Ontario Helping Seniors Stay Healthy, Active and Connected
Today, MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy was joined by Minister Raymond Cho and MPP Patrice Barnes to announce the annual funding for Seniors Active Living Centres in Pickering and funding for the recipient of the Seniors Community Grant in Durham Region.
These community hubs bring older adults aged 50 and over together and provides opportunities to participate in classes and activities, as well as other resources to support independent, healthy living.
Across Ontario there is a network of almost 300 Seniors Active Living Centre programs supported by the province’s investment of more than $14 million dollars.
Seniors Active Living Centre programs offer a wide variety of activities which can include fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness classes, recreation and social activities, and learning opportunities such as financial management, elder abuse prevention and volunteering.
“Many seniors need help to connect with their community and to stay fit, healthy, and active,’’ said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By investing in the Seniors Active Living Centre here in Pickering, we will be helping more older adults in the community get the programs and services they need to live healthy, independent lives.”
This year, the Seniors Active Living Centres in Pickering are receiving $51,438 at both the George Ashe Public Library and Community Centre and the East Shore Community Centre for a total amount of $102,876 for the community.
“On behalf of all Members of Council, I want to thank and express our sincerest appreciation to the Province for continuing to make critical investments in the lives of seniors,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering. “It is through meaningful partnerships and collaborative efforts such as this that allow us to continue meeting the diverse needs of Pickering’s Adults 55 plus population and ensure that we have the programs, services, and experiences to support an engaged and connected community.”
Ontario is also investing up to $6 million in 2023 in more than 280 Seniors Community Grant projects across the province that help local groups and organizations empower seniors to be active and connected to family and friends in their community – from Tai Chi lessons, lawn bowling and other physical activities, to arts and music appreciation, to virtual speakers’ series, day trips, and so much more.
Locally, the Ontario government has funded Seniors Community Grants in Durham Region, including providing $21,350 to the Durham Tamil Association.
“These investments make a big difference in the lives of Ontario’s older adults here in Ajax and Pickering,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “Staying connected close to home and safely taking part in local life lets our seniors keep active with friends, family and the community.”
This funding will enable the Durham Tamil Association to organize cultural events, workshops, and health and wellness programs that promote social engagement, preserve cultural heritage, and address the unique challenges faced by Tamil seniors.
“This funding will help seniors stay safe, healthy, active, and connected to their families and friends within their communities,” said Rajaratnam Thayanandan, President of the Durham Tamil Association. “It also enables our seniors to continue learning, socializing, and maintaining their well-being. Over 500+ Tamil seniors in Durham are benefiting from this funding thanks to the Government of Ontario.”
“Seniors Community Grants and Seniors Active Living Centres, are keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home, in their communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government is proud to invest in these projects with local organizations to meet the needs of seniors, provide the supports seniors need and deserve that also help to battle social isolation.”
QUICK FACTS
June is Seniors Month a time to celebrate