Public Health Departments across the GTA urge seniors to be more active

Public Health departments across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are marking October 1, the International Day of the Older Person, with the launch of the Get Active awareness campaign designed to remind older adults to get up and get moving. Public Health departments in the Regions of Halton, Peel, York, and Durham along with the City of Toronto, are participating in a variety of initiatives that encourage seniors to incorporate more activity into their daily routine.

“Older adults who keep active are less likely to be limited by injuries or disease and are better able to stay independent,” says Dr. Bob Nosal, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “Daily activity can assist with the balance, strength and flexibility needed to stay healthy. We also know that exercise improves sleep, increases energy, reduces stress and helps us feel better.”

“Research shows us that it is never too late to be active or to benefit from being active,” says Shirley MacKay, Halton Region Public Health Nurse and a member of the GTA Get Active coalition. “Slowly adding 10-minute periods of activity at a time is a safe way to total up the 30 to 60 minutes a day needed to protect and improve health. Walking, gardening, dancing, Tai Chi, and swimming are all great options for being active while doing something enjoyable. Encourage a friend to join you.”

As part of the Get Active campaign, free posters and brochures are available from health departments across the GTA to promote the message: Make a Splash! Be active. Keep your independence. Help prevent injuries.

To order printed materials, or find out about activities available in your community, call 311 or visit the Halton Region website at www.halton.ca.

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