Celebrating Nova Scotia Seniors

Older Nova Scotians continue to make a crucial contribution to our province, and government is committed to helping them remain in their homes as long as possible and ensuring they have the services they need.

This year, Seniors’ Week is October 1-8. Events are planned across the province to celebrate Nova Scotia’s seniors and recognize the impact they have on people and our communities.

“They are business owners who grow our economy. They are elders who pass wisdom to other generations. They are volunteers, caregivers, leaders and so much more,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care. “Older Nova Scotians have earned our respect and deserve the dignity of knowing government will be there to provide solutions that help them remain active and engaged in their communities.”

In the coming weeks, the Province will establish the Seniors’ Care Grant, which will provide $500 for services that will help people stay in their homes longer.

To ensure timely access when long-term care is the best option, the newly elected government is preparing to renovate and build more than 2,500 new single-bed rooms and make sure no couple who is able to be together will be separated.

Amending the Homes for Special Care Act and reinstating the continuing care assistant training grant are also priorities for the newly created Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Quick Facts:

• by 2030, more than one in four Nova Scotians will be aged 65 and over
• one in four Nova Scotians between the ages of 65 and 69 is in the workforce; 25 per cent of them are self-employed entrepreneurs
• people over 50 have the highest business startup rates; five years after opening, 70 per cent of businesses started by older entrepreneurs are still operating, compared to 28 per cent started by younger people

Additional Resources:

Seniors’ Week Website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/seniors-week