Stay connected to maintain your good health


n our seniors information line, we have re- ceived calls from concerned neighbours, fam- ily or friends who are worried about someone who isn’t getting out and about anymore and they want to know how to help. Staying socially connected and participating in society are both part of healthy aging and healthy com- munities. Generally, peo- ple with a wide range of social ties enjoy increased physical, emotional and mental well-being. Un- fortunately, some seniors may be at risk of social isolation, which can lead to depression, poor nu- trition, decreased immu- nity, anxiety and fatigue. Social isolation or feel- ing lonely can be man- aged in many different


O


Hon. Jim Rondeau Minister’s Message


ways. For example, reaching out to others and main- taining existing relationships can have a positive effect on health and well-being. If you know someone who is isolated,


I encourage you to reach out to them. Con- nect them to people and programs at community and senior centres. This could lead to a higher quality of life, increased life satisfaction and better mental and physical well-being. I would like to highlight a unique initiative that was spearheaded by a small community in Manitoba, but one that had a far-reaching impact. This initiative is Let No One Be Alone week. The first Let No One Be Alone week was held in 2012 and it engaged more than 50 community groups and associations from across Manitoba. During Let No One Be Alone week, participants were encouraged to contact someone who lives alone — whether it was a phone call, taking a meal to some- one or inviting someone out for lunch. I am pleased to share that this year Let No One Be Alone week will take place from May 5 to 11. The week is not about grand events or gestures. It is about connecting with people and raising awareness about social isolation. Join us from May 5 to 11 by reaching out to someone in your community.


Staying connected to the community is also impor- tant. Older people who are socially connected are more likely to eat well and be physically active. Consider joining a social, hobby or sports group, or becoming a member of your local community club or senior cen- tre. Joining clubs is a great way to feel connected and meet others. Volunteer opportunities and skill build- ing courses are other good options.


There may be a Steppin’ Up or Steppin’ Out With Confidence fitness program near you. Steppin’ Up is a group exercise class and Steppin’ Out is a walking class. Both programs are for seniors and are led by se- nior instructors. These classes are an excellent way to meet people and get fit. Both programs are co-ordinat- ed by the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults in Manitoba. To learn more or volunteer to be a leader, call the seniors information line. If you have grandchildren, or there are young chil- dren in your neighbourhood, why not take them to the park, get on the swings and go down the slide? You could go swimming or ride bikes together. Try a nature walk to observe the flowers blooming and the trees in bud, or play hopscotch on the patio. Age-Friendly Manitoba Initiative recognizes the im- portance of social participation and inclusion. That is why we are working with seniors organizations and communities to ensure social and physical activities are in place to meet the needs of seniors.


On June 15, we recognize the seventh World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Manitoba. This day is an op- portunity to increase awareness that abuse, including neglect, hurts at all ages. I invite you to view the Mani- toba World Elder Abuse Awareness Day website re- cently launched by the Manitoba Network for the Pre- vention of Elder Abuse, at www.weaadmanitoba.ca. For more information about AFMI, senior centres,


social isolation, Let No One Be Alone or any other programs, please call the seniors information line at 204-945-6565 in Winnipeg; toll free 1-800-665- 6565; or visit www.gov.mb.ca/shas.


Hon. Jim Rondeau is Mminister of Healthy Living, Se- niors and Consumer Affairs.


MAY 2013 www.lifestyles55.net 19


TripsWithPets.com brings its services to Canada T


ripsWithPets, headquartered in Wake For- est, North Carolina, has announced its ex- pansion into Canada with its offering of help to travellers looking for pet-friendly accommoda- tion. The firm says its TripsWithPets.com website now features over 12,000 pet friendly hotels, mo- tels, bed and breakfasts, inns and vacation rentals in this country, as well as accommodation listings for the United States. The website contains a range of helpful features, a


fresh look and intuitive navigation to easily find the information needed to plan a pet-friendly trip. A popular Search by Route website feature allows travelers to locate pet-friendly lodging along their travel route. The future traveller enters the names of the departure and destination cities and a list of all the pet friendly hotels and other pet friendly properties within a three- or five-mile radius of the route are displayed, as well as printable directions. Other site features named include the opportu- nity to: search for pet friendly properties by hotel chain, with a complete overview of all pet friendly properties on the site, including descriptions, pet policies and amenities, maps, and photos; leave a review about a property or a product from the TripsWithPets store so other site visitors can make more informed decisions before booking a stay or making a purchase.


"Can we stop at that dog-friendly beach?" Another popular website feature sets out airline


pet policies, including information about each air- line's regulations, as well as a direct link with the airline’s pet information pages, car rental pet poli- cies, dog friendly beaches and pet travel tips. Tripe With Pets operates an online store where travelers can shop for accessories used in travel. “We have always strived to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels,” prom- ises Kim Salerno, president and CEO of Trips with Pets, Inc. TripsWithPets.com has been named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports.


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