By Kathryne Cardwell For the Free Press W ho said getting older means getting humpy, lumpy and grumpy? Most of us would rather improve with age, and the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital is providing a great opportunity to get started. The institute is hosting its sixth annual Active Aging Day on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The open house offers baby boomers and seniors information and inspiration to help them stay healthy and active as they age. Along with providing workout facilities and classes to encourage physical, mental and emotional well-being, the Wellness Institute works to educate the community about rehabilitation, disease prevention and overall good health. “Sometimes there might be a stereotype out there that as you age, you do less,” says Ashley Derlago, a certified exercise physiologist who serves as the Wellness Institute’s health education and lifestyles coordinator. “Some people assume that they can’t stay active so they don’t. But you can, even if you aren’t as strong or as flexible as before.” Active Aging Day is a free event held during Active Aging Week, which is organized by the Wellness Institute in partnership with the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba (ALCOA-MB). Although it’s focused on the 55-plus community, everyone is welcome to attend. As Manitoba’s population ages, Derlago says there’s a growing need to understand how important it is to keep moving. Up to 60% of older adults lead sedentary lives, and some studies show that can be as harmful to your health as smoking — leading to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, loss of bone and muscle strength and heart, lung and weight problems. On the flip side, increased activity can boost your immune system, extend your lifespan, reduce your risk of chronic health problems, enhance your overall physical, mental and emotional wellness, and contribute to a better quality of life. Adults who stay fit, healthy and happy are far more likely to be able to live independently in their later years. And the sooner you adopt an active lifestyle, the better. “It’s really important to get started,” Derlago says. “Find something you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to keep doing it.” You may just find that interest during Active Aging Day. Visitors will be given a Passport to Active Aging, which contains information on the day’s activities. Collect passport stamps at each exhibit for a chance to win prizes such as calendars, meditation diaries, Wellness Institute passes, urban walking poles and more. Get Up and Go Kickstart your life at Active Aging Day
Try a variety of physical activities such as Jive & Jam, Urban Poling, Drums Alive, and Joint Works designed for older adults to learn about healthy living! All levels of physical ability are welcome and encouraged to attend. JOINUSON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2013 TOKICKOFF SENIORS MONTH! Goto: umanitoba.ca/extended/life or call: 204-474-6661 for more detailed session descriptions and instructor biographies
this project is a joint venture between Extended Education - Lifelong Learning Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management Recreation Services
P ROFESSIONAL , A PPLIED AND C ONTINUING E DUCATION 55 Plus courses Enhance your knowledge of current and historical events with like minded people.
Exhibits will provide information on a variety of subjects, including weight management, preventing joint pain and dealing with chronic pain. You can ask about medications at a pharmacy exhibit and undergo free screening for concerns about hearing, balance, blood pressure, strength, nutrition, physical endurance and waist girth. Take in a seminar such as Fiber is Your Friend — a cooking demonstration on preparing quick, healthy and tasty meals — or SafetyAid, which focuses on ways seniors can prevent falls and protect themselves from crime. Learn about opportunities to travel or volunteer in your community. And stop by the ALCOA-MB activity area, where you can participate in demonstrations of pickleball, Nordic pole walking and other examples of events that are part of the Manitoba 55 Plus Games. There will also be stretch breaks and exercise groups throughout the day. Last year, the Wellness Institute introduced five Active Aging Ambassadors — people 55 and older who were nominated by friends, family or community members as role models. The 2013 ambassadors will be at Active Aging Day to share their stories and inspire others to live life to the fullest. “It’s such a great event. There’s something for everyone,” Derlago says. “The event has really grown and developed over the years and we have a huge connection with the community now.” For more information, visit www.alcoamb.org or sogh.ca/wellness. Acting Aging Day is a great time to try new things and discover all the resources that are available at the Wellness Institute. Photo courtesy of the Wellness Institute
LITERATURE • POLITICS • MUSIC RELIGION • FITNESS • SCIENCE ART • CURRENT ISSUES • HISTORY
Starts October 17, 2013 The Architecture of Rome and Her Empire
Starts October 23, 2013 A Place to Call Our Own: An Exploration of Issues in Housing Twenty courses to choose from in FALL 2013 and WINTER 2014. For info (204) 982-6633 or visit PACE.UWinnipg.ca
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