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SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021 | View online at winnipegfreepress.com/ publications
Active Aging SPRING 2021
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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.
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!
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SPRING 2021 | ACTIVE AGING 3
Cycling is one of the most popular events at the 55+ Games. Courtesy Active Aging in Manitoba
55+ Games Go Virtual VIRTUAL GAMES: JUNE 14 – JULY16 TO REGISTER: ONLINE: ACTIVEAGINGMB.CA PHONE: 1-866-202-6663
BY JIM TIMLICK
While the cancellation didn’t come as much of a surprise, numerous participants expressed their disappointment to Games officials. “All the participants kept asking us if the
And thus, the first-ever virtual Manitoba 55+ Games were born. This year’s virtual Games will take place between June 14 and July 16 and will feature 14 events, including: a three-
this year’s virtual Games will be able to register by filling out a registration form that will be available on the AAIM website (activeagingmb.ca) or by calling the organization’s offices (1-866-202-6663). Each participant will then be provided with a tracking sheet that will allow them to chart dates, times and any other relevant information from the activities they participate in. Once they’ve completed their events, they can return their forms to the AAIM offices which will then be entered into a random prize draw. While the regular in-person event usually takes place over three days, the virtual Games will be spread out over five weeks. Manitoba 55+ Games committee co- chair Lois Dudgeon says organizers felt a single weekend simply didn’t offer enough time to make a virtual event feasible. She adds that one of the pluses of the longer format for this year’s event is the fact it will allow people to do events at their own pace.
T he Manitoba 55+ during its 38-year history. Still, a case could be made that no single year in the multi- sport competition’s history has produced a more unique event than the one that will get underway beginning June 14. For the first time ever, the Games will be held virtually. This past March, Games organizers with Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) decided to pause the event for the second year in a row as a result of restrictions for in-person gatherings that were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Games has produced many magical moments
Games were going to be cancelled. We could hear the disappointment in their voices when we finally had to say yes to them,” says Games coordinator Karyn Heidrick.
kilometre predicted walk or run; a one- kilometre Nordic walk; nine and 18-hole golf;
cycling; bocce ball; horseshoes; arts and crafts; racquet sports (pickleball, badminton and tennis); and so-called brain games (cribbage, whist and Scrabble). “It’s pretty exciting for us,” Heidrick says of the prospect of staging the Games virtually
“We knew the desire was still there. We knew they were looking for something. We got together and said let’s give them something that’s fun
Karyn Heidrick
and challenging and allows them to stay meaningfully engaged with the Games.”
for the first time. Anyone interested in taking part in
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more than 1,000 participants from across the province. “It’s like a Games family,” Dudgeon says. “You’re basically meeting up with old friends.” That lack of personal interaction is the reason why Games officials will be asking this year’s participants to share their stories via pictures, videos and emails. “It will still allow people to connect with each other in a sense,” Heidrick says. While it’s too early to say how many people will take part in this year’s Games, Heidrick is confident interest in the event remains high. “We know that the interest is there. A lot of the participants like being active, engaged and being social.”
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“We’re giving them a little extra time this year to have some fun with it,” she says. Another difference with this year’s virtual Games is the fact they will feature 14 events rather than the 23 that are normally part of the in-person version. The 14 events that will be part of the virtual Games were chosen on the basis that they could be done mostly outdoors or with someone in your immediate family or bubble, Heidrick explains. “We picked things that were easy and accessible for people,” she says. Perhaps the biggest difference between this year’s Games and previous ones will be the lack of in-person interaction between athletes. The Games normally attract
"I am excited at the prospect of staging the 55+ Games virtually for the first time."
Badminton is one way to stay active and keep Father Time at bay. Photo by Darin Kachanoski
Nordic pole walking is a safe, healthy way to stay active. Courtesy Active Aging in Manitoba
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Take a Minute to Move TWOgether – People Helping People
BY TRINA REHBERG BOYKO
The Take a Minute to Move TWOgether program has given those peer leaders a chance to keep on leading fitness activities by connecting with a friend, relative, neighbour, former class participant, or anyone in their community who might be feeling isolated and wanting to get more active. Rather than exercising together in person, however, the peer leader and participant will arrange to exercise together from a distance. “It provides socialization for the leader and the individual they’re reaching out to,” says Brown. “It keeps them moving.” The pair can then choose when to work out and how—whether it’s once or five times a week, through a virtual meeting platform or by phone. AAIM is flexible in its programming, taking into consideration that some might not have access to or understanding of current technologies. The organization is also flexible in terms of physical abilities and restrictions. This program focuses on the basics—on improving the abilities of older adults to manage
while the activity tracker sheets help them keep track of their workouts and how they feel as they progress through their 10-week program. At the end of 10 weeks, participants can send in their activity tracker sheets and evaluation forms to be entered in a draw for prizes that will help them maintain their healthy habits. The real prize though, is the connection, the improvement in physical and mental health, and the return to some semblance of normalcy that so many are craving. “The goal is really just to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Brown. “We know there are health benefits to staying active and as you get older, that equates to being able to stay at home longer and to perform those activities of daily living.” To find out what AAIM has to offer or to get involved with the Take a Minute to Move TWOgether program, visit activeagingmb. ca or call 204-632-3947 (toll-free: 1-866- 202-6663).
"Active Aging in
A ctive Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) has long promoted active living for older adults, though its mission is especially important during the time we’re living in right now. With the shutdown of in-person recreation programs and restrictions on socialization due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults are feeling the effects of isolation. They might live alone, or in a retirement home with strict visitation policies. They might struggle with the change in routine, or the lack thereof. All these things can take a toll, physically and mentally. Enter AAIM and its Take a Minute to Move TWOgether program. What started as a series of brief radio segments on nostalgia music station CJNU 93.7 FM, walking listeners through movement breaks at home, turned into further program modifications that would take it a step further. AAIM created the Take a Minute to Move TWOgether program, and teamed up with AAIM Peer Leaders, encouraging older adults to connect and move together— while apart. “Active Aging in Manitoba has peer leaders all over the province,” says Linda Brown, a master trainer with AAIM who trains the organization’s volunteer peer leaders. “They could be in their 60s, 70s or 80s, leading fitness classes in their buildings, community centres or church groups. Because of COVID, everything came to a halt.”
Manitoba has peer leaders all over the province."
in their daily lives. Fall prevention, balance and stability, and simple movement to benefit overall health, is the focus. AAIM provides each leader with a package of exercise and activity tracker sheets, which they can share with their workout buddy. The exercise sheets provide participants with a visual and description of the exercises they’ll be doing,
Taking a yoga class online is a
great way to get moving and work on your flexibility.
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www.mb-opto.ca
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Keep Good Health in Sight: Stay Active & Get Your Eyes Tested
BY KRISTIN MARAND
strain. “We’re not getting the breaks that we used to,” she says. “Try to take a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of screen time or employ the 20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look 20 feet away.” Dr. Mestito-Dao likens the importance of getting your eyes checked to taking your car in for regular maintenance: you want to know the brakes aren’t working well before they stop working completely. “That’s why people get maintenance – they want to know ahead of time that something’s going to break down before they’re actually behind the wheel and the car doesn’t stop,” she adds. The truth is, your eyes and the surrounding muscles can degrade over time.
is to reduce the amount of strain on your eyes. Be aware of changes in your eyesight and be proactive. Wear sunglasses outdoors, work in good lighting, monitor and limit your screen time, wear glasses if they’re prescribed to you, and – of course – make sure to get regular eye exams. For more recommendations or information on any of the conditions listed above or to find an optometrist, visit www.mb-opto.ca.
"I think that people don’t realize their eyes age. They mistakenly think that they’ll be able to tell when something is wrong with their eyes. But if they don’t get them checked regularly, they could be too late."
T hree quarters of vision problems can be treated if caught in time. Trouble is, by the time most people notice something’s wrong with their eyesight, the problem has already taken root. Regular visits to the optometrist can be the key to preserving healthy eyesight as you age. Citing a recent study, Doctor of Optometry Irene Mestito-Dao says that while over 70 per cent of people say that they value their sight, only one-third of people get their eyes checked by an optometrist. "I think that people don’t realize their eyes age,” she says. “They mistakenly think that they’ll be able to tell when something is wrong with their eyes. But if they don’t get them checked regularly, they could be too late.” Changes in vision progress over time. Some people notice blurred vision or a reduced ability to focus, especially on points that are near as they move through middle-age. Others may experience dry eyes or eye strain as the result of weakening muscles around the eye. Common conditions can also include the lens of your eye becoming less elastic or cloudy, floaters, retinal disorders like macular degeneration and eye diseases such as glaucoma. There are also numerous social and physical factors that can influence how your eyes may be affected as you age. If your career was spent in front of a computer or you are a voracious reader, for instance, strain on your eyes, especially from screens, can lead to discomfort, headaches and vision distortion. Even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms, 20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily mean you have good eye health. “You could have 20/20 vision,
Consequently, one of the best things you can do to preserve your eyesight
but actually still have vision loss tomorrow because you didn’t know that it was going to break,” warns Dr. Mestito-Dao. Diet and overall health can also be contributing factors in how well eyesight can be maintained. For example, conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of eye disease. That’s where diet comes in, notes Dr. Mestito-Dao. “A balanced diet that includes dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, nuts and legumes, antioxidant and beta-carotene rich foods like blueberries and orange peppers as well as fatty fish like salmon or tuna is a good place to start,” she says. “It can also be supplemented with ocular vitamins.” Due to increased isolation and the changes in daily life due to the pandemic, many people have been spending more time on devices and in front of screens over the past year. The result has been a rise in patients experiencing eye
It's important to get your eyes checked regularly as you age.
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Accessible, fun and low-impact, pickleball has become a popular activity with the 55- plus crowd in recent years.
Courtesy Active Aging in Manitoba
BY JIM BENDER Planning for Active Aging Opportunities "It’s all about being fun and
AAIM is now establishing a calendar where different communities can suggest activities and encourage the older adults to get involved. “We’re creating a calendar online and want communities to include what they are doing that week,” adds Whalen. “We’ve never done this calendar approach before and we want to track all of the good things and all of the good stories there are throughout Manitoba. “We really hope that people will count themselves in and take part in it. We want to inject fun and hope in people’s lives right now.” In the past, about 50 of Manitoba’s estimated 200 communities have gotten involved, said former AAIM executive director Jim Evanchuk. About 2,500 older Manitobans have
participated within their own communities at no cost to them. “We would love to see many more,” Evanchuk says. “We want to provide ideas and encourage more people to get involved. We want to engage older persons meaningfully and to get everybody engaged in the different activities before the cold winter months set in.” AAIM has also approached Manitoba Possible, an organization for persons with disabilities, to get involved, Evanchuk said. “By October, we hope that we’ll be in a situation where our reality is a little less restrictive. We’re trying to use this pause meaningfully, so we can at least dream. We want to instill a sense of hope in communities. We don’t want people to stop hoping and dreaming because that’s important.”
T he leaders of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) are determined to resume its most important week after the pandemic forced its cancellation last October. Plans are already underway to organize what had been the non-profit organization’s annual Active Aging Week, to be held all over Manitoba this Oct. 4-11. “We’re excited to re-connect with people and to do it in as safe a way as possible,” AAIM executive director Karin Whalen says. “Right now, the restrictions have been tightened, so activities could be limited. The pandemic has forced us to think about how we can do things and forced us to be creative.” In other words, the special week will be held whether the Province is still under COVID restrictions or not. “We’ll have to abide by the public health orders,” says Whalen. “We’re thinking about what we can do and we’re planting that seed.” Active Aging Week was established by the International Council on Active Aging in 2003 to give adults aged 50 and over the opportunity to engage in activities and events that contribute to their health and well-being. It follows the International Day of Older Persons on Oct. 1. Activities include walking, cycling, dancing, different kinds of games, like
making it easy to participate. Socialization is a big part of it, too."
pickle ball, health fairs and card games. At the present time, the only activities that are allowed are those that you can do alone, or with social distancing, such as walking and cycling, or participate with other members of your own household, such as dance movements and card games. “As we know, leading as active a life as we can opens up other dimensions, like mental well-being and gives a boost in your life,” she says. “It helps when you’re at home inside your bubble.” Keeping active is great for your heart, brain and lungs as you age. Most older adults are more inclined to get involved in activities that are planned for them, notes Whalen. “It’s all about being fun and making it easy to participate. Socialization is a big part of it, too.”
Cycling is a great way to stay active.
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Feeling Better for a Hopeful Future
One simple step is to sign up for the free online Well-being Course at www. wellcentral.ca. This interactive course is available to anyone who would like to improve and protect their own mental health. This evidence-informed and strengths- based program covers six dimensions of well-being: physical, social, cognitive, emotional, meaning and purpose, and environmental. With flexibility
with that aren’t just about pleasing others? We need to find these kinds of strategies.” In addition, it’s essential to learn how to cultivate a positive perspective. “As we’re more isolated, it’s easy to get pulled into thinking negatively about things,” Cooper says. “We need to have a positive mindset and think things through in a flexible way without feeling pessimistic and negative.” One supportive
control in my life. I’m not just sitting here waiting for things to happen that dictate my feelings or mood.” To keep balanced, it’s also beneficial to maintain healthy and consistent routines. “Maintaining a sleep hygiene practice is good for your mental health. As well, it’s important to have enjoyment, such as watching a show that you really like or treating yourself with healthy foods,” Cooper says. “And if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.” For more information, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website at www.mbwpg.cmha.ca.
strategy is to develop a daily practice of gratitude. For a starting point, you can think about three things you’re grateful for today— and then acknowledge your role in making those things happen. “It might be that I’m
in mind, learners have the chance to set their own goals and proceed at their own pace. “We need to
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
T he pandemic
"Those struggling
continues to put unexpected pressure
think about what to do every day to take care of our mental health. It’s challenging right now, but we still need to stay connected to friends and family— even if it’s just a phone call,” Cooper says. “We
on people of all ages and stages of life — yet it’s still possible to see some silver linings in our situation. Amid recent uncertainties, older adults have served as inspiration for their creative approaches to staying connected from a safe distance. Marion Cooper, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba and Winnipeg, outlines a few more ways we can share hope for brighter days ahead. “As we age, there’s a lot of emphasis on taking care of our physical health,” she says. “But it’s also critically important to actively and proactively take care of our mental health.”
with mental health issues shouldn't hesitate to reach out for help."
grateful for a really good cup of coffee or my cat to keep me company or my daughter who calls to check in on me.
Marion Cooper
also need to and consider what things make us feel stressed and find ways to manage our stress so that it doesn’t get out of hand.” At the same time, it’s useful to determine methods to deal with life’s transitions such as retirement, downsizing or the loss of a loved one. “Those transitions can be destabilizing, so what can I do to manage those changes in my life?” she says. “How can I make sure I’m doing extra self-care, planning and making decisions that I’m comfortable
Then you can ask what’s my part in that,” says Cooper. “Maybe I make sure I have everything I need to make a good cup of coffee. “Maybe I try to have positive conversations with my daughter so that she wants to call me.” She adds there are other ways to develop a positive mindset. “It’s about being grateful and maintaining positivity, but it’s also about acknowledging that I’m able to make these things happen for myself. It provides a sense of self-efficacy and having some
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BY JIM TIMLICK
Get up and get moving
W e may have to remain physically distanced for some time yet because of the pandemic, but we need to remember that being physically active is still an essential part of healthy living, says the head of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM). “We want to encourage people to sit less and move more,” says AAIM executive director Karin Whalen. Of course, being physically active in these socially distanced times is not as simple as it once was. That’s why AAIM, like many other organizations, has shifted to delivering many of the programs and services it normally offers in-person to online platforms. It’s popular Steppin’ Up With Confidence (SUWC) peer-led exercise program for adults 55 years of age or older is now available virtually. Several of AAIM’s peer leaders have also recorded virtual exercise classes that are available on social media platforms such as YouTube. Peer leaders are also reaching out to older adults by phone as part of the program and walking them through exercises they can do together. Whalen says this version of Steppin’ Up is not only allowing participants to be more physically active, but also helping them deal with the social isolation they may be facing as a result of the pandemic. AAIM is also now offering an audio version of its Take a Minute to Move campaign on its website (activeagingmb.ca).
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One of the best - and safest - ways to stay active is to go for an urban pole walk in one of the city's many pristine parks. Photo by Darin Kachanoski
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not only for your physical health but your mental health too. People sometimes forget how great going outside can be. You tend to feel more energized,” she says. One of the most enjoyable and accessible outdoor activities is walking. Whalen suggests making things a little more interesting by changing up your walking route on a regular basis, incorporating other activities into your walks such as simples stretches and even changing the time of day you go for a walk. Yard work is a great way to kill two birds with one proverbial stone: in addition to beautifying your yard, it can also provide a great, low-impact workout. “Gardening is a fantastic activity. A lot of people don’t think of it as exercise, but some of it can be pretty intense, especially if you’re doing any major landscaping,” says Whalen, adding frequent breaks will help minimize any joint or muscle pain you might feel afterwards. If you prefer the great indoors, Whalen says there are plenty of activities around the house to choose from that will get you moving such as riding a stationary bike, yoga, tai chi and even dancing. One of the most important things for anyone 55-plus to consider, should they be looking to be more active, is to set up an action plan tailored to their lifestyle and personal goals, notes Whalen. Not only does it provide a road map to follow, but it also forces you to be more accountable to yourself. “Our experience has been that when
people put their action plans up on their fridge, they’re really making themselves accountable since it’s highly visible,” she says, adding that any such plan should include activities a person is reasonably likely to perform. Regardless of what your personal plan may include,
The short, one-minute clips walk people through a variety of exercises designed specifically for people 55-plus. In addition, the organization is also posting a variety of activity-related webinars and presentations online that are available free of charge.
Whalen says the most important thing is to find something you enjoy that
"Gardening is a fantastic activity. A lot of people don’t think of it as exercise, but some of it can be pretty intense,
will get you up and moving. “One of the messages that I often relay to people is the big
thing is just taking that first step: get out of that chair, get off the couch. As you do it, it becomes easier and can become a habit.”
especially if you’re doing any major landscaping."
Whalen stresses that while it’s important to follow public health recommendations about social distancing, that doesn’t preclude spending time outside. “Doing things outside is wonderful,
Gardening is a low-impact and enjoyable way to keep moving.
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12 ACTIVE AGING | SPRING 2021
Lung Association Manitoba Introduces New LUNGtivity Program
BY TODD LEWYS
Program implementation is being led by experienced fitness instructor trainer Andrea Smith, an instructor in the University of Winnipeg’s department of Kinesiology and Applied Health. The once or twice-weekly sessions have been tailored specifically to the needs of those who’ve been affected by breathing issues, notes Coleman. “Classes will be offered both virtually (online) and in-person – right now, because of Code Red restrictions, classes are mostly online,” she says. “Classes are run by fitness leaders who’ve been specially trained to reduce the risks for those who have lung conditions.” As might be expected, classes are gentle and low-key in nature. “Participants have the option to take part either standing or seated – whichever is more comfortable for them. They work at their own pace and comfort level. The program has three main goals. Those goals are simple: to help a person with the self-management of their strength and stamina, to improve a person’s daily function during daily activities and to provide a safe, accessible environment in which they can learn how to better manage their condition." Although the program is in its infancy, reaction has been excellent. “It’s been really good,” Coleman says. “We ran an ad in local newspapers, and we received tons of phone calls.” She adds that people have only one issue with the program. “Right now, the biggest barrier for participation is that it’s being offered mainly online. Because many of the people who want to access the program don’t have access to a computer, it’s been difficult getting them set up on Zoom. “ It’s really just a matter of getting a tablet or computer, adds Coleman. “Once people get connected, the
instructors who run the program will help them get going. We keep the online and in-class sizes small so they can have a safe space to exercise and learn how to move their body so they can get stronger and more independent in their daily activities,” she says. “It also gives them something to look forward to once or twice a week.” Further, the program offers an opportunity for isolated people to connect, share and learn from each other. Johnston says while there’s a fee for participation, the Lung Association is seeking low to no- cost options as the program expands. The good news is that, with more people getting vaccinated, in-person programming may well resume in earnest in the fall. “When you exercise in a group, you get a real community feel, and you get a much better instructor-client rapport,” he says. “The instructors are to provide that unique individual guidance each participant needs through the different exercises while monitoring them to make sure they’re coping as well as possible.” If you or someone you know is living with a lung health issue, contact the Lung Association, Manitoba for advice immediately. “Please give us a call or send us an email. We’ll be happy to get you set up online or in-person so that we can pair you up with an instructor,” says Coleman. “They’ll get to know you, and then will come up with an exercise plan that meets your individual needs. We’re hoping in-person classes will commence in the fall when things will be more back to normal.” To find out more about the Lung Association Manitoba’s new LUNGtivity Program, please contact program coordinator Andrea Smith at a.smith@ uwinnipeg.ca, or Hailey Coleman at Hailey.Coleman@mb.lung.ca or call 204- 774-5501
That sobering statistic prompted them to search for a way to help those living with illnesses such as COPD gain a better quality of life. Their search culminated with the creation of a brand-new initiative called LUNGtivity, says Hailey Coleman, spokesperson for The Lung Association. "Our president and CEO, Neil Johnston, actually came up with the idea based on successful models in other provinces,” she says. “It’s basically a community exercise program for people with COPD and other respiratory issues. We’ve teamed up with two supporters, the Wellness Institute, and the Manitoba Fitness Council, to start the program and we are continuing to add more supporters such as Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM).”
B eing active at any age is important for everyone, including older adults who are living with breathing issues. According to the Lung Association, Manitoba, about one in five Manitobans suffer from some form of lung health issues. Of these, Manitoba Health reports that there were 90,000 people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2018.
At present, LUNGtivity classes – which run once or twice weekly – are mostly online, but Coleman is hopeful in-person classes will resume in the fall when life gets back to a semblance of normal.
SPRING 2021 | ACTIVE AGING 13
Wellness Institute Offers Free Programs to Promote Well- Being
Photos by Darin Kachanoski
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
focused clinical component of lifestyle medicine services,” she says. “Lifestyle medicine is the branch of medicine that uses positive lifestyle behaviour to prevent illness, improve quality of life and enhance outcomes for those who have developed a chronic condition.” A program called Get Better Together is Manitoba’s version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program that was developed at Stanford University Patient Education Research Centre. “This evidence-based self-management workshop is two-and-a-half hours and delivered once a week for six weeks free of charge,” Yonda said. “The program is facilitated by two trained leaders who either have a chronic condition themselves or are
S elf-care is critical to our well-being, particularly now that we’re more than a year into the pandemic. The Wellness Institute, a not-for-profit certified medical fitness facility and the lifestyle medicine department of Seven Oaks General Hospital, offers programs to help promote a health and well-being. Program co-ordinator Amy Yonda says there’s never been a more important time to be healthy. “The 80,000-square-foot state-of-the-art complex includes a gym and track facilities and warm water therapy pool, as well as the Wellness Institute Clinic housing the
Taking a dip is a fun way to strengthen muscles and increase cardiovascular fitness.
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14 ACTIVE AGING | SPRING 2021
tools and techniques to manage their own health while they continue to care for their friend or relative. “There are two versions of the program: one for those caring for an adult and another for those caring for a child with special needs,” Yonda says. “Programming is free of charge and is led by two trained leaders who are typically caregivers themselves.” Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 90-minute workshop offered once a week for six weeks for a class of eight to 12 other caregivers. Yonda points to evidence that indicates caregivers who participate in the program have demonstrated improvements in self-care behaviours, management of emotions, self-efficacy and use of community resources.
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a support person for someone who does.” Between eight and 12 attendees with different chronic physical or mental health problems attend together to deal with the common issues they face. They also motivate each other with solutions and techniques for dealing with frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation. Other focuses include appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance, as well as appropriate use of medications. Attendees also learn about maintaining appropriate nutrition and communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals. Another program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers focuses on best practices similar to Get Better Together, while also providing caregivers with
“The transition to virtual has been smooth and proved beneficial to Manitobans who wish to stay connected with peers, share their conditions and support others while helping themselves.”
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Going for a walk on the Wellness Institute's indoor track is a safe, effective way to get a good workout. Photo by Darin Kachanoski
SPRING 2021 | ACTIVE AGING 15
Anyone interested in taking either of these programs can call 204-632-3922 or email dziemanski@sogh.mb.ca . They will be sent a Zoom link and instructions on how to log on to the workshops each week — it’s as easy as that. For more information, visit www.getbettertogether.ca or https://wellnessinstitute.ca/ powerful-tools-for-caregivers/.
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In order to continue offering self- management programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery switched from in-person to virtual formats. “The transition to virtual has been smooth and proved beneficial to Manitobans who wish to stay connected with peers, share their conditions and support others while helping themselves,” she notes. Chronic conditions and caregiving don’t pause for COVID-19, adds Yonda. “The need for self-care has never been more critical as a part of active aging and striving for optimal health. These programs encourage workshop participants to be an active manager of their own health by improving health behaviours, health status and decreasing utilization of the health-care system.” People utilizing the program say it’s helped them immensely. “We repeatedly hear from participants that this program reinstates they aren’t alone and that being able to help others and come up with solutions to problems is very rewarding,” she says.
We have CBD infused drinks, edibles, oils, topicals, gel caps, vapes and various high-CBD cannabis strains.
New Winnipeg Locations NOW OPEN: 3321 Portage Ave (Kirkfield Hotel) 2001 Henderson Hwy ( Bunn’s Creek Shopping Mall) 15-1399 McPhillips St ( Northgate Shopping Centre)
Weight training builds strength, helps maintain bone density and keeps joints strong. Photo by Darin Kachanoski
2581 Winnipeg 5.125 x 2.75 204-816-8659
Connect Thrive
Start living better or better caring for yourself and a loved one with a free virtual workshop.
Health Issues Used to Control Our Lives ... Now We Do.
Choose from more than 200 fully-prepared, frozen dishes — all with free delivery.*
Locally Owned by Fred Pennell HeartToHomeMeals.ca 204-816-8659
Did you know?...
Your Social Participation Directly Impacts Your Health
*Some conditions may apply. MADE FOR Seniors!
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Face the Challenges of Caregiving with the Right Tools
Mobility and accessibility for YOUR needs scooters, lift chairs, walkers, stairlifts and More! > homequip.ca
Benefits of Social Participation: u Fun & enjoyment u Improve mental & physical health u Decrease risk of falling u Improve memory & sleep u Reduce rate of cognitive decline u Reduce loneliness & its negative effects Connect with your local Senior Centre, Senior Resource FInder (Winnipeg), or Senior Support Coordinator (Rural)
385-550 Century St. (204) 949-2300
Call to sign-up 204-632-3922
info@manitobaseniorcentres.com 204-792-5838
Home & Health Care Services for Seniors
For your family’s peace of mind, we will take care of your loved one’s needs, just so they will be able to grow old, in their own homes, healthy and happy. “Just Like Family” is a Canadian company with branches nationwide. We provide: Personal care services for daily living activities Overnight and 24/7 care Companionship, meal preparation and housekeeping Dementia (Alzheimer’s) care, palliative care, cancer care, post- operative care and more... Bonded and Insured Caregivers Personalized care plans and periodic reports to family members
office: 204-894-2519 cell: 204-887-6770 email: winnipeg@justlikefamily.ca website: www.justlikefamily.ca
Winnipeg Office
Suite 200 - 1460 Chevrier Blvd Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T E56
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