“Information on available community-based facilities and programs at little or no cost needs to be more accessible,” said Anne Lyddiatt, arthritis advocate and member of Patient Partners in Arthritis. “Canadians with arthritis need to know how important physical activity is for living a healthy, more active and less painful lifestyle and that there are programs designed for any stage of the disease.” “Canada’s 11 million Zoomers are healthier than generations before and are more concerned about their health than ever,” said Holly Vengroff, Director of External Relations, CARP. “The results of this survey confirm the barriers that need to be overcome for them to maintain their health as they age.”
The task force is calling on all Canadians to take up a five-step plan to healthy and active aging. 1. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day. Try to do 10 minutes of activity three times a day. When you see how easy it is, you can gradually add more. 2. Use existing – and often free – resources. Research your community facilities and programs to see what’s available. 3. Find simple things to do that fit your life. Some examples: o walk to work, at lunch or after dinner; o get off the bus or subway one stop earlier and walk the last distance; o walk on the spot during TV commercials; o park further from the mall doors; o do an extra lap around the perimeter of the grocery store while shopping; o lift soup cans or bottles of water when walking outside or “on the spot”; o use rubber tubing for resistance exercises. Different colours indicate different resistance levels so be sure you have the one suitable for your fitness level; o check out the library and/or video store for exercise videos – try before you buy to find one that you like and are able to do; o do chair exercises while you’re sitting at work or in front of the TV. 4. Find an activity buddy. It’s always easier to stay motivated with someone else. 5. Proactively manage aches and pains – they’re not a “normal part of aging.” Work with your doctor and healthcare professionals to help manage your pain so you can stay active. About the Report Survey scope and campaign objectives were developed by a task force including the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA), CARP and Patient Partners in Arthritis, and were supported through an unrestricted education grant from Pfizer Canada Inc. Leger Marketing conducted this study via 2,161 online surveys. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/-2.1%, 19 times out of 20.
Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA)
ALCOA, a partnership of organizations and individuals having interest in the field of aging, encourages older Canadians to maintain and enhance their well-being and independence through a lifestyle that embraces daily physical activities. The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) envisions a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles thereby contributing to their physical and overall well-being. For more information visit www.alcoa.ca
