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saskatchewan seniors week
It’s never too late to add activity into your life By Andrew Livingst one
Too little exercise is a problem for most Canadians, but, for seniors, the negative consequences of inactivity are a more immediate concern. With a lifetime of ingrained health habits, it can be difficult for elders to make positive changes, but Active Aging Canada (AAC) intends to motivate and inspire them to live actively and live well. “Our goal is that people can age well so they can live as independently as they want as long as possible, because nobody really wants to lose their independence,” said Patricia Clark, AAC national executive director. “In order to do that, they’ve got to stay physically strong and mobile.” Although Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines advise that seniors perform 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, Clark said that more modest goals can often be more effective. “A lot of the research is showing now that anything is better than nothing, so we aren’t asking people to start out by running 30 minutes a day,” she said. “If they just go for a walk for 10 minutes, that will start to help to get some health be-
nefits. Then, if they can do 10 minutes three times a day, they’ve got that 30 minutes, and they can do that five times a week.” The key, she said, is finding small opportunities for exercise every day. “It’s not necessarily scheduling going for a run or going swimming, but they can include activity in the day to have more physical activity,” said Clark. “When they’re in the bathroom brushing their teeth, there are exercises they can do to strengthen their calves, or if they’re in the bedroom, there are some exercises they can do when they’re getting dressed to do some extra stretching.” Active living is only part of a holistic approach to health, but incremental changes can just as easily be applied other aspects, such as diet. “The premise of that is baby steps, taking very small steps, something that you can do that you might enjoy that’s not going to be significantly out of your routine,” Clark said. “I’m talking things as simple as, ‘Let’s make the goal this week to have a glass of water at lunch and dinner as opposed to a can of pop,’ or, ‘Let’s consider having a piece of fresh fruit as opposed to a donut or a cupcake.’”
Although the danger of losing one’s independence can be enough to spur some seniors to a healthier lifestyle, Clark said that enjoyment is a far greater motivator. “They want to feel good, and, of course, they feel stronger and they feel better because they’re doing things,” she said. “It has to be fun.” That emotional boost is often produced by social interaction, which means that the social aspect of health is as important as any other. “From a healthy aging perspective, the social connection is critical for mental health,” said Clark. “People going to play bridge are not doing anything that’s going to improve their physical components, but they’re stimulating their brains, and they’re also socializing. The socialization is really important to keep them mentally alert and keep them mentally well.” One example of an AAC program that promotes physical health through enjoyment and social interaction is Mall Walks. These 30-minute exercise classes focus on stretching and strengthening muscles using balls and bands. After that, attendees walk the mall and socialize. If the program seems straightforward, then it is
Mall walking is a great way for Saskatchewan seniors to introduce more activity into their everyday routines. Su p plIed photo
indicative of AAC’s desire to keep its communications simple and accessible, and it was that drive that prompted the organization’s rebranding earlier this year. On April 1, the organization transitioned from the name Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) to AAC to make itself easier for its target demographic to find. In print, YouTube videos and on its website, AAC strives to provide information as clearly and
simply as possible. Its active living tips have been edited by a clear language reviewer and translated into seven languages to reach the aging Canadians who may not read English fluently. AAC ’s old name also caused confusion in that people who could have benefited from the organization’s advice but did not identify as older adults would assume that its advice did not apply to them. “We aren’t changing our tar-
get audience, but we are enhancing it so that the name does not dissuade people of a younger age to come and look at the information,” Clark said. Clark extends this simple message to all Canadians: “The biggest thing to emphasize to someone who’s not been active is that it’s never too late to start and that every little bit helps,” she said. “Anybody at any age can benefit from doing any kind of activity.”
the joys of dancing take many forms By wendy Livingst one
People attend the dances at the Regina Senior Citizens Centre (RSCC) on Winnipeg Street in Regina for a variety of reasons. Some come to socialize and meet friends; others appreciate the fact that there’s live music; still others see it as a good form of exercise. But one 97-yearold man — who still does a great polka — says he comes to the dances because he, “just likes hugging the good-looking girls.” While hugging is a perk of dancing, exercise and socialization seem to be the key motivating factors. “For people with physical ailments who would not necessarily be able to do an exercise program, this is their form of exercise,” says Cathy Theriault, executive director of the Regina Senior Citizens Centre. “Inclusion is a very big thing with the older seniors within our communities, and this is a way for them to get out and socialize for a few hours, a few times a week.” She says that the dances are especially beneficial for those who don’t have a partner, because even those who come with a spouse or special friend dance with those who do not. “We have a lot of single women that come, but they get up and dance with each other. We have a great group of men that come with, say, their spouses, but they will also get up and ask the other women
to dance. And there’s quite a few single men, and they all take turns dancing with everybody, so it’s a very, very social atmosphere.” People in wheelchairs who come to enjoy the music are also able to participate when various partners step in to keep them in motion around the dance floor. Regardless of their motivations, they all come to dance, and up to 80 people do so twice a week, every week. “The first string of music – they are on the dance floor,” says Theriault. “These people come to dance, so they are on the floor the minute the music starts until it’s over.” Open to all ages, the dances are held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and feature old-time music played by a variety of local bands. A 15-minute break at 2 p.m. allows participants to catch their breaths, have some refreshments and socialize. Coffee and cookies are offered for sale, but sometimes someone will choose to treat all those present. “If someone has a birthday, they might bring in cake for everybody and pay for the coffee,” says Theriault. “They spend so much time here, and they have over the years, that they want to share their birthday with their friends. Last Friday, we had a birthday party for one of our long-time members that comes faith-
Grant Whitfield and Yvonne Kessler dance to the music of Los Penguios Locos at the Regina Senior Citizens Centre on Winnipeg Street. Whitfield is 97. Wendy lIvIng Stone
fully twice a week, and he was 97.” Admission to the dances is just $4 for those with a Regina Senior Citizens Centre membership and $5 for non-members. Coffee is just 75 cents. Recently, the centre added Sunday dances to its lineup. Admission for the Sunday dances is $8 per person, with coffee and cookies served during the break.
Annual memberships, which are available to those 55 and over, are $25 if purchased before Nov. 30 and $30 if purchases after that. Members pay reduced rates on the centre’s facility rentals and programs, which include computer classes, ceramics, card games and tournaments, snooker and eightball, painting, sewing and quilting,
This secTion was creaTed by conTenT works, PosTmedia’s commercial conTenT sTudio.
and various exercise activities. Nonmembers and those under 55 are welcome to participate in programs and activities by paying the applicable non-member fees. In addition to the location 2134 Winnipeg St., RSCC also includes a location at 2404 Elphinstone St., where many similar programs are available.
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saskatchewan seniors week only the lonely By CAroL t odd
When Roy Orbison sang about being lonely, he doubtless wasn’t specifically referring to seniors, but increasingly, older adults are feeling the effects of loneliness and isolation. The 2016 Census reported that there were more than 170,000 people in Saskatchewan aged 65 or older, an almost 11 per cent increase from 2011. The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) believes that one of the major issues affecting seniors is isolation. Holly Schick, SSM executive director, says loneliness is one of the greatest risk factors for older adults. “Because of increasing numbers of seniors in the population, we are seeing more isolation and that isolation can happen for all sorts of reasons,” she says. SSM has partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Population Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the University of Regina, and the Canadian Red Cross Society on projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program. One example, says Schick, involves working with the Alzheimer Society, which has identified dementia-friendly communities. “One of the neat things we’re doing is trying to work together on how dementiafriendly and age-friendly communities are related, so that we can combine those two and can work on them together, so communities understand so they are not competing things,” she says. SSM is also working with those organizations as well as with the Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of Saskatchewan and the Féderation des aînés fransaskois as part of the Reducing Seniors in Isolation Collective. The goal is to ensure that communities are inclusive of and take into consideration all members of the community and allow ways for those people to participate and become involved. Specifically, the collective aims to increase: the proportion of seniors who have support and help when they need it, the proportion of seniors who participate regularly in activities, the proportion of seniors who feel connected to family, friends and acquaintances and the proportion of seniors who feel valued by family, friends and acquaintances. “There are all kinds of things that can be done to help alleviate isolation if communities are prepared to just stop and think about who the people are who are isolated and why they’re isolated,” Schick says. Part of the project is finding out what has
been done and how effective it has been. To that end, a survey is currently being taken of Saskatchewan seniors to set the baseline for future initiatives. “We’re trying to do a measure of how isolated people are now, so that a couple of years down the road we might be able to say ‘did we make a difference?’,” she says. The survey is available by clicking on the link at skseniorsmechanism.ca. The survey and formation of the Collective build on information gathered from an earlier SSM project which saw pilot projects in three Saskatchewan communities, in Hanley, Strasbourg and Lumsden. The goal was to develop programs which could be led by volunteer seniors within the local community, thus promoting volunteerism among older adults. Programming was designed by the community so it would best fit their needs. Following the pilot projects, SSM developed a free resource on isolation. Alone or Lonely* defines isolation as the circumstance in which a person is no longer able to participate in community, civic, or social life in the way in which they would choose to do. Isolation, the publication states, increases susceptibility to illness and depression, and may in fact lead to a shorter lifespan. Even when health is not adversely affected, quality of life is lowered in older adults who are isolated. The community is affected both in increased medical and psychiatric costs, and in the loss of the valuable contributions
these people could be making to others, even with diminished health and mobility. Schick says older adults in Saskatchewan are especially vulnerable, particularly in rural areas. “Being in a rural community can make you feel more isolated,” she says, adding that the recent elimination of the bus service has made the problem worse, removing a way for older residents who no longer drive to access medical or other services in larger centres. But, seniors living in the cities are not exempt. “There’s good transportation, but then winter comes along and we look at the way the snow is piled up and the ice and whether the sidewalks and bus stops are well maintained… There’s lots of opportunities to get out, but even in the city people are isolated.” Whether large or small, SSM and its partners are working to help communities build age-friendly environments. “If communities stop and think about it, they can come up with amazing ideas. Local people have the capacity and the abilities to make a big difference within their community,” says Schick. *Publication is available at http:// skseniorsmechanism.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2017/01/Alone-or-Lonelymanual-low-res-for-website.pdf.
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(NC) With cooler weather right around the corner, do you find yourself dreaming of heading to warmer destinations as a snowbird but wonder how you could ever afford it? Achieving this carefree and active lifestyle is easier than you think, even if you haven’t been saving for decades. Here are some tips on how to spend your golden years under the sun. 1. Don’t downsize, “rightsize.” Get rid of your expensive house and large monthly mortgage payments. Instead, try the land lease model, a form of homeownership gaining popularity with today’s seniors. The key to the affordability of land leasing is that you can purchase a home but lease the land. This means homeowners pay for just the home and not the lot it resides on, freeing up money to head south for the winter. 2. Lower your monthly expenses. Reducing your out-ofpocket expenses can go a long way to helping you afford the snowbird lifestyle, especially if you’re on a fixed income. A smaller home means smaller hydro and heating
bills and other upkeep costs, leaving more cash for fun. 3. Offload home maintenance tasks. Many land lease communities look af ter and maintain your residence while you are enjoying your second home in a warmer climate. This means you’ll have peace of mind and fewer daily responsibilities to worry about as essential services like snow shovelling, home watch security and mail collection are covered. 4. Experience healthy active living. One of the keys to a longer, healthier life is remaining physically active as you age. By heading south for the winter, snowbirds are not forced to hibernate on the couch. During the Canadian summer, living in a land lease community, such as Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities, makes it easy to stay active and enjoy the warm weather. Great amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, workout facilities, organized fitness classes, golf courses, and walking and biking paths. Find more information at www.parkbridge.com. www.newscanada.com
ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES Asthma is a chronic lung condition. The airways become inflamed and swollen, causing them to narrow. The airways produce mucus in response to the inflammation, clogging the shrunken tubes.Air can’t move through the lungs as well as it should, making it difficult to breathe. Everyone’s lungs are sensitive to different things such as pollen, air pollution, or strong chemicals. People with asthma have lungs that are more sensitive than average. Asthma is in part an allergic response and may be triggered by some external substance that particularly irritates your lungs. Some people are sensitive to more than one trigger. Common allergens include: • • • •
grass, tree, and ragweed pollen moulds house dust mites animal dander
Asthma attacks can also be triggered by non-allergic irritants such as: •
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• • • • • To stay up-to-date on the news while you’re on the go, download our mobile app for iPhone and android.
Snowbird tips
viral infections such as the common cold or the flu laughing hard, crying, shouting smog and smoke strong smells (e.g., paint fumes, perfumes, cleaning products) suddenly breathing cold air vigorous exercise
There is no cure for asthma. It’s a chronic condition, and it can last a lifetime. Asthma treatment is aimed at keeping you feeling well, with as few symptoms as possible. Avoiding triggers is your first defense against an asthma attack. Try using an asthma diary card to keep track of your symptoms and your surroundings. Most importantly, see your doctor and ask for help to achieve better asthma control. Over the age of 50 and striving for an active, physical, social and intellectual lifestyle? Then become involved with the Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA), a non-profit provincial organization funded by Saskatchewan Lotteries. Throughout the year, each of our nine provincial districts offers physical and leisure activities, workshops and seminars. You are invited to be part of the “Olympic style” Provincial 55+ games every two years. Qualifiers from the district games may compete on July 10 to 12 in Moose Jaw, 2018. Slo-pitch, pickleball, golf, track & field, swimming, five-pin bowling, cribbage and contract bridge are just a few of the many competitive events. Winter events such as hockey and curling are planned for March, 2018. Following these games, qualifiers may compete at the Canada 55+ games in Saint John, New Brunswick on August 21 to 24, 2018. Committed to the improvement of the well-being of Saskatchewan’s older adults, SSFA invites you to learn more about us by visiting our website at www.ssfa.ca, which provides detailed information on our programs, 55+ games, on-going activities, provincial district contacts and membership. Take this opportunity to stay active!
Questions Ask your PharmaChoice Pharmacist. For information only & should not be a substitute for Medical Care.
Your Independently Owned Community Pharmacy HILL AVENUE DRUGS 3410 Hill Ave. 306-586-6262
MEDI DRUGS 2 locations! 3015 5th Ave. 306-352-5626
RIVER HEIGHTS DRUGS 2730 Montague St. 306-584-2455
DEWDNEY DRUGS 3034 Dewdney Ave. 306-757-8604
3992 Albert St. 306-586-6366
PARK STREET DRUGS 2415 Park St. 306-757-9164
For information only & should not be a substitute for Medical Care. Always consult with your Medical Physician on any health related issues. Proudly Supporting Seniors Week in Saskatchewan!
AdvicreLife fo
www.ssfa.ca
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saskatchewan seniors week
SgI unit assesses driving capabilities of people with medical conditions By JonAthAn hAmeLin
When someone is diagnosed with a cognitive disease such as Alzheimer’s, that person faces a number of challenges moving forward. Among those challenges is operating a vehicle. There will soon be an increasing number of Canadians whose driving skills will need to be reassessed, according to a 2016 report issued by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology called Dementia in Canada: A National Strategy for Dementia-friendly Communities. The report noted that 750,000 Canadians are currently affected by Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2031. In Saskatchewan, SGI’s Medical Review Unit (MRU) works to ensure all the province’s drivers have the medical fitness and the skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely. As MRU manager Leann Nixon explains, people with Alzheimer’s may lose their ability to quickly react while driving, get lost or forget the rules of the road. She said that determining when it’s time for someone to retire their driver license is a “delicate balance.” “Our goal is to let people drive for as long as they can, though we need to keep the roads safe for everybody else,” Nixon said. “We want to keep the road safer for the person with dementia and the other road users. Identifying drivers with cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer’s is challenging not only for health care practitioners, but for the driver licensing authorities and families. Cognitive impairment is less visible compared to other physical
disabilities or impairments.” Nixon, a Registered Nurse (RN), leads a team that includes six RNs and five driver’s license administrative specialists. Together, this group assesses drivers across the province. “We deal with many files every day,” Nixon said. “We have a really great working relationship.” The process to assess a driver’s medical fitness begins when the MRU receives a report regarding a potential medical condition that may affect an individual’s driving. All drivers are legally obligated to report medical conditions when they’re first diagnosed or when they renew their driver’s license. Physicians, optometrist, nurse practitioners and occupational therapists are legally required to report to SGI any medical condition that may affect a person’s driving. SGI, also takes reports from police, courts, concerned citizens and family members (whose identity can remain confidential). Nixon said the next step depends on the assessment and medical information they receive. The MRU may suspend someone’s license immediately or enroll them in a medical monitoring program. People can also be assessed through an occupational program (testing their mental and cognitive abilities) or a SGI in-car assessment. “During the in-car assessment, our examiners are evaluating the drivers on a number of points,” Nixon said. “Does the driver remember the rules of the road? Can they get from Point A to Point B without getting lost? How are their reaction times? Are they able to divide their attention properly when watching a traffic light and a
pedestrian crossing? Recalling the rules of the road is a big area that’s focused on.” Nixon said that the MRU realizes “it’s devastating to lose your license.” She said the staff has empathy for the drivers that may eventually have to give up their license and works to help them keep it for long as possible. One way this is achieved is through putting certain restrictions on a driver, but not limiting them from driving altogether. Some of these restrictions include driving during daylight hours only or driving within a specific geographic area only. “Giving someone a limited license is one of the ways in which we can keep them driving, especially those with dementia,” Nixon said. “By giving them a period of six months in which they can keep driving, it gives time for families to start having discussions about the fact that there’s going to be a time when their loved one needs to retire their license.” The issue of driving with dementia is not something everyone is familiar with, especially if you haven’t been impacted by the issue personally. Due to this reason, the MRU also focuses on efforts to raise awareness. Physician education programs have been created for health care practitioners through the College of Medicine. The MRU also partners with the Alzheimer’s Society and makes a variety of presentations to different support groups. Groups or organizations who are interested in booking a presentation are instructed to call the MRU by phone at 306-775-6176 (Regina) or 1-800-667-8015 (toll Free), or via email (mruinquiries@sgi.sk.ca).
get ty I mageS
Stay a step ahead of your health Take a little time and get screened for cancer: • Screening Program for Breast Cancer • Screening Program for Cervical Cancer • Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency operates prevention and early detection programs, provides safe, quality cancer treatment and conducts innovative research. www.saskcancer.ca/earlydetection @SaskCancer REG00260375_1_1
Regina Senior Citizens Centre Senior Week Members and Non-members same price all week. Come one come all.
All Seniors WELCOME
Monday,Sep 25th
Tuesday,Sep 26th
Wednesday,Sep 27th
Thursday,Sep 28th
Friday,Sep 29th
Open House BBQ
Hot dogs & hamburgers,Pork & beans, coffee & dessert.Live music Entertainment by Dennis Ficor From 11am to 12:30pm. Tickets $5.00
Health and Wellness Fair
All day event.See professionals showcasing health-related products and services.There will be free admission and parking. Light lunch at $3.00 / person
2134 Winnipeg St
All day Polka Fest and Lunch
Get ready to kick up your heels.From 10am to 2 pm. Music by:Prairie Ramblers andAI & Company. Tickets $10.00 (Chili & Bun lunch from 11am to 12:30pm included)
2134 Winnipeg ST & 2404 Elphinstone St
Pancake Breakfast @ Winnipeg Centre Free Bingo @ Elphinstone Centre
Music,activities,games,lot of prizes. Pancake breakfast sponsored by: AUTOMOBILITY MEDICAL Entertainment by Regina Heritage Fiddlers from 8:30 to 10:00 Tickets $2.00
2134 Winnipeg St
MembersAppreciation Day Pickleball, Afternoon Dance free Hot Dogs and Strawberry Social ($2)
Pickleball from 9am to 10:30am Hot dog lunch funded by:The Bentley and will be served from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Afternoon Dance from 1pm to 3pm. $4.00 entry.Strawberry Social at 2 pm.
2404 Elphinstone St
2134 Winnipeg St
Regina Senior Citizen Centre
2134 Winnipeg St • 306-525-2154
2404 Elphinstone St • 306-359-3847 REG00260115_1_1