Ontario’s Government for the People Consulting with Seniors and Caregivers on Aging Strong in Ontario
Feedback to support a new government-wide Seniors Strategy in Uxbridge
Uxbridge — On Saturday June 6th, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering—Uxbridge, Peter Bethlenfalvy, held roundtable discussions with community members, seniors, and caregivers. Participants discussed the province’s Seniors Strategy and ways to ensure communities remain open and accessible to the people of Ontario regardless of age or ability.
MPP Bethlenfalvy heard from residents that seniors want to remain active in age-friendly communities that are open to their full participation. Most want to live independently, at home for as long as they can, working, volunteering, learning, shopping or travelling. Yet many seniors face challenges accessing programs and services that support their safety, mental and physical health, and overall well-being.
Ontario’s government is working for the people by holding consultations over the coming weeks to hear from seniors, caregivers and organizations on how the province can best support its aging population.
“Our government is committed to doing what’s right for our aging population in Pickering-Uxbridge,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. “We want to hear from seniors, the people who care for them, and the organizations who support them in order to craft a successful strategy for aging strong in Ontario. Building communities that work for everyone doesn’t just improve our day-to-day lives, it helps grow and strengthen Ontario’s economy, allowing everyone to participate and contribute.”
Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in Ontario. Current estimates predict that the seniors population will grow to over 3 million by 2023 – that is about 400,000 more seniors than today. This fundamental change in Ontario’s demographics means new challenges and new opportunities for the province that Ontario’s government is committed to addressing.
“Supporting our seniors across Ontario 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. “We are moving forward
with our commitment to develop a cross-government strategy to do what’s right by Ontario’s aging population, while growing jobs and the economy.”
To ensure that the people of Ontario 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.
Additional Resources
Ontario is Consulting with Seniors and Caregivers on Aging Strong in their Communities
QUICK FACTS
- Have your say and take part in the online survey: Ontario.ca/SeniorsStrategy
- Social isolation is a key risk factor for elder abuse and hospitalization among seniors, with 30% of Canadian seniors at risk of becoming socially isolated. Being active helps to reduce risk of dementia, anxiety and depression.
- There are more than 300 Seniors Active Living Centres across Ontario. These community-based centres provide programs and services to promote wellness, social interaction, and education to help seniors stay active, independent and engaged.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Seniors Community Grant Program 2019-20
Ontario Seniors Receive More Support with Publicly-Funded Dental Care
Ontario Continuing to Strengthen the Public Health Care System with More
Support for Ontario Seniors
Supporting seniors and their families: 2019 Ontario Budget
Seniors Active Living Centres
Age-Friendly Communities
| MEDIA CONTACTS
Aleem Sufi, Constituency Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy
Aleem.sufi@pc.ola.org
905-391-7606 |