KAWARTHA LAKES-Ontario is looking to develop 40 new Seniors Active Living Centres over the next three years and is now accepting applications from organizations interested in opening one. “We are expanding the network of senior centres across the province to meet the demand of a growing seniors population, and to help keep seniors active, healthy and engaged. We are encouraged by the level of interest already, and look forward to receiving proposals that look to support our diverse communities.”
said Dipika Damerla, Minister of Seniors Affairs
The Province says the budget for the new centres will be $8 million dollars over three years and the new centres will help meet the needs of Ontario’s growing seniors’ population by offering programming that supports seniors to remain independent, healthy and active, safe and socially-connected. Programming could include a range of activities such as exercise classes, transportation services and communal dining experiences. “The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario has been advocating for increased support for this program, and today’s announcement brings to fruition the hard work of the Province to recognize and support the growing needs of seniors in Ontario.”Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director, Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario remarked.
Older adults are the fastest growing segment of Ontario’s population. As of 2015, there are more people in Ontario over the age of 65 than children under 15. There are currently 263 centres across Ontario that welcome more than 100,000 people each year.
Applications for the first round of new centres will be accepted until December 21, 2017.
photo credit: The U.S. National Archives Senior Citizens Find That New Ulm, Minnesota, Is a Good Place to Retire. There Is a Close Community Responsibility Towards Older People No Matter What Their Financial Position Might Be… via photopin (license)
