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Take a Social Adventure, It’s Good for You

March 18, 2022

The pandemic is still with us, but restrictions are starting to be lifted across Canada. This week’s article reinforces the importance of social connection. If you are not able to safely meet with friends and family inside, perhaps consider an outdoor activity together.

By: John Griffin, MSc

We all know that exercise makes us feel better. But the real joy we feel from physical activity may come from more than just being active. There is the positive feeling that comes when a person shares an active event with a friend or group — a ‘social adventure’.

When we ski, golf, hike, bowl, swim – whatever — with someone else, we create new stories of shared experiences. That’s important at any stage of life, but to feel renewed as an older adult is extremely refreshing.

A social adventure may involve a change of place or climate – the adventure of a discovery shared with a friend. Or, it might just be a regular game of doubles for coffee when all is done. If you can plan four or so of these social events each month, it adds even more benefits to an active lifestyle.

Lifestyle has a dramatic impact on the aging process. Regular exercise in later years can mean a healthier, more independent and satisfying life. Adding a social aspect to your active living plan brings even more to successful aging!

Take-a-Social-Adventure-it-s-Good-for-You

About the author:
John C. Griffin, MSc, is a professor in the Fitness and Health Promotion Program at George Brown College in Toronto, as well as a consultant, speaker, coach, and writer. This article is adapted with permission fromBoost lifestyle activities to support clients in aging well,” in The Journal on Active Aging, March/April 2013: https://www.icaa.cc/.

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Healthy living – positive aging

March 11, 2022

The pandemic is still with us, but restrictions are starting to be lifted across Canada. This week’s article reinforces the importance of social connection. If you are not able to safely meet with friends and family inside, perhaps consider an outdoor activity together.

Research shows that healthier aging is possible when you:

  • Are socially active
  • Take care of your mental health
  • Continue to learn new things
  • Are physically active
  • Change the way you think about aging

Call a friend – it’s good for you!

Your mother may have told you an apple a day would keep the doctor away. Did you know that enjoying a card game or a chat over a cup of tea can have the same effect? Social activity is an important part of your overall health and well-being.

Being social improves your brain performance, including your memory. That lowers your risk of developing dementia.

Spending time with people improves your mood and actually lowers your risk of depression.

So take the time to connect with your community! Include social activities such as bowling, visiting a community centre or just calling a friend as part of your plan for healthy living and positive aging.

How you have fun may be different as you age but it is still possible and it’s good for you.

Healthy living – positive aging

You are what you think

You have been many things in your life – a parent, a spouse, an athlete, an employee, an artist, a friend, a volunteer. And you know what? You’re not done yet! You’re never too old to:

  • Tell your story
  • Join Facebook
  • Dance
  • Learn
  • Plan for the future

Having a positive attitude is a key part of healthy living. Your thinking patterns play a big role in how you manage changes throughout your life. Friends, family, and health care professionals can help by challenging the way we think about aging and what is possible.

Reprinted with permission from the Fountain of Health, a public health initiative in Nova Scotia. To learn more,

visit https://www.fountainofhealth.ca/

Join them on
https://www.facebook.com/fountainofhealthNS/

Contact them at info@fountainofhealth.ca.

Click Here for print PDF file – Mental Health – Healthy living – positive aging