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
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