm
– Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Oct 20, 11 a.m. Crime and Falls Prevention – Safety Aid, A & O Support Services for Older Adults Register by calling 311.
Portage Place Shopping Centre (Edmonton Court) Oct 25, 11 a.m. Preventing Falls – Victoria Life Line Oct 25, 12 p.m. Drumming – Djembe Winnipeg Oct 26, 11 a.m. Brain Health – Alzheimer’s Society of MB Oct 26, 12 p.m. Line Dancing – Lawson & Anita Oct 27, 11 a.m. Frauds and Scams – Winnipeg Police Oct 27, 12 p.m. Zumba – Karen Hodgins No registration required. Please call the Healthy Aging Resource Team for more information at 204-940-8140
Health Issues Used to Control OurLives ... NowWeDo.
Find a workshop: getbettertogether.ca p 204-632-3927 204 632 3927
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10 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016
2016 ACTIVE AGING AMBASSADORS Meet the Wellness Institute’s
JOE ZARRILLO Joe Zarrillo was born in Trapani, a city on the west coast of Sicily. His family
GORD SAYDACK Gord Saydack was very active in his youth through sport but as he grew older, life got busy and he drifted away from being physically active. He received a wake-up call from his doctor that he was at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Gord realized he needed to make a major lifestyle change, especially to his eating habits
SHIRLEY MANN Shirley Mann has been a member of the Wellness Institute for the past four years. She is a frequent user of the warm-water therapy pool, although you can also see her walking the track, using the Nu-Step machine or working out on the Keiser resistance machines. She attends the Wellness Institute twice a week and when the weather is nice she
decided to come to Canada when he was 10 years old and has lived in Winnipeg since. Joe is an energetic individual who enjoys staying active in as many ways as he can. It is not his nature to sit around; he likes to move, always working to accomplish something. In his youth, he enjoyed playing multiple sports including baseball, soccer and basketball. Joe retired at the age of 55 and became a member at the Wellness Institute shortly after and has been a member for 14 years. He enjoys walking on the track and using the resistance training machines. His favourite activity is relishing in some healthy competition on the badminton courts where he is known for his lively and competitive personality. Joe says the best part about coming to the Wellness Institute is that it helps him stay in shape while socializing with others at the same time. Joe is a family man. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and his two grandchildren. Joe likes to travel around Canada and the United States with his family and is especially looking forward their trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, this winter. When he isn’t with his family, he enjoys gardening, riding his motorcycle and meeting up on the patio with friends for coffee. Joe’s Active Aging advice: “Olive oil and pizza… in moderation of course.” to the Wellness Institute because “it is a first-class facility with lots of options for all ages. It’s inspiring to be around individuals working to either maintain or increase their abilities. There is always something new and interesting to do and the linkage to the hospital adds a wonderful continuum of health care.” Jim always goes the extra mile; no matter how hectic his schedule, he always finds time to be active. He can often be caught playing pickleball — often five times a week. However, you can also find him using the resistance training machines or Nordic pole walking. When Jim is not busy at the Wellness Institute, he likes to find time to read, watch sports, play his guitar and sing. Jim has had many active accomplishments over the years, some of which include completing five full marathons and several half marathons. He also ran in a few relays in his earlier days and now likes to stay involved by volunteering at the events. Jim truly enjoys cycling and has participated in the Habitat for Humanity Cycle for Hope, which included a three-week ride from Winnipeg to Atlanta, Ga., for a total of 2,700 kilometres. Jim is well-known in the community as the executive director of the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), which is housed in the Wellness Institute. ALCOA-MB consists of 40 partner organizations and 13 supporting partners that are committed to encouraging and promoting active aging in Manitoba. Jim’s Active Aging advice: “Set and refresh your goals. Age is just a number — always be open to different activities and explore the possibilities.” JIM EVANCHUK Jim Evanchuk has been a member of the Wellness Institute since the opening in October 1996. Jim says he enjoys coming
and physical activity level. He joined the Wellness Institute when it opened its doors in October 1996 and has been a member ever since. Gord feels the Wellness Institute has given him a second chance; “it’s my lifeline.” Since joining the Wellness Institute 20 years ago, Gord has made many positive changes to his lifestyle. However, he is the first person to admit it does not happen overnight and that it takes time and effort, but it’s totally worth it. Gord arrives early in the morning and enjoys various forms of physical activity. To build his cardiovascular endurance, Gord prefers walking the track, using the elliptical and the bike. To maintain his muscle mass, Gord uses a combination of the resistance machines and free weights. His routine is concluded with a total-body stretching routine. In his spare time, Gord likes to golf, spend time at the lake and watch his grandchildren play sports. He is a family man, always finding time to spend with them. Gord loves to travel with his wife of 48 years and their annual trip to Hawaii is always a highlight. Gord’s Active Aging advice : “There is no secret to aging. Try to move — it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do something.”
walks from home to get there. Shirley walks everywhere; she has a licence, but never drives. She attributes a lot of her fitness and well-being to this. Shirley has always been an active individual, playing every sport in school. She also participated in tenpin bowling for 30 years. In her spare time, Shirley loves to read, shop, cook, bake and do jigsaw puzzles. She loves being around others and is a very social person, often meeting her friends for lunch. Shirley is a very self- motivated person who prefers to keep busy. Despite being busy, Shirley’s No. 1 priority is her family and always makes time for her three children, six grand children, and three great-grandchildren. Shirley always has a smile and a welcome attitude to anyone that crosses her path. Her positive, friendly attitude is contagious — she is a great role model for wellness in the community.
Shirley’s Active Aging advice: “Be active, try to eat healthy. Take an interest in life and others.”
SHIRLEY WYNNE Shirley has been a dedicated volunteer in the Renal Program at Seven Oaks General Hospital for the past year, coming in twice a week. Even though she lives in the south end of Winnipeg, she happily travels to the facility to “give back” for the exceptional care provided to a family member in the past. Shirley also helps volunteer for a variety of
GLEN MASSEY Glen Massey’s first experience at the Wellness Institute was in 2010 after his physician referred him to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program following a heart attack. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program opened his eyes to the way he was living. Glen was never into exercise or sports, but the program helped him
special events held at the facility. In addition to that, she has volunteered as a patient and family representative on two different project committees. She has given over 225 hours of her time, talents and energy to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Volunteer program in one year. One of her favourite parts of volunteering with the program is getting to know the staff on a different level. Volunteering has always been a big part of Shirley’s life. For many years she has been and continues to be involved with various positions of responsibility within her church in areas of finance and children’s ministries. She is also involved in co-ordinating an annual ladies’ retreat (part of the larger association of Manitoba churches) held each spring at the beautiful Elkhorn Resort. Even Shirley’s job was about giving back; she worked for a charitable organization for 25 years before she retired. In her spare time Shirley enjoys handcrafts including knitting and quilting. She also loves spending time with her grandchildren. Shirley lives a balanced, healthy lifestyle ensuring she includes activity into her routine and as such is a fabulous role model for others.
regain his confidence and strength through physical activity. He was motivated by the positive changes he experienced and after finishing the program, he decided to join as a member. Glen now attends the Wellness Institute up to five days a week. You will mainly find him playing badminton with his large group of Wellness Institute friends. Besides badminton, Glen tries to change up his workouts by walking on the track or treadmill, using the stationary bike and free weights. The Wellness Institute has become a place not only for Glen to work out but also to socialize. In his spare time, Glen enjoys playing golf, camping during the summer, doing yard work and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. During the winter, Glen and his wife enjoy going away annually to Barbados for three to four weeks. Glen’s Active Aging advice: “After you retire you need to keep busy. What better way than by finding an activity where you can socialize with friends and be healthy at the same time?”
Shirley’s Active Aging advice : “Physical activity such as walking is a great avenue to find time to think and de-stress.”
SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 11
Active inspiration BY BOB ARMSTRONG
It’s not news to anybody that an active lifestyle is a key to staying healthy as we age. But how to add activity to your life isn’t always so clear. That’s why the Wellness Institute at the Seven Oaks Hospital is holding its annual Active Aging Day Sept. 27 to provide Manitobans with inspiration and ideas for making healthy lifestyle changes. The event is an open house, which kicks off with a panel discussion, followed by a variety of exhibitors, free hearing screenings and the opportunity to watch and try a number of activities that are ideal for older adults. “Often people are unsure if they are able to perform a new exercise or activity. It’s both satisfying for them and myself when they take that leap of faith and realize they can,” says Ashley Derlago, health education and lifestyle co-ordinator at the Wellness Institute. “That’s one of the main reasons we offer the event; there are so many opportunities for older adults and activities they can do whether at the Wellness Institute itself or in the community.” The day begins at 9 a.m. with a panel and Q-and-A session featuring three healthy-lifestyle experts at the institute: dietitian Carolyn Somerville, director of health and fitness programs Darren Brereton and long-time member Jim Evanchuk, executive director of the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB), which is housed at the facility. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can meet with representatives from dozens of organizations with specific programs and services relevant to healthy and active living, including pharmacists from
ACTIVE AGING DAY Seven Oaks Wellness Institute
Taché Pharmacy at Seven Oaks Hospital, or they can visit the open house activity area, where they can try out some of the featured activities. Helping them to give it a try will be the Wellness Institute’s Active Aging ambassadors, members from the facility or the community who are great role models for others their age and have found ways of incorporating activity into their lives. The presence of the Active Aging ambassadors provides “a nice inspirational feeling for the event,” says Derlago, noting that among them are individuals who have made lifestyle changes to recover from health challenges as serious as a heart attack. People who haven’t moved their bodies for a while might think an activity will be too much for them, says Evanchuk, who’s also an ambassador for the Wellness Institute. The ambassadors help people to think “if he can do it, I can do it,” he says. “In most cases, people enjoy something once they cross that invisible barrier,” says Evanchuk A prime example is the relatively recent but booming sport of pickleball. “A snowbird came to me one time and said ‘Why don’t you have pickleball in the 55 Plus Games?’” says Evanchuk, whose organization puts on the games. “I said ‘What’s pickleball?’ Since then I have become positively addicted to the game.” Participants in Active Aging Day can get a chance to try out the sport — an American invention that’s like a king-size table tennis game played with paddles on a badminton court. “We’ve gone from a handful of snowbirds to thousands of players all over Manitoba,” says Evanchuk. Urban poling — walking with poles designed to promote walking, help with stability, balance and posture and reduce the risk of falling — will be another attraction. Participants will be able to try walking with the poles, which are easy to grip and specially designed to provide support on a variety of surfaces from pavement to polished floor tiles in malls. Evanchuk has seen how using urban poles has allowed people living with chronic back pain and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease to improve their health through walking. Seniors’ spinning (stationary cycling) and stretch and strength classes are also on the agenda for the activity portion. In addition to taking in the featured activities at the open house, participants can soak up the atmosphere at the Wellness Institute. As a division of Seven Oaks Hospital, the Wellness Institute, a Certified Medical Fitness Facility has a medical adviser and offers a number of medically supervised programs for people recovering from injuries or living with chronic illnesses, looking to lose weight or quit smoking, or seeking to return to work after injury or illness. But it’s also a full-service fitness facility open to anybody over the age of 16, and offers Sunday family days, sports classes for kids, and
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a wide range of programs in yoga, aquatics, spinning, sessions with personal trainers and more. “We are a very inclusive facility so on a given day you may see someone walking with oxygen exercising next to someone that might be running,” says Derlago. That range of activities and facilities makes the Wellness Institute a hub for the community and encourages a friendly buzz of conversation as members meet and mingle on the track or gym floor or in the Storm Café after a session. And that, Derlago and Evanchuk say, is as important for members’ health as getting their bodies moving. “Social engagement is important as you age, so we offer lots of opportunities for socialization to occur,” says Derlago. “They’re making an effort to contribute to their well-being and to socialize,” says Evanchuk. “You can feel and hear the hum of conversation at the café.” Discover active aging to stay independent and able to do the things you love. Whether you’re 55 or 85, ready to try new activities or adapting to health challenges, there is something for you. Active Aging keynote: Independently Healthy – Powerful Choices for Healthy Aging 9-10 a.m. Most people hope to live a long life, with both their health and independence. The million-dollar question is what to do to make this possible. Join Wellness Institute health and lifestyle experts as they present some of the latest research on this age old question. Discover the powerful choices and healthy habits proven to help achieve healthy aging. Registration is required as space is limited.
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When the first Manitoba 55 Plus Games were staged in 1983 the notion of active aging was still something of a novel concept. Although that’s hardly the case anymore, the co-ordinator of the province’s biggest multi-sport event for older adults says the Games are just as relevant today as they were three decades ago. “I would say there’s even more of a need for an event like the Games now,” says Manitoba 55 Plus Games co-ordinator Karyn Heidrick. 55 Plus Games SHOW NO SIGNS OF AGING BY JIM TIMLICK
SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 1, 2016 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 13
The 55 Plus Games include events such as lawn bowling, pool, floor curling and card games. ALCOA-MB photos
I n conversations with all the seniors I’ve met it’s all about the quality of life. People in the older years of their life want to stay healthier longer. That means they can stay active and healthier longer in their own homes and communities.” The 55 Plus Games, originally known as the MSOS Games, were originally conceived of as a way to encourage Manitobans 55 years of age or older to engage in regular physical, mental and social activities. It has grown from 365 participants in its initial year to more than 1,000 at this year’s Games in Brandon. While they have grown in size, Heidrick says the primary focus of the Games has remained the same. “We like to say the Games are about fun, fitness and fellowship. There are participants that are still athletes at heart and they come to challenge themselves but it’s really about participating,” she says. “It’s not just about going to the Games, it’s about having that active lifestyle all year round. We like to introduce people to activities they can do in their own homes or apartment blocks or seniors’ centres.” Each year’s Games are comprised of between 20 and 25 events. They are divided into three main categories: physical activities such as pickleball, slo-pitch and cycling; low-impact sports such as
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Killarney. It will be the third time the southwest Manitoba community will host the Games, making it the only community other than Winnipeg to stage the event three or more times. Killarney previously hosted the Games in 1996 and 2010. Heidrick says the town’s past experience as host and a strong volunteer base led by host committee chair Bob Moore made it an easy choice. “They’ve got the experience from previous Games and they really have an insight into what to do,” she says. The 2017 Games have some added significance. It will mark the 35th anniversary of the event here in Manitoba and will take place a few weeks prior to the nation’s 150th birthday. “I know they are really excited in Killarney and it’s going to be a special year for the Games. People there are extremely excited to be hosting it for the third time and feel that’s a pretty big accomplishment,” Heidrick says. The Games’ organizing committee has already scheduled several new events for next year including tennis, swimming, a 16-kilometre cycling competition and several field events. “There’s a demand from year to year to add some variety and spice things up and the organizing committee has really listened to that,” Heidrick adds.
lawn bowling, golf and floor curling; and so-called healthy brain games such as bridge, cribbage and whist. Most events are open to everyone but a few, such as the healthy brain games, involve regional lead-up events due to their popularity. Heidrick says Games participants represent a diverse cross section of Manitobans from every corner of the province. “It can be anyone from 55 to 105. Last year we had a 100-year-old participant,” she says. “We get a group from The Pas who come each year. It’s like a summer holiday for them. We’ve even had one guy who is the father of an Olympian.” During the first four years of their existence the Games were staged in Winnipeg. Since then they have been hosted by rural Manitoba communities every year other than during their 25th anniversary in 2007 when they returned to the provincial capital. “The Games seem to animate the hosting community and highlight the best they have to offer,” Heidrick says. “The Games engage hundreds of local volunteers, to enrich the experience for all visiting event participants. This leads to ongoing volunteer participation and team building long after the Games leave town”. Next year’s 55 Plus Games will take place in
Team Manitoba turned in an impressive performance at this year’s Canada 55 Plus Games in Brampton, Ont. Manitoba’s 108-member team earned a total of 52 medals at the national competition including 25 gold, 22 silver and five bronze. The Canada 55 Plus Games are held every other year and feature 22 sports including ice hockey, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, tennis and track and field.
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