International Year of Older Persons
The International Year of Older Persons -- being celebrated worldwide in 1999 -- is viewed by Nova Scotia organizers as an occasion to embrace the concept that seniors do care.
F.R. MacKinnon of Halifax, chair of the planning committee for the International Year of Older Persons, said the year-long observance will provide Canadians with an opportunity to address issues arising from early retirements and lengthened lifespans that have placed additional strains on health services, nursing homes, pensions and seniors' incomes.
"The International Year of Older Persons will play a key role in placing these significant issues before the community and in calling attention to their adverse affect on the quality of life of Canada's older persons," he said.
Government leaders will take part in a ceremony launching the year at Province House on Monday, Oct. 5, with an official flag-raising at noon by Francene Cosman, Minister of Community Services and chair of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat.
Highlighting entertainment in the foyer of Province House will be the introduction of Nova Scotia's official International Year of Older Persons' theme song, Let's Live Every Minute. It will be performed by its creators, Nova Scotia songwriters and musicians Rick Gautreau, Wayne Hunt and George Antoniak.
The Canada Co-ordinating Committee for the International Year of Older Persons endorsed the theme Canada: A Society for All Ages following consultation with seniors, seniors' organizations and the provinces and territories. The theme is based on concepts originated by the United Nations.
Myles Rushton of Truro, a member of the planning committee in Nova Scotia, views the event as an occasion to acquaint a younger generation with the aging process, "bringing youth and young people into knowing that some day they are going to be older persons themselves.
"One of the things I observe about seniors and retirement is that it's another occupation and an opportunity to contribute in different ways to the community."