Issue: May 2004
Topic: Physical Activity and Older Adults
Background
Each June, communities across the province pay tribute to seniors by observing Seniors' Month. It is estimated that 60% of older Canadians are "inactive." These inactive older adults are unable to realize the health benefits of active living. The benefits of physical activity for the older adult are well known, but we still sometimes struggle in engaging this age group in regular, meaningful activity.
With warm but not too hot weather, June is a perfect time and opportunity to promote physical activity amongst our senior population. Here are a few resources to give you information and ideas to promote physical activity to older adults:
Resources
Health Canada's Physical Activity Guide for the Older Adult is a great place to start when promoting physical activity to adults 55+. This excellent resource includes tips on how seniors can be more active every day and can be ordered on line free of charge.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/paguide/older/index.html
Another wonderful resource from Health Canada is the publication, "Communicating with Seniors". It offers advice, techniques and tips when preparing health promotion campaigns targeted towards the aging population. It can be downloaded from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/communicating/formulate_e.htm#pri
The Centre for Disease Control lists numerous articles, fact sheets, programs and information on the older adult and all the benefits older adults can reap by being more active.
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/health_professionals/index.htm#Older
There is no shortage of information from the Centre for Active Living in Alberta on older adults and physical activity.
http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/Education/OlderAdults/Resources.html
The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults
The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) strives to promote a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.
ALCOA, in partnership with its member organizations, encourages older Canadians to maintain and enhance their well-being and independence through a lifestyle that embraces physical activity and active living.
http://www.alcoa.ca/e/index.htm
The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
The mission statement of the CCAA is: To develop, encourage and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for Canadian adults that will enhance the dignity
of the aging process.
The Centre offers training, research and community based programs. They are internationally recognized as leaders in the area of physical activity and aging.
http://www.uwo.ca/actage/index2.htm
Conference specifically targeted toward the aging population
The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging is hosting the 6th World congress on Physical Activity and Aging. It is taking place in London Ontario from August 3rd - 7th. The conference itinerary can be located at:
http://www.uwo.ca/actage/index2.htm
Content is provided as an information-sharing service and inclusion does not represent endorsement by PARC, Ophea or their funders.
Funded by the Government of Ontario.
