Active Aging | September 2022

OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 1

SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 | View online at winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles

Active Aging WEEK OCTOBER 3–9, 2022

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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.

What does Intermediate Personal Care offer? • 24 hour care / supervision by Health Care Aides • Registered Nurse on-site (weekdays) • Medications, inhalers, eyedrops are administered • Monitored blood sugar / blood pressure • Bloodwork, Xray services • Medical appts / transportation arranged • Assist with bathing, dressing and hygiene • Assist with catheters / oxygen • Private, bedsitting room with bathroom • Two nurse call buttons in each suite • Three home-cooked meals per day plus snacks • Housekeeping (daily), Laundry (personal and linens) • Accredited Activity Director & Recreation Programs

Thorvaldson Care Center 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!

2 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022

Running outdoors connects you with nature and

helps increase cardiovascular capacity.

Showcasing and Celebrating Active Aging

BY JENNIFER MCFEE A n active lifestyle offers benefits that can be celebrated at any age and stage of life. Karin Whalen, executive director of Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM), outlines the importance of keeping active as we get older. “With an active lifestyle, you reap many benefits for mental health, social health, and physical health. The pandemic has really brought to light the importance of keeping active and connected for your own well-being,” she says.

Whalen adds that the secret to staying active lies in getting involved. “Of course, we want people to be physically active, but they could be active via volunteering, helping others out or by participating in an activity. Perhaps they can contribute their time and their skills. It’s about getting engaged in your life and your community.” Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) is the lead organization in the province to promote the annual Active Aging Week, targeted to older adults 55-plus, in conjunction with the International Council on Active Aging. This year, Active Aging Week runs from Oct. 3 to 9 during National Senior and

Elders Month, which spans the month of October. To launch the festivities, International Day of Older Persons is slated for October. 1. “Active Aging Week is a celebration. At AAIM, which is a not-for-profit organization, we’re joining with one of our partners and planning an open house at The Wellness Institute, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be free for anyone in the community to attend,” Whalen says. The purpose of that day is straightforward, she adds. “We really want to encourage people to do whatever they can in their community to promote lifelong engagement and

inspire people to live an active lifestyle, however that might be. They can then reap all the benefits that come along with it.” AAIM encourages communities throughout Manitoba to participate in Active Aging Week by planning an event that celebrates healthy, active aging. “We’re asking communities throughout our province to consider planning something that would encourage people 50 years of age or older to participate in during that week,” she says. “It could be something simple like crafting or hosting a bocce ball tournament or going on a community walk and inviting others to attend.”  CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 3

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“It doesn’t have to be a large-scale event. Maybe you just want to get together with people from your street and organize some games or a scrabble tournament. The bottom line is all about fun and participation,” she says. People are also encouraged to send their current activity plans for those individuals aged 55-plus to AAIM. “Maybe there are communities that are already doing something that could be incorporated into an activity for Active Aging Week. We can be a conduit for those communities to promote it to the 50-plus age population. We can put it up on our website, which also showcases their community for older adults.” At the same time, Whalen encourages people to reach out and connect with others in their community on a personal level. “If you’re an active person, reach out to someone who maybe isn’t as active, or try to connect with someone who is perhaps a little more isolated. Once you get hooked on forming connections and getting involved, it becomes easier. It’s a great thing to do to encourage engagement throughout a community,” she says. It’s all about encouraging those over 50 to get engaged in an activity on a regular basis, she emphasizes. “We want to make it easy for people get involved — to move more, sit less and connect with their community. All these things contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle, which will help with longevity and living a fulfilling life.”

Feedback from communities is always welcomed, says Whalen. “We want to hear from all the communities across the province about what they are doing to celebrate Active Aging Week and Seniors and Elders Month. Then, we want to place it on a map to showcase all the things that are happening provincially.”

With an active lifestyle, you reap many benefits for mental health, social health, and physical health. "

There is no substitute for physical activity when it comes to maintaining good health.

This calendar of Active Aging Week events will be posted on the AAIM website at www.activeagingmb.ca. AAIM will also post ideas and planning guides on its website to help communities promote and host activities.

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Taking a spin class is a fun way to work on cardiovascular fitness and meet other fitness enthusiasts. (Photo by Darin Kachanoski)

4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022

Active Aging Day Open House Makes Triumphant Return BY TODD LEWYS A fter a two-year pandemic induced hiatus, the Active

Aging Day Open House is back October 5, and its organizers – The Wellness Institute and Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) – are thrilled. “We’re all very excited,” says Christine Thiessen, who serves as Communications Coordinator for The Wellness Institute, which is located at 1075 Leila Avenue. “It’s the first time in two years that it will be held. We’re all looking forward to seeing everyone.” As has been the case in the past, the Open House – which is free of charge and will be sponsored by River Ridge Retirement Residence – will serve two purposes. First, it will put a spotlight on Active Aging Week.

The popular Active Aging Day Open House will return to The Wellness Institute at 1075 Leila Ave. on October 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. (Photo by Darin Kachanoski)

Second, it will give people an opportunity to check out The Wellness Institute’s facility, and all the programs and services that are offered within. “It’s been very well-received in the past and has been very well-attended with as many as 800 people visiting us,” Thiessen says. “It gives them the opportunity to

get an up-close look at all that we, and our partners, have to offer.” She adds that there will be plenty of things to take in. “Not only will the services within the building be highlighted, but there will also be a sampling of classes, along with about 20 exhibitors on hand. There will

be booths featuring foot clinics, hearing testing, downsizing experts, companies that specialize in moving older adults and will updating.” At the same time, there will also be interactive activities and stations on hand for older adults to sample.  CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 5

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“This is a key aspect of the Open House,” she notes. “People can check out activities like floor shuffleboard, floor curling, urban poling, Zumba Gold and strength and stretch. There will even be a spin class, as well as functional tests and brain games. You can take a good look and see what activity you might want to get involved in.” Thiessen adds that there will also be a presentation on nutrition and healthy aging. “There’s going to be a cooking demonstration that focuses on nutrition, particularly what older adults can do to make better choices, and the challenges of cooking for one. The better you eat, the better you’ll age in a healthy, vibrant way.” There will also be something else to celebrate at the Open House: The Wellness Institute’s 26th Anniversary. “The open house ties in perfectly with our 26th Anniversary,” she says. “There are always new projects with new floors on the second level, and renovations coming up that are going to be making our clinic even better.”

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The Active Aging Day Open House is a multi-faceted event that has attracted as many as 800 patrons in previous years. (Photo by Darin Kachanoski)

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Attendees will also be able to sign up for AAIM’s Healthy Aging Challenge. “It’s open to all, will he held online, and will go for seven days,” Thiessen explains. “It’s very popular and deals with topics pertinent to healthy aging such as healthy eating, volunteering, mental and physical health.” What’s the overall purpose of the Open House? “We want to reinforce the importance of being proactive with your health, which means getting out and doing things. Aging isn’t what it used to be, and 55 isn’t old anymore. It’s all about moving on a regular basis to make sure you don’t fall into the trap of leading a sedentary lifestyle.” The Open House – which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 5 – will also be a safe event, says Thiessen. “Visitors will have to wear a mask because they’re in a hospital facility, and we’ve just come out through the pandemic. Older adults can come out and feel safe with the assurance that comes with wearing a mask.” The Open House figures to be a great day, concludes Thiessen. “It’s going to be a real celebration. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Going for a dip in The Wellness Institute's pool is an enjoyable, low-impact activity that anyone from the age of 50 to 100 can benefit from. (Photo by Darin Kachanoski)

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 7

We want to

reinforce the importance of

being proactive with your health, which means getting out and doing things. "

Doing laps on an indoor track at your own pace is a great way to work out the legs and lungs. (Photo by Jerry Grajewski)

Active living centres for older adults - the best kept secret? It is well known that exercise is good for health. But did you know that so- cial activity is just as good for you? Social activity means any type of activity that involves other people, like getting together with family or friends, playing cards, engaging in sport activities, or participating in cultural or religious activities with others. We know from many decades’ worth of research that being socially engaged has numerous benefits for physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Conversely, research shows that when people don’t have enough social connections, when they are socially isolated or lonely, there can be negative consequences, such as an increased risk of developing heart problems or depression. Socially isolated people are also at increased risk of dying prema- turely. In fact, social isolation is a much a risk factor for dying prematurely as smoking or a lack of exercise. About one in five older adults in Winnipeg were socially isolated or lonely before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Two out of four older Winnipeggers said they would like to participate in more social activities. We know that during the pandemic these number have increased substantially. Connecting, or re-connecting people with others is therefore more important than ever. Although there are many opportunities for older adults to be socially engaged, many people don’t know what’s available right in their own commu- nity, muses Connie Newman, the executive director of the Manitoba Associ-

ation of Senior Communities (MASC). That there is an active living centres for older adults or a senior groups in every neighborhood in Winnipeg may be the best kept secret, according to Newman. Active living centres and senior groups are open for people aged 55 or older and offer many activities – anything from fitness classes to card games to book clubs to art classes to pickleball to educational and learning opportuni- ties. The activities enable people to interact with peers, be part of a communi- ty, and develop close relationships. Getting back into the community and participate in activities may be daunting for some older adults as COVID continues to be with us, says New- man. But active living centres take all the necessary precautions to keep peo- ple safe, like reducing the number of participants or sanitizing equipment. To find out what opportunities are available in your community, visit https://manitobaseniorcommunities.ca/ , call 211, or visit mb.211.ca to get connected with community resources and services anywhere in Manitoba. SPONSORED CONTENT

8 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022

Going cycling with a group promotes socialization and getting outdoors. (Supplied photo)

Spirit of Manitoba 55+ Games Reignites

BY JENNIFER MCFEE T he 2022 Manitoba a win-win event that offered fun, friendship and fitness to everyone involved. Since the games launched in 1983, they’ve offered recreational activities in an entertaining social and cultural atmosphere. The spirit of the games extends beyond the summer, since participants reap rewards year-round from their active lifestyle. 55+ Games reignited participants’ spirits for After a pandemic pause, the games returned this year with a hybrid model that allowed participation both in-person and virtually for anyone aged 55 and older. The in-person portion drew crowds to Selkirk from June 7 to 9 to cheer on

competitors in a wide range of activities. “We were surprised at how big it got. It was our first in-person games in two years,” says Karyn Heidrick, co-ordin-

she says. “They had to have it at two different venues because they needed so many courts. It was much bigger than we initially thought it would be.”

and they really showcased Selkirk.” Throughout it all, safety remained top of mind with pandemic protocols in place, she notes. “Things looked a little different this year, but I think participants understood that. For example, we had to ask for proof of vaccination,” Heidrick says. “We made those stipulations when the requirements were changing so frequently because we wanted to keep people as safe as we could coming to a larger event.” Participants travelled from all corners of the province for the in-person events. “We had some participants come from The Pas and Thompson, so people really do travel each year for the games,” she says. “We kept hearing how grateful people were to have the games back in person again after so long. This year, we reignited the spirit of the games.”

ator for the games. “We were happily surprised by how many people

As the host city, Selkirk did an impressive job of organizing everything, she adds. “Selkirk was

came out to it. It was amaz- ing.” In total, more

committed to this event and seeing it through. We started talks with them back in 2019 because the games

than 900 partici- pants took part, including about 65 golfers for an event that was rescheduled to August.

were supposed to be in 2020. After a two-year hiatus, it was impressive that they were able to put on such an amaz- ing event. Their hospitality was great,

Karyn Heidrick

Pickleball was particularly popular with participation from about 200 teams. “Our pickleball event just exploded,”

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Similarly, the virtual games offered an easily accessible way to join in the fun from all parts of the province from June 10 to July 10. “We were able to be more inclusive and extend the fun. A lot of people took part in person and then they just extended their activity into the summer,” Heidrick says. “In addition, people who couldn’t join us in-person in Selkirk were still able to participate. It was really neat to be able to reach more people that way.” Despite some pandemic-related hurdles, Heidrick said organizers came together to host the successful hybrid event. “It all came together in the end. There were lots of ups and downs and lots of uncertainty with coming back to being in-person for a big event, but everyone enjoyed themselves. It seemed like a good combination to have the in-person and virtual options,” she says. The 55+ Games’ sponsors also stepped up in a big way, too. “We couldn’t have done it without the continued support of our sponsors, which include Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries,

We kept hearing how grateful people were to have the games back in person again after so long. This year, we reignited the spirit of the games. "

Manitoba’s Credit Unions and Sport Manitoba. I think everyone was just happy to be together again, meeting friends they hadn’t seen for a while, and just having fun.” Looking ahead, Portage la Prairie will proudly host the 2023 Manitoba 55+ Games from June 20 to 22, 2023.

Winners of the 55+ Games Predicted Times Walk celebrate after the event. (Supplied photo)

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10 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022

Taking Charge of Your Well-Being BY JIM BENDER O ne out of three adults aged 55-plus suffers from multiple chronic

conditions globally, according to a study conducted by the USA’s National Library of Medicine. According to the study, the figure comes closer to three out of four adults living in developed countries. That means that three out of four people aged 55 or more in Manitoba likely suffers from at least one chronic condition. Those chronic conditions include arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, anxiety, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and so on. “The last two years, anxiety has gone through the roof,” says Amy Yonda, Outreach Coordinator for the Wellness Institute, referring to the effect of the Covid 19 pandemic on older adults. “COVID really affected a lot of people.” To help those suffering from such conditions, the Wellness Institute is offering three free programs that will be available in October: Get Better Together, Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Total Brain Health. These workshops will help people to manage their conditions and provide them with skills to cope, support and even thrive. Get Better Together, a licensed program

The Wellness Institute will offer three free online programs in October - Get Better Together, Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Total Brain Health.

who are suffering. Currently, it’s offered online but may return to offer some in- person workshops this fall. “We just saw a huge gap there,” says Dawn Ziemanski, another Outreach

Coordinator at the Wellness Institute. “We wanted people to take charge of their own health.”

initiated by Stanford University, is a six- week course designed to help people manage better through group support and take charge of their issues. It’s also for those who support those

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was keeping people engaged. The main problem was isolation.” That is where learning how to use the Zoom function came in handy for both the organizers and those attending the workshops. “We were able to reach people in remote areas,” she adds. “That was huge.” Yonda says going virtual was a good move. “It went over better than expected,” she adds. “This past winter, it was even more impactful because the weather was so horrible, and people appreciated doing it from home.” All workshops are led by others with a chronic condition. Of course, they have gone through the workshops themselves, then received intensive training to lead the workshops, Yonda says. “Instead of a doctor or nurse, they’re led by a person with a chronic condition who knows what the people are going through. The approach works well.” The workshops will be offered this fall, winter and spring. For more information, check the Wellness Institute website at the wellnessinstitute.ca

The program will cover subjects such as how to manage symptoms mentally, how to deal with difficult emotions, introduce manageable physical activities and healthy eating. “When people have chronic conditions, they don’t want to admit they can no longer do the things they used to do,” Ziemanski says. “And they find it harder to communicate. But it’s even more important to communicate.” Toward that end, they will discuss common issues and motivate each other with solutions and techniques to deal with different emotions. “The program was started to find ways to help them improve their confidence and ability to self-manage,” says Yonda. “It’s for people who are not able to find ways to manage outside the healthcare system.” Part of the curriculum was for the people to set goals for each other. “The goal-setting was very powerful for people,” Ziemanski says. “Accountability was very important.” Because so many caregivers were

The program was started to find ways to help them improve their confidence and ability to self-manage. "

attending the Get Better Together program with those in their care, it led to the establishment of the Power Tools for Caregivers workshop. “It’s for people who had been forgotten,” Ziemanski adds. “It’s so special because it’s for people who do so much for others.” Those include caregivers for adults, such as a friend or relative, or for a child with special needs. The program provides tools and techniques for caregivers to manage their own health while caring for loved ones. Those tools include how to deal with stress, breathing techniques and communication. It also points out

community resources that they can use. The Total Brain Health program was just recently introduced to draw up plans for promoting a brain-fit life and long- term brain vitality. It’s based on practices proven to sharpen cognitive skills, prevent age-related memory loss, and lower dementia risk. The workshop includes such activities as brain puzzles, trivia challenges -- often timed -- using memory-boosting strategies and teaching the importance of physical activities in boosting the brain’s health. “The big part of that is social interaction,” Ziemanski says. “The most important thing during COVID

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12 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 Move More, Sit Less & Feel Better BY TODD LEWYS S ince the dawn of time,

physical activity has played a huge role in maintaining our physical and mental health. And in the wake of a pandemic that forced us to move less, it’s time to get into the habit moving again, says Active Aging in Manitoba’s (AAIM) master trainer and aging consultant, Linda Brown. “Simply put, activity improves longevity,” she says. “If exercise were a pill, it would be the most prescribed pill worldwide, because it helps you stay young.” There’s no end to the benefits that leading an active life provides, adds Brown. “The physical and mental benefits of regular exercise are huge,” Brown says. “It reduces the incidence of heart disease, bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, improves circulation and reduces stress and anxiety through socialization. Mobility improves, as does strength. Remember, use it or lose it.” What’s the downside to not getting enough exercise? “Studies have shown that sitting for hours at a time is like smoking a pack of cigarettes. The detriment to a person’s health is huge, especially those 55 years of age and older.” That being the case, the importance of regular exercise can’t be emphasized

Doing some tai chi in the park is a wonderful way to improve core strength and coordination.

enough. “The guideline is 150 minutes a week,” she says. “There are lots of way to build physical activity into your daily routine.” Which is to say you don’t necessarily have to get your exercise in big chunks.

“You can break it down to 20 minutes or so a day seven days a week, or 30 minutes a day five days a week. You can even break it down to doing little bites of exercise 10 minutes at a time. For example, you could go for a walk, do a

little gardening or clean out a corner of the garage,” Brown explains. “You can even get up from your desk and do a minute or two of squats.”

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The big thing – especially for those in the over-50 crowd – is to re-establish the habit of getting moving, in any way possible. “Two of the biggest barriers to exercise is no time to do it or a lack of affordability, but those are just excuses. You can walk around the house while you have your morning coffee or get up from your desk to do 10 squats. But it must be intentional. You can start out by doing little bits of movement through the day, and gradually building up to more.” Why is getting up and moving so important? “Because sitting around continuously is the kiss of death for those in their sixties, seventies and eighties,” she says. “After a while, just getting out of a chair can be a struggle.” That’s why encouragement is so important, add Brown. “We continually stress the importance of encouragement to relatives, friends and neighbours of older adults. So, give them a phone call to remind them to get up and moving, or, better yet, make a buddy system where you come over at a certain time of day to go for a walk. You can also connect them up with a group that does group walks or outings on a regular basis.” Once an older adult gets in the habit of exercising regularly, the benefits will quickly show. One of the best things a person can do is get involved in an activity they enjoy. That way, the habit is bound to stick. “A question I ask people is, ‘what did you do when you were younger?’,” she says. “If you enjoyed hiking or walking,

If exercise

were a pill, it would be the most prescribed pill worldwide, because it helps you stay young. "

A trainer can help you reach your fitness goals. (Supplied photo)

do that. If it was biking, get a bike and start going for regular rides. Or you could take up pickleball, which is a great game that allows seniors to socialize while getting exercise. The key is to get moving. You have a better chance of making it a habit if you enjoy doing it.” Brown adds one last piece of advice for those just starting out. “If you’ve lapsed with your activities or are just getting active again, my advice is to start off slowly,” she says. “Start with 10 minutes, then gradually get up to 15 or 20 minutes. You don’t want to start off so fast that you’re so sore the next day that you say, ‘I can’t do this.’ The key is to start slow.” So, get moving. It helps you stay young, improves longevity and combats disease. What more could you ask for?

Joining a swimming group can boost both fitness and mental health. (Supplied photo)

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Volunteering is a great way to help others and make new friends. (Supplied photo)

Helping others, helping yourself BY JIM TIMLICK V olunteering is not only a great way to help others, but it’s also an volunteer on a regular basis gain more health benefits. Not only do they tend to be more physically active, there’s also the whole idea of mental wellness, engaging with people and feeling good about what they’re doing and contributing.” and may be struggling to adjust to retired life.

“We’ve seen that over the years that volunteering helps to reduce mortality and people just feel better about themselves and that they’re appreciated by the organization they’re volunteering with,” says Linda Brown, an active aging consultant with AAIM. “Feeling better about yourself really improves your overall health.” There are other benefits, she adds. “Research shows that people who

“A lot of times when people first retire, they don’t know what to do or they don’t have anything prepared for then they retire,” she explains. ““Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and direction, especially for somebody who’s newly retired. It provides structure and helps get that sense of purpose or direction back.”  CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

excellent way for older adults to boost their own wellbeing, says an advisor with Active Aging in Manitoba.

Brown says another reason members of the 55-plus crowd may want to consider volunteering is the fact it can provide a sense of renewed purpose to people who have recently wound down their careers

LEFT: The camaraderie that comes from volunteering results in wonderful memories and lasting friendships. RIGHT: Volunteers are always happy to dispense valuable fitness-related info at Active Aging events. (Supplied photos)

OCTOBER 3-9, 2022 | ACTIVE AGING WEEK 15

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Dawn Bourbonnais, communications and outreach manager for Volunteer Manitoba, says volunteering also provides an opportunity for older adults to participate in their community more fully. “It helps you to get more involved in your community,” says Bourbonnais, whose organization connects volunteers with volunteer organizations. “A lot of older people are at a point in their life where they’ve been through a lot. Volunteering is an opportunity to make the changes or participate in the change they want to see in the world.”

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and direction, especially for somebody who’s newly retired. "

Community spirit is another desirable by-product of volunteering. (Supplied photo)

allow themself to feel good about giving back to the community.” Brown says one bit of advice she often shares with older adults about volunteering is to choose something they enjoy doing. “It’s important to volunteer in something you enjoy or that you have some experience in or expertise with,” she says. “If you pick something you enjoy, it’s more likely to make it a successful volunteer commitment.” Bourbonnais agrees and says that older adults should approach volunteering the same way they would approach a job search. “You want to have the same criteria as you would for a new company you would join or a new office that you’re thinking of applying to,” she says. “As a volunteer you’re going to work for someone else, so you want to make sure you understand what the application process looks like, but also what the work is going to be.” AAIM (activeagingmb.ca) offers a number of volunteer opportunities through programs such as Steppin’ Up with Confidence, a peer-led exercise program, a Speaker’s Bureau that promotes active living, and the Manitoba 55+ Games. Volunteer Manitoba (volunteermanitoba. ca) provides a referral service that connects volunteers with volunteer opportunities.

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Bourbonnais also points out that getting involved in volunteering can also help deal with feelings of isolation that can arise when peers pass on or health complications limit a person’s interactions with others. “Volunteering is a great way to deal with that isolation. It helps us to stay connected and to be social,” she says. “We’re social beings and we really saw that the last two years when many of our social connections were taken away. Volunteering is a way to socialize with others.” It also represents an opportunity to share knowledge with others who can benefit from the expertise you possess, according to Brown. “Older adults have so much knowledge and expertise to share,” she says. “Whatever their career has been, that can translate into something they can do now as a volunteer and provide an organization with that knowledge and at the same time

16 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 3-9, 2022

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