Province, Ministers Make Life Better for Seniors

Nova Scotia seniors will have more opportunities to participate in their communities, live healthier lives and stay in their own homes as the province continues to make life better and more affordable for seniors, their families and their communities.

Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse and federal Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong co-chaired the conclusion of the 14th meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors today, Nov. 16, in Halifax.

"Nova Scotia remains committed to providing seniors with programs and services that support their own efforts to live healthier, safer and more affordable lives," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "By listening to seniors and working together with our partners, we will make sure seniors have supports in place that respond to their changing needs."

"Technology provides new opportunities for seniors to remain active, engaged and informed, while living healthier lives within their communities," said Ms. Wong. "I welcome the opportunity to meet with my provincial and territorial colleagues to discuss, among other things, how we can, as governments, encourage the use of technology and the Internet for the benefit of Canadian seniors."

Ministers from across the country examined the opportunities and challenges facing Canada's seniors by exchanging ideas, reviewing recent collaborative work and agreeing on future priorities. The meeting focused on three strategic areas: supporting active participation; planning for aging in place; and supporting seniors through technology and improving access to information.

"Canadians are living longer, and want to live more active and meaningful lives," said Bill VanGorder, chair of the Group of IX Seniors' Advisory Council of Nova Scotia. "As people age, they also face new and increased social, financial and health-related pressures. It's very important that Canada's ministers responsible for seniors continue to collaborate in meetings, such as this, so seniors have the opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle they have earned."

Ministers approved the future publication of several age-friendly resources, including a guide for employers to support a diverse and inclusive workforce by engaging older workers in the workplace, and an information pamphlet to help seniors and near seniors plan for aging in place.

The next meeting of ministers responsible for seniors will be held in the Northwest Territories in 2013.