Keeping seniors socially connected

The province is investing $14.3 million in 2020-21 to support hundreds of Seniors Active Living Centres.

Seniors Active Living Centre operators are community-based and promote wellness and social interaction through almost 300 programs across the province. By promoting wellness, social connections and education, these programs can help reduce social isolation and help seniors stay active, independent and engaged.

“Given the fact that many seniors have had to self-isolate during COVID-19, it is important that we look to programs that will keep them safe and connected,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government’s investment in Seniors Active Living Centres will help older adults stay virtually engaged with their friends, family and communities while combatting social isolation during the pandemic.”

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:

  • Seniors’ Centre Without Walls to create interactive telephone-based group programming for socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Virtual physical fitness programming.
  • Online craft programs and delivery of pre-made craft kits to seniors.
  • Meal programs ranging from curbside pick up to door-to-door deliveries.
  • 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.

Find a Seniors Active Living Centre near you. 

 

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