Province Sets the Stage for Aging Population

Nova Scotia will be better prepared to help its seniors enjoy healthy, happy, and productive lives in the future thanks to the Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia released today, Dec. 13.

"The strategy is a comprehensive and important tool that will help us think ahead and plan better," said Education Minister Jamie Muir, who released the strategy on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister responsible for the Seniors' Secretariat. "We cannot, and should not, understate the value of solid planning today to ensure that, 10, 15 or 20 years down the road, Nova Scotia is ready and able to help its rapidly growing seniors' population enjoy a healthy, happy and productive future."

Mr. Muir said Nova Scotia has Canada's second highest percentage of people aged 65 and older, and that governments at all levels will be increasingly challenged to sustain, expand and improve services to meet seniors' needs in the face of growing demands and increased costs.

More than 1,000 Nova Scotians, in more than 30 communities, helped develop the strategy in conjunction with the recently established Task Force on Aging.

Nova Scotia's Strategy for Positive Aging, one of the first in Canada, identifies 190 actions aimed at achieving nine key goals: celebrating seniors; financial security; health and well-being; maximizing independence; housing options; transportation; respecting diversity; employment and life transitions; and supportive communities.

"The strategy provides a beacon that guides us all to the place where we want to be -- a safe, secure, and supportive community," said Brenda Montgomery, a senior, full-time primary caregiver, and member of the Task Force on Aging advisory committee.

Valerie White, executive director, Nova Scotia Seniors' Secretariat said the strategy emphasizes that positive aging is both a personal and societal issue. "Positive aging focuses on promoting individual responsibility when it comes to making good lifestyle choices, as well as on the broader role families, communities and governments can play in ensuring seniors receive the supports they need to enjoy quality of life," she said.
The Task Force on Aging -- which includes seniors, as well as representatives from a wide range of government departments and agencies -- will use the strategy to develop a detailed action plan designed to ensure the provincial government and other key stakeholders more fully consider, plan and respond to the needs of Nova Scotia's aging population.

The Strategy for Positive Aging is available by calling the seniors' toll-free information line, 1-800-670-0065, or by visiting the Seniors' Secretariat website at www.gov.ns.ca/scs/ .