Helping Ontario’s seniors to be healthy, safe and active in their golden years

BY PAUL JUNOR

The aging population of Canada has posed many challenges for provincial governments as they seek to provide; services, supports and resources to this underserviced sector.

According to Statistics Canada, out of a total population of 37,058,856 in 2018 there were approximately 4,322,461 individuals who were 65 years and older, which represents about 2.2 % of the population. In Ontario with about 14,322,757 people there were 2,424,815 individuals who were 65 years and older, which represents approximately 17% of the population. It is estimated that by 2023 there will be over 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65 years. There is no doubt that Ontario (which happens to be the largest province in Canada) faces enormous challenges in terms of how to reach out and help this segment of the population especially in: underserviced, rural, remote, multicultural and francophone communities. It is because of these challenges that announced on September 23^rd, 2019 the Ontario government made a $3 million investment in more than 260 projects to help seniors.

This announcement is a welcome and necessary one. Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility was quoted in a press release from the ministry stating, “This years funding will go a long way in helping seniors gain access to programs and services where they live. I am inspired by everyone’s commitment to help seniors remain active and socially engaged in communities across the province.”

The press release mentioned that the Seniors Community Grant Program opened on May 17^th and closed on July 5^th, 2019. There is additional funding that the provincial government is providing to ensure that seniors are able maintain lives characterized by; a high degree of emotional and psychological safety, good mental and physical health, and overall positive well being.

The focus of this increased funding will be on four specific areas;

• Initiatives that focus on elder abuse
• Programs that services to help prevent social isolation
• Increasing accessibility and seniors safety
• Activities that keep seniors active and socially active

According to Christine Elliot, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, “Supporting Ontario’s seniors is about investing in programs and services that promote aging. By doing so, we can help prevent or prolong the start of illnesses that may cause seniors to seek care in hospitals.” To some it might be evident that the provincial government, which has been on an austere and strict fiscal path, is concerned about rising health costs as it grapples with the provincial deficits.

There are many questions that can be raised about this announcement specifically in terms of how the government will reach out to these identified communities. Will the government have a public relations campaign in place to ensure that seniors from these targeted sectors are able to access this help? The quality of life of our seniors is important as they have worked hard and contributed significantly to develop the infrastructures and systems that we take for granted. Given the fact that we are in a climate and era of austerity and fiscal restraints, it is important that we keep the provincial government accountable. For those interested, they can access further information at https:/www.ontario.ca/msaa.