Celebrate the International Year of Older Persons . . .
Active Living for Older Adults: Don't Sweat It!!!

Every day, more and more Canadians are becoming convinced about the benefits of active living. As we celebrate this year as the Year of the Older Person, it is especially true among older Canadians, who are learning that active living is much more than sweat and spandex - and a lot less! Active living means more choices to be active and requires less time, skill and effort. Brisk walking, gardening, cycling and aqua fitness (exercise in water) and tai chi are just several examples of active living that are enjoyable and easy for older adults who don't want to "sweat it" when it comes to staying active. With proper training and supervision, calisthenics, active games and weight training are also great ways to stay active, but that's not the only reason older Canadians are attracted to active living. Active living minimizes and delays the aging process. Active people can maintain functional abilities and enjoy higher energy levels as though they were years younger. In fact, many experts believe that age-related deterioration in heart functioning, muscular strength and joint flexibility is largely the result of inactivity, not aging itself!

Increased bone strength and a lowered risk of osteoporosis, improved posture and enhanced mobility are other important benefits. What's more, the benefits go beyond the physical to include mental, emotional and social benefits. Active older adults report a more positive self-image, feel happier and are less anxious, stressed or depressed. They sleep better and find it easier to relax. Perhaps the biggest benefit from active living during senior years is an improved quality of life. Being active and having fun with others helps rescue older adults from social isolation which is common among this age group. Active living helps older Canadians to enjoy life to the fullest, make new friends and feel good about themselves.

When it comes to staying healthy and happy, a growing number of older Canadians are saying, "Active Living? No sweat!"

Plan Ahead with
GET WINTERACTIVE!!! -
A Resource by Leaders for Leaders

While we may not be buttoning up our overcoats yet, winter is just around the corner. Winter is a season for living actively in the "great white north". Unfortunately, for some Canadians, that's not the case.

If you're one of many leaders who have been asking what can be done to get inactive Canadians to join in, look no further. GET WINTERACTIVE ! Tips Tools and Cool Ideas can assist you in helping individuals and communities warm-up to active living in the winter. Leaders like you from across Canada submitted "tried and tested" winter activity ideas for carnivals, games, programs and events as well as promotion ideas, camera ready logos and clip art. What's more, GET WINTERACTIVE! includes contact information for resources, people and organizations, as well as reproducible information about cold weather dressing, hypothermia, frostbite and wind-chill!

Winter's coming, so get your toques and mittens out of the cupboard.... and GET WINTERACTIVE off the shelf! If it's not on your shelf, it's available for $11.95 plus 10% for shipping and handling. Phone (613) 748-5734 or email:

How Active is Your Child???

Take the Test

Inactivity among Canadian children has become a serious problem. Do your part to change this by helping your child develop an active way of life.

Children seem pretty active, right? But are they physically active? Too often, we assume they get all the activity they need. Take this quiz to see if physical activity is a regular part of your child's life.

If you answered NO to ANY of these questions, your child may not be enjoying all the benefits of active living. DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Children need at least 30 munites of physical activity every day for good health. According to the Ontario Medical Association, children today are 40 percent less active than they were 30 years ago. The average child watches 26 hours of television a week. That doesn't include time speny on the computer and playing video games.

Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Living

Physical activity is an investment in your health. Make it something you want to do, not something you have to do. Get active your way, every day for life. This is one of the messages given in Canada's Physical Activity Guide, which was officially launched across the country in October. Copies of the guide are available throughout the province from your local Recreation or Health and Community Services offices.

Heart Healthy Recipe

This heart healthy recipe is both delicious and low in fat. Enjoy!

Blueberry Cream Flan

Topping:

In food processor or mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, margarine, egg whites and vanilla; mix well. Press into bottom of 10in. 3/L square cake pan, spring form or flan pan; sprinkle with blueberries. Topping; In bowl, sprinkle flour over yogurt. Add egg, sugar, rind and vanilla; mix until smooth. Pour over berries, bake in 350 degrees F/180 degerees C oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or cold. Makes 12 servings.