A Time For Change Magazine - Working Toward Wellness

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2 WHAT’S INSIDE Word to the Wise 3 Financial Freedom 5 Protect Your Skin 6 Sexual Health 7 Nutrition 8 Personal Health Guide 11 Profile Article 15 Contest Ballot 21 PERSONAL HEALTH GUIDE Pull out this important resource that’s found in the middle of this magazine (p. 11, 12, 13, 14) CHRYSLER CANADA WTW PROGRAM CONTACTS: Ken Lewenza Jr., CAW 519-819-0830 Brian Klott, Chrysler 248-512-2204 Neil MacKenzie, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit 519-258-2146 ext. 3101 By 2026, about one in five Canadians will As we be 65 years age... or older. Th e Canadian population is aging. In 2010, the median age was 39.7 years; that is, half of Canadians are below 39.7 years and half are above this age. Th is fi gure has increased considerably since 1971 when the median age was 26.2 years (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 2012). By 2026, about one in fi ve Canadians will be 65 years or older. An aging population will have a big impact on our society. Th e workforce will see an increase in adults leaving due to retirement, possibly resulting in labour market shortages. Health care will see an increase in the number of adults requiring health services. Aging is linked to many mental, social, emotional, and physical changes. Mentally, as we age, our response time decreases and our memory may decline. Socially, we spend more time alone as our children grow older and move away. Older adults begin to prepare for retirement and fi nancial changes as they leave the workforce, which can be a very emotional experience. Physically, we experience a decline in muscle mass and fl exibility as we age. We also see changes in circulation as our hearts slow down and take longer to pump blood through our system. Additionally, our skin gets thinner and the elasticity decreases, which can result in changes to our physical appearance. As our age increases, so does our risk of chronic disease. More than four out of fi ve seniors living at home suff er from chronic health conditions (PHAC, 2009). Th e most common conditions reported included arthritis, high blood pressure, allergies, back problems, heart disease, cataracts, and diabetes (PHAC). While we can’t stop the aging process, we can adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours to help minimize or delay changes associated with aging. <strong>For</strong> example, healthy eating and physical activity are two very important lifestyle behaviours to put into practice to reduce the eff ects of aging and to reduce the risk of chronic disease and injury. Growing older can be stressful for some adults as it’s oft en a time of change and transition. However, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. By taking action now, we can minimize the mental, social, emotional, and physical changes we will face down the road. Aging adults can live longer, healthier lives by staying socially connected and by leading a healthy lifestyle (PHAC, 2009). Key References Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. (2012). Canadians in context-aging population. Retrieved from http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/.3ndic.1t.4r@-eng.jsp?iid=33 Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). Canada’s aging population. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ seniors-aines/publications/public/various-varies/papier-fed-paper/index-eng.php
WORD TO THE WISE Growing older is a normal process of life. Aging brings about many changes that can positively or negatively affect your mental health. Positive changes may include retirement, spending time with grandchildren, the opportunity to travel, and more time to do the things you enjoy. Other aspects of aging could be negative. In fact, many seniors may experience physical challenges, loneliness, social isolation, depression, or loss of independence. Planning and coping positively with these changes is the key to happy, fulfilling, and successful aging. COPING WITH PHYSICAL CHANGES As we grow older, our bodies change. We may feel tired more easily, experience reduced vision or hearing, or become ill more often. We must prepare for, and effectively cope with, these changes to maintain good physical and mental health. Here are some tips to help you achieve just that: • Lead a healthy lifestyle now and into the future. Be physically active, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol, and don’t smoke. • Visit your health care provider annually. They can help you prepare for physical changes that require medical attention. Also, remember to participate in all recommended health screenings for your age and gender. • Accept and embrace the changes that may occur to your body. Realizing that change is a natural part of aging will help you handle these changes positively. <strong>For</strong> example, you may still be able to do the activities you enjoy, but you might have to slow down or do them less often. • Engage in new activities that are within your physical capabilities. You might be surprised at how much these new activities and hobbies make you happy. Key References Bassett, R., Bourbonnais, V., & McDowell, I. (2007). Living long and keeping well: Elderly Canadians account for success in aging. Canadian Journal on Aging, 26(2), 113-126. doi: 10.3138/cja.26.2.113 Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Aging and mental health. Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=2-74 COPING WITH SOCIAL CHANGES As we age, our social networks change as well. Children become more involved in their own social networks, they move out of the house, and we start to lose loved ones. Here are some suggestions to help prepare for social change: • Develop strong relationships with your family and friends. Speak to them often and engage in social activities regularly. • Spend time with your grandchildren. They can fill up your time and help you feel needed, appreciated, and loved. • Be active and meet new people. Take on new hobbies and volunteer, before and during retirement. • Take on a new adventure by travelling. Are there places you’ve always wanted to explore? This is a great time to share new experiences with a family member or lifelong friend. Dealing with all of these adjustments can be challenging, but the good news is, growing older can be satisfying with new opportunities, activities, and adventures. 3
Page 1: Improving the Health and Well-Being
Page 5 and 6: Among Canadians over 55 years, two-
Page 7 and 8: HORIZONTALMambo There’s a percept
Page 9 and 10: 28 Eating the right amount of nutri
Page 11 and 12: Fall 2012 SMART STEPS TO LIVE LONGE
Page 13 and 14: WHAT screenings do adults need? The
Page 15 and 16: James Mc Cann WORKING TOWARD WELLNE
Page 17 and 18: National Parts Distribution Centre
Page 19 and 20: Windsor Assembly Plant Keep Healthy
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Page 23 and 24: Are you a Chrysler employee or fami

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