Events for local seniors

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/11/2019 (2469 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While we had an early taste, winter is officially on its way.

For the senior population, keeping up with social and physical activities during the cold months can be a challenge. The reality is connecting with others and being active can make a difference in maintaining health and well-being. It’s well worth the effort to find ways to stay busy and engaged during the snowy season.

A significant amount of my career has been spent working in the health care field. My university studies also focused on aging including looking at the impact of physical activity and social engagement. Most recently I worked in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority home care program which has a majority of seniors among its clientele. I have seen how impactful programs for seniors can be when it comes to maintaining wellness.

We are fortunate to have some incredible programs making a difference in the lives of our local seniors right here in our neighbourhoods.

Initiatives such as Southdale Seniors, Archwood 55 Plus and the High Steppers Seniors Club (to name a few) offer up a chance to do activities, go on outings and see musical performances.

Over the next few months, seniors in the neighbourhood can take advantage of organized events such as bus tours, luncheons, entertainment and more. Cost is minimal and the activities are constantly changing. From casual, drop-in afternoons to planned outings, there are many options when it comes to time commitment.

Recently I visited with participants at Southdale Seniors and people were busy playing canasta. Canasta is a very versatile and fun card game that can be played with four players who split into two teams. Participants were happy to teach a novice like me the game while chatting and having fun with others in an easygoing atmosphere.

I encourage interested seniors to check out one of these or other available programs, particularly during these upcoming winter months. The health benefits from staying engaged and active are a great gain.

Check with your local community centre if you are interested in one of these groups. Southdale Community Centre, Winakwa Community Centre and Archwood Community Centre are great places to start.

For those of you not always able to get out, there are programs such as Seniors Centre Without Walls from Age and Opportunity Support Services. Seniors call in from the comfort of their homes and partake is several presentations and discussions every month. Call 204-956-6440 if you want to learn more about Seniors Centre Without Walls.