Healthy Aging CORE is a national effort to boost seniors’ well-being and help them stay connected
By Caitlin Finlay
In a follow-up to the March announcement that Canada is investing $60 million in support for seniors, the government of Canada has announced that $250,000 will go to the launch of a national online knowledge hub that will help organizations across Canada coordinate their efforts. The funding is part of the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Begun by United Way in British Columbia and expanded to Alberta, Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) will now be a national initiative. The CORE knowledge hub aims to help organizations improve independent living for Canadian seniors through resources, programs, and support services.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring seniors have the supports and services they need, while staying safe,” the Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, said during the virtual announcement. “We’re proud to partner with the United Way of the Lower Mainland to better support community organizations that serve seniors all across Canada, helping them improve the local supports that are so vital to seniors’ quality of life.”
“I am excited about the launch of CORE Canada,” Kahir Lalji of United Way of the Lower Mainland said, “as I know this unique knowledge exchange platform can help bring together on a national level the growing network of staff, volunteers, researchers, and organizations that are working to support and advance independent living for older Canadians. We created and have been using this platform in BC for several years, and the community-based seniors’ serving sector really appreciates how Healthy Aging CORE B.C. helps them connect, exchange information, and collaborate—all in support of aging at home, in community.”
According to the government’s press release, socially isolated seniors visit the emergency room more often, take more medications, are more likely to fall, and require residential care sooner. The release cited an estimate that the senior population is expected to grow to 9.6 million by 2037, by which time it will comprise a quarter of all Canadians. With the rapid growth of this demographic, it’s important to improve resources and supports to ensure the quality of life and well-being of seniors across Canada.
Photo: iStock/Dean Mitchell.
