Here’s How the Ontario Government is Supporting Seniors and Caregivers

Published June 7, 2019 at 7:35 pm

Many seniors face challenges when it comes to accessing programs and services that support their safety, mental and physical health, and overall well-being.

Many seniors face challenges when it comes to accessing programs and services that support their safety, mental and physical health, and overall well-being.

Yet many seniors want to remain active in age-friendly communities that are open to their full participation. And many want to live independently, at home for as long as they can, working, volunteering, learning, shopping or travelling.

With that being said, the Ontario government is taking steps to support seniors and help them achieve this.

The Ontario government is holding consultations to hear from seniors, caregivers and organizations on how the province can best support its aging population.

During Seniors Month (June), the government will be holding targeted consultation sessions at Seniors Active Living Centres across Ontario. The consultations will run for six weeks.

These consultations kicked off on June 7.

“Supporting our seniors is about investing in our own futures – everyone should be able to age strong, in an Ontario that is open to all,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, in a statement.

Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in our province. Current estimates predict that the senior’s population will grow to over three million by 2023 – that is about 400,000 more seniors than today.

This change in Ontario’s demographics will mean new fundamental challenges for the province.

To ensure that Ontarians across the province have an opportunity to participate, an online survey has also been launched. Feedback from the consultations and online survey will help form a strategy to help seniors:

* Age at home and in communities;
* Remain healthy, active and socially engaged;
* Stay safe and secure, and
* Participate in the labour market and economy.

The government expects to announce the government-wide seniors’ strategy in the fall.

“We are moving forward with our commitment to develop a cross-government strategy to do what’s right for Ontario’s aging population, while growing jobs and the economy. We want to hear from seniors, the people who care for them, and the organizations who support them,” said Cho.

Click here for more info on the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

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