It's not about adding years to your life, it's about adding life to your years

Older adults have been in the headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic because they are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus, especially if they are living with chronic conditions. What has not been in the news, and deserves more recognition, is the vital and essential work that community organizations have been doing in supporting seniors throughout the pandemic. In addition to outreach calls, delivery care packages, helping with digital literacy, and transforming their programming from in person to virtual, older adults have repeatedly expressed that these organizations have become their their lifeline. Rather than feeling powerless to aging, these organizations offer health promotion programming that focus on daily lifestyle choices that may not only add years to their lives, but vibrant, healthy and functional life to the years they live.

Lifespan vs health span

Modern medicine and technology have increased life expectancy (has more than doubled in the past 100 years globally). When we think of lifespan, or the average number of years a person will live, we sometimes forget to consider HOW they will live those years. Healthspan, on the other hand, is the number of healthy years a person lives without serious disease. This, many believe, is more important because it directly relates to quality of life. If a person lives to 95, for how many of those years are they healthy, functional, autonomous, and living to their optimal level of wellness and quality of life?

*Source: https://exercisefitnessandhealth.info/*

English-Speaking Seniors in Quebec: Senior Wellness Centres

In Quebec, English-speaking seniors are part of a language minority group. Historically, they have had limited access to health and social services, especially those adapted to their language. French language day programs exist, however, it is only available for frail elders, with a loss of autonomy. In order to address this gap, CASA, a community organization in the Gaspesie region, met with community leaders, and health and social service partners and the idea of a Senior Wellness Centre was born. Over several years, CASA went from its first wellness centre to 9 centres spread along the Gaspe coast. Soon other community organizations in the CHSSN’s Networking and Partnership Initiative started to implement Senior Wellness Centres throughout the province, growing to a total of 43 centres. In 2020, the CHSSN secured $2.7 million dollar 3-year funding from the SQREA, in order to sustain the existing centres and open 32 new sites, in order to ensure 75 Senior Wellness Centre Sites exist across the province by 2023.

More important than the impressive number of sites, is the impact that these sites will have for thousands of English-speaking seniors in maintaining their healthspan – reducing social isolation, improving access to health and social services, and improving autonomy and health outcomes.

Prevention: Health Education and Health Promotion

Senior Wellness Centres are based on prevention. They offer health education and health promotion activities. Here are some holistic health promotion tips to improve our lifestyle and explain how Moving, Learning, Creating, Connecting and Recharging can extend our health span!

Physical Activity (MOVE)

Research shows a strong link between physical activity and health. It also helps you to feel better, increase your energy, sleep better, improve your strength and balance, and prevent falls. The latest data from Participaction suggest doing 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week (in bouts of 10 minutes or more) and to do strength exercises two days a week. That said, any movement is better than none. Consider starting an extremely low-pressure home physical activity routine using ways that you enjoy moving your body. Every minute and every step counts. Listen to your body and do what feels good. Even better if you can make it social – go for regular walks with a friend or neighbour, connect with friends on zoom to exercise, or create a challenge and check in with each other for accountability. Moving your body can include traditional exercise like aerobics, dance, and weights (there are many free and fun videos online!) or things as simple as parking farther away than necessary and walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or carrying your groceries.

Cognitive Stimulation (LEARN)

Just as your body needs physical activity, your brain needs cognitive activity. Stimulate your mind with cognitively challenging activities. This could include reading, taking an online course and learning something new (a new topic, an instrument, a language, etc), taking a different route when driving, doing things with your non-dominant hand, memorizing phone numbers, and doing crosswords, sudoko, trivia or any other brain game.

Creative Expression (CREATE)

As adults, we often limit our creativity, despite it being one of the most fulfilling ways there is to express ourselves. When we allow ourselves to be creative, we allow our feelings and experiences to flow from us into something else. We can use what we create to reflect on who we are as individuals and what is important to us. Creativity can be explored through a variety of artistic disciplines including music, art, dance, drama, writing and journaling, and cooking. All of these activities engage us in a holistic process of physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being, and can be done informally. You don’t need to take a class or be skilled. Turn on some music and sing along or dance, write in your journal for 10 minutes, doodle, cook your favourite recipe. Remember, as with all of these health promoting activities, it’s not about the result, but about the process and the positive feelings and a sense of accomplishment.

Social Connection (CONNECT)

Apparently loneliness and social isolation can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day for older adults. Social activity and social connection and social support linked to health and happiness. While you may not be able to interact with our friends and family in the regular ways this winter, consider more regular calls on the phone and on Zoom. Social media is often given a bad rap, but if used meaningfully can be a great way to stay connected with people. It is important to feel a sense of belonging and a sense of contributing to one’s community. Check in with your neighbour. As for help when you need it and offer your help. Find an organization that is looking for volunteers and support someone who is in a difficult situation. Connection doesn’t always have to be with other people. You can also choose to spend time with your pet, in nature, and simply (maybe most importantly) connect with yourself and know yourself as a loving, connected, vibrant, impactful, empowered energetic being.

Stress Management (RECHARGE)

Chronic stress puts your health at risk. It wreaks havoc on your mind and body as is the biggest risk factor for most chronic disease. Stress management is a practice that everyone should take seriously and grow because it can help you to be happier, healthier and more productive. It gives you the resilience to meet challenges head on. That said, it is not one-size –fits-all process. What works for everyone is different. Common activities include mindfulness and meditation, eating nourishing food, and breathing experiences. It can also include setting intentions, creating a gratitude list, slowing down, practicing forgiveness and setting boundaries. There are many free apps, journaling prompts, and ideas online.

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