Targeting Isolation asked Connie Newman, Executive Director and Consultant, Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC), about what MASC does and what information she has to share about how older adults can get involved within their communities. Here is what she had to say...
Senior Communities are places where older adults can come together for services and activities that supports their independence and encourages their involvement in and with the community.
TIMA: Please introduce yourself and tell me about your organization and your role within the organization.
Connie Newman, MASC: I am Connie Newman, Executive Director/Consultant with the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities. In my role, I am the lead consultant for MASC’s three lines of business:
1) Connecting with our member groups throughout Manitoba (as of June 2023 – 71 member groups) providing support and program ideas and networking.
2) Providing leadership to 90+ municipalities throughout Manitoba on the Age Friendly pathways through an Age Friendly newsletter, community development, and connecting all older adult providers within each RM and region.
3) Initiating Social Prescribing in Manitoba, which involves connecting Family Physicians with Senior Resource Coordinators and the support at the community level that coordinators are able to provide to the older adult.
MASC is a connector, and advocate for older adults in Manitoba and in Canada.
TIMA: If someone were to chat with you over a coffee, what would you want them to know about MASC?
Connie Newman, MASC: MASC is a connector, and advocate for older adults in Manitoba and in Canada. MASC is well connected to several National groups. MASC is the provincial focal point to facilitate communication, networking and planning among senior communities. Senior Communities are places where older adults can come together for services and activities that supports their independence and encourages their involvement in and with the community.
TIMA: What do you believe are the unique contributions of Senior Communities in Winnipeg/Manitoba?
Connie Newman, MASC: Older adult groups throughout Manitoba provide a place for individuals to connect and be socially involved close to home. Through this connection with the community older adults learn, play, and stay active. Social connection is a determinant of one’s own health. We must all get connected and stay connected.
TIMA: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Connie Newman, MASC: We must all work together – it takes an entire village, community to take care of each other.
For more information on MASC visit: www.manitobaseniorcommunities.ca