megram - Index

megram - 55JulOttawa - Index

Editor’s Letter- Patricia den Boer
PHOTO: LORRAINE BRAND
MAKE-UP: CHERYL A. CROSS
Fine Balance
Time does have a sneaky way of creeping up on us, especially when it comes to our bodies.This year
I started to feel the effects of sitting too long at my desk and not getting out enough for physical activity.I
was sluggish,cranky and had little interest in anything but work.I began to think of ways of how
I could incorporate more activity into my daily routine. So, I decided to try resistance training.
Fitness clubs are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days — not at all like it was years ago. So, it was
interesting to see who worked out at various times of the day. I planned an early-morning routine, thinking
it would prevent me from making excuses from attending after my work day.
Fully expecting to experience the sounds of grunting and loud music,I was pleasantly surprised to find
a quiet atmosphere where the treadmills were buzzing away in the background and many patrons walked
around with their own iPods.The biggest surprise to me was that 50 percent of the gym was occupied by
men and women over the age of 50.
Whether they are rehabilitating an injury or chronic condition, or just doing repetitive lifting of
weights, these older adults are taking their health and long-term wellness seriously. It’s really not a surprise
that they are doing this.The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reports that 58 per cent of
serious injuries in people 65 and older are caused by falls. Car accidents account for 31 per cent. Still other
studies indicate that 57 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men who die of injuries receive the damage
in a fall. Much of the data shows that 40 per cent of nursing home admissions can be traced to a fall of one
kind or other.
Our loss of balance as we age becomes more serious.Research shows that changes in our brain,diminished
vision, inner ear problems and weakening of our leg muscles all contribute to loss of control of our
bodies.If we don’t start thinking about this as we age,it can have serious implications as we hit our 60s and
70s.Some studies put the cost of fall-related injuries in older adults in Canada higher than $300 million annually.
By putting the effort into ongoing physical activity we can significantly prevent any injury that will
reduce our quality of life when we’re much older.
Physical activity does not have to be strenuous.Walking, doing household chores, playing recreational
golf,aquafit workouts or simple gardening are all good for your balance and flexibility.Check out your city’s
recreational guide for very inexpensive options for fitness activity programs.
This issue couldn’t be more encouraging of overall health and wellness. Our cover profile of Ottawa
kite maker Eric Brackenbury is an inspiration to all of us who are struggling with what to do in retirement.
His passion for art in kite-making is just one way he demonstrates his overall passion for life.
If you love gardening we have the perfect issue for you.We have the dirt on how to enjoy the best in
beauty and health right in our backyard.August is wild blueberry month.Selecting colourful,naturally nutrient-dense
foods like blueberries — which are packed with proactive natural compounds featuring anti-oxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects — are important in designing a diet for optimal health and wellness.
As always, we want to hear from readers about what we provide in the magazine.Without your ongoing
feedback we wouldn’t be able to grow the magazine as we have in recent years.
Have an active, safe and delightful summer!
July/August 2008 • 8 • Fifty-Five Plus Magazine
editor@coylepublishing.com