Ontario Helping Keep Seniors Safe and Socially Connected

Pete Fisher
4 years ago
• Categories: Provincial

Ontario is working to support the health and well-being of local seniors during COVID-19.

The Government of Ontario is continuing to invest in Seniors Active Living Centre programs in 2020-21.
Seniors Active Living Centre operators will use the funds to help ensure local seniors stay safe and
socially connected through virtual programs.

Cobourg Seniors Activity Centre Town of Cobourg $54,014.41
Ruth Clarke Activity Centre Municipality of Port Hope $54,014.41

This year’s investment will focus on virtual programs such as teleconferences, online videos, one-on-one
phone calls to help seniors stay connected from home, and support projects such as:
· Interactive telephone-based group programming for socially isolated seniors and people with
disabilities
· Virtual physical fitness programming
· Online educational programs such as tax clinics, technology assistance, health and wellness, and
COVID-19 information

This year’s ongoing funding has supported the application of safety control measures against the spread
of COVID-19, and provided more remote and virtual programming. These programs have also provided
safe in-person programming when the local public health unit said it was safe to do so.

“These challenging times have created obstacles for seniors from having the quality of life they
deserve,” said MPP David Piccini. “That is why our government is investing over $108,000 in Seniors
Active Living Centre programs. Local Seniors Active Living Centre programming will provide support for
older adults and their well-being by keeping them active and socially connected within their own
communities.”

“The Seniors Active Living Centre fund supports the exceptional delivery of programs and activities
offered by our Parks, Recreation, and Culture Staff, and promotes social inclusion amongst our older
adult community,” adds Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “We know that social
inclusion contributes to the overall wellbeing of an individual and is especially important in the
promotion of healthy aging for seniors. We are grateful to the Province for their commitment to our age-friendly community, particularly as we continue to modify our service delivery to offer programs
and activities throughout the pandemic.”

“With the assistance of the Senior Active Living Fund we are pleased to be able to continue to provide
recreational programming to our 55+ membership while strengthening our online and virtual offerings,”
said Teresa Behan, Deputy Director of Community Services Division, Town of Cobourg. “As with every
community, this past year presented many challenges but we remain committed to providing
programming that’s not only safe but promotes social connection for our members.”

The government remains committed to the safety, independence and well-being of Ontario’s older
adults. Seniors Active Living Centre programs are a key initiative to help older adults stay healthy, active
and socially connected within their own communities.

QUICK FACTS
· Seniors Active Living Centre operators are community-based and promote wellness and social
interaction through almost 300 programs across the province.
· The seniors population in Ontario is the fastest growing age group. By 2023, there will be 3
million Ontarians over the age of 65.
· The Seniors’ Centre Without Walls Micro-Grants program funded by the province through the
Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario helps seniors stay connected to their communities
through telephone-based social and educational programs.
· The Seniors’ Centre Without Walls model is a free interactive telephone-based group program
for socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities who find it difficult to leave their homes.