MPP Coe Takes Part in Seniors Active Living Fair in Whitby
Keeping Seniors Healthy, Active and Connected
WHITBY – Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier joined an action-packed day of programs and events at the Seniors Active Living Fair hosted at the 55+ Active Living Centre in Whitby.
The event was hosted by the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) and the Town of Whitby and helps seniors by:
- reducing social isolation and support seniors’ mental health;
- promoting active and healthy living; and
- offering social engagement opportunities for seniors and caregivers.
Ontario is investing up to $247,000 in 2023-24 to fund Seniors Active Living Fairs in communities across the province in partnership with OACAO.
“Seniors living in Whitby want to feel a sense of belonging to the community and take part in all it has to offer,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “The seniors in Whitby are our moms, dads, grandmothers, and grandfathers, the people who shaped us into who we are, and they deserve the best services and programs when it is our turn to take care of them.”
“These fairs are an important way to raise awareness about programs, services and information available to seniors across Ontario,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Additionally, they are a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills, enjoy leisure activities and help stay engaged to lead happier, healthier and more connected lives.”
“The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario is pleased to work with the Government of Ontario as our funding partner for the Seniors Active Living Fairs,” said Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director of the OACAO. “Fairs engage local older adults, volunteers, community members and community stakeholders from all across Ontario, including organizations from diverse, rural, northern, Francophone and Indigenous communities.”
Seniors Active Living Fairs are just one of many ways the Ontario government is helping local seniors stay independent, active and socially connected. Other examples of provincially funded supports for local seniors include:
Seniors Active Living Centre programs – offer social, cultural, learning and recreational programs across the province for seniors that can help reduce social isolation by keeping seniors active, independent and engaged.
Seniors Community Grants – ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000, these grants help not-for-profit community groups and organizations provide opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for seniors.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program – provides free, routine dental services for eligible, low-income seniors in Ontario who are 65 years of age or older.
Health811 – get connected to a registered nurse, 24/7 for free, secure and confidential health advice by calling 811 or visiting ontario.ca/Health811.
A comprehensive list of seniors services and supports can be found at ontario.ca/SeniorsGuide.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing more than $14 million in 2023-24 to support approximately 300 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across the province.
- This year the government is also investing in the Seniors Active Living Centre Program Expansion Call for Proposals to add approximately 15 new programs throughout the province.
- The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario is an incorporated non-profit provincial organization and registered charity focused on enriching the lives of seniors.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES