Vi Oko | Member , Governance Committee , ARTA

Sixty-three ARTA members representing all eighteen branches gathered for a retreat in Jasper National Park in late May of this year . Board members , committee members , and branch representatives heard from guest speakers , were updated by ARTA staff , and engaged in wellness activities to be refreshed , rejuvenated , and inspired to advance the work of ARTA at the provincial as well as branch level .

Phil Callaway , an award-winning author and comedian , opened the retreat with a presentation on his five secrets to sanity , success , and significance . He encouraged participants to laugh often and live life to the fullest .

Next to address the group was Dr . Bill Gibson , an assistant professor of geriatric medicine and a geriatrician at the University of Alberta Hospital . According to Dr . Gibson , there are four pillars of healthy aging : exercise , cognition , social engagement , and nutrition .

● Exercise : Although the level of physical activity reduces with age , getting fit , even in middle age or later in life , is still advantageous to one ’ s health . He recommended resistance exercise and cautioned that weight has less impact on health than comorbidities ( diabetes , hypertension , smoking ).

● Cognition : Cognitive decline and underlying brain dysfunction are generally age related . Cognitive changes are the result of slowed processing speed . Concept formation , abstraction , and mental flexibility also decline with age , especially after age 70 .

● Social Engagement : Married people tend to fare better in recall and recognition than singles as they age . Social isolation impacts cognitive and physical health ; loneliness is the best predictor of mental health . The type of social engagement is inconsequential .

● Nutrition : Gibson spoke of the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet , which was further expanded upon by the next speaker .

Liz Pearson , a registered dietitian , promoted a diverse , plant-rich and fibre-rich diet to optimize brain health , gut health , and mental health . She suggested eating at least thirty different plant foods each week , including whole grains , colourful fruits and vegetables , beans , fermented foods , nuts , and seeds . She also recommended a few squares of dark chocolate daily , two or three servings of high-fat fish weekly , extra virgin olive oil for cooking and in salads , and to drink six to eight cups of fluids daily . She advised that ultra-processed foods , foods high in sugar , refined grains , and saturated fats , and processed meats and alcohol should be avoided when possible .

Theresa Westhaver , the last presenter at the retreat , is an Indigenous liaison with Parks Canada , a small business owner , and co-founder of a nonprofit education program . As she referenced the various milestones in her life , she reminded everyone in the audience that who their ancestors were and where they originated were instrumental in determining who they are . Theresa encouraged the retirees present to share their life experiences with young people .

The retreat left attendees feeling refreshed and inspired , with plenty of new knowledge to bring into the important work that ARTA does .

12 | arta . net WELL-AGED