Health News For South West


Thursday, June 25, 2015

Ontario Connecting More Seniors with Their Communities

Ontario is helping more seniors stay engaged with their communities by doubling the investment in the Seniors Community Grant Program from $1 million to $2 million.
Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement today at the Finnish Canadian Seniors Centre. Ontario celebrates Seniors' Month in June to recognize the many contributions of seniors. This year's Seniors' Month theme is Vibrant Seniors, Vibrant Communities.

The 2015 Seniors Community Grant Program will provide funding to 367 not-for-profit community projects that foster volunteerism, social inclusion and community engagement for seniors. This investment will help over 73,000 seniors across the province stay active with computer and financial literacy programs, healthy eating and exercise, and local cultural appreciation events. The funding is part of Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors.

This increase in funding is a reflection of the program's success. In 2014, over 43,000 seniors were supported by 179 projects funded through the Seniors Community Grant Program.

Providing support and opportunity for seniors is part of the government's four-part plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
 
Quick Facts:

  • June marks the 31st annual Seniors’ Month in Ontario.
  • Reduced social contact, or social isolation, has been associated with a lower quality of life for seniors and can also lead to poor health and depression. 
  • As of 2015, for the first time, people over the age of 65 accounted for a larger share of the population in Ontario than children under the age of 15.
 
Additional Resources:

 
Quotes:

"Vibrant communities need vibrant seniors — so, as our society ages, we must find ways for our seniors to learn, teach and make a tangible contribution to their communities. Through the Seniors Community Grant Program, we are giving our seniors the opportunity to participate in the daily life of our province in a meaningful way."

— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

"Seniors want to be active and participate in their communities, but many do not know how to get involved. Our government is committed to sustaining healthy, active and engaged older adults and we know supporting more projects through this program means we will be helping more seniors live their best life."

— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs

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