The following free workshop is being hosting by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) and ProMOTION Plus and will take place next Friday )13th in Victoria:

Date: Friday, March 13, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm (free lunch provided)
Location: Michele Pujol Room, Student Union Building, University of Victoria (campus parking map attached)

About the Event
This workshop will present findings from a three-year national project (2005 to 2008) focused on increasing physical activity and sport opportunities for women 55-70. The project has been coordinated by CAAWS with assistance from its national partners: Canadian Nurses Association, Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, Victorian Order of Nurses Canada, Osteoporosis Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

It is our hope that the information will be read, used and acted upon by key stakeholders like you to develop initiatives, policies and strategies that will engage as many women 55-70 as possible in physical activity and sport.

Why Focus on Physical Activity for Women 55-70?
Although the importance of increasing physical activity for older adults is well understood, focusing on younger seniors and their unique needs is a relatively new concept that needs attention. The 55-70 age group will be the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population over the next 25 years and by understanding, developing and adapting programs and services now, physical activity and sport providers will be prepared to handle the increased demand in the coming years.

Looking at these issues from a woman’s perspective is a critical first step. Women 55-70 realize that they need to invest in their health now to stay healthy as they age. However reaching these women can be difficult, and current physical activity and sports programming could do more to attract and keep these women involved. The information presented during this workshop will help shed light on the issues and provide concrete direction to move forward.

Workshop Highlights:
• First-hand accounts from women 55-70 about their physical activity and sport experiences, issues and opportunities;
• An overview of the main challenges and solutions that came forward from a series of 38 cross-Canada focus groups with community stakeholders, active and less active women 55-70;
• Concrete Canadian statistical evidence that makes the case for investing time, money and human resources into physical activity and sport programs and services for women 55-70;
• Hands-on tools that you and your staff can use to get and keep women 55-70 physically active; and
• Specific information about what local coordinating agencies are doing to increase physical activity and sport for women 55-70 and how you can coordinate your efforts

How to Participate:
To confirm your participation please contact Joan Wharf Higgins – jwharfhi@uvic.ca; 250-721-8377
NO LATER than March 6th. This is a NO COST workshop, with the exception of pay parking.