Recognizing the unique needs of diverse seniors, ending the stigma of ageism and reducing social isolation

BY PAUL JUNOR

It is over four years now since the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FBT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors was launched to bring to the forefront issues that were vital to seniors in Canada. They are an intergovernmental body established to: share information, discuss new and emerging issues related to seniors, and work collaboratively on key projects. The website listed information on April 26^th, 2018, especially resources that seniors can access to help them thrive, excel and live healthy lives.

On February 24^th, 2022, FBT met in Toronto to discuss additional support for Canada’s aging population. The overall purpose of the meeting was to discuss key priorities and meaningful ways to support current, and future generations of older Canadians. The meeting focused on issues such as: senior abuse, housing and ageism, and was chaired by Kamal Khera (Canada’s Minister of Seniors) and Raymond Cho (Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility). Special emphasis was placed on recent measures that are currently in place to support seniors. This has been really challenging due to the aftermath of the COVD-19 pandemic.

At the meeting in Mississauga on April 26^th, 2023, which was the first in-person one since 2019, discussions were held regarding how to support present and future generations of older Canadians, as well as the hurdles they faced with respect to: the cost of living, senior abuse, housing, ageism and the role of technology. The fact that seniors are the demographic groups that are growing the fastest in Canada makes addressing these issues through government policies and programs even more important. There is an urgent need for greater collaboration from all levels of government in varied jurisdictions to address these vital issues immediately.

Some of the information that was shared related to measures that were taken to provide greater help for seniors, such as a series of target affordability steps directed to eliminating poverty and improving their standard of living. There were discussions regarding the difficulties and opportunities involved in providing support to seniors as they age and wider conversations about the real-life challenges and concern that respective governments face in tackling this issue.

Furthermore, updates were provided with respect to the Forum’s 2022-25 work cycle and approval was given to two reports from working groups on senior abuse and ageism, which came from the “What We Heard “report. These reports, which resulted from collaboration between the FBT, will be released on the Forum’s website in the next few months.

In the press release Minister Cho states, “Ontario is excited to share our knowledge and experience with our federal, provincial and territorial partners as we deliver meaningful programs and services that help seniors stay healthy, safe and connected to community life. This includes: recognizing the unique needs of diverse seniors, ending the stigma of ageism and reducing social isolation.”

Honourable Kamal Khera states, ”I am pleased to have met with my provincial and territorial counterparts to further collaborate and discuss how we can best support our rapidly growing aging population. At the very core of this FPT Forum was a desire to find ways to improve the overall well being of seniors and make their lives more affordable.

I was happy to share how the federal government has strengthened the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Old Age Security, and restored the age of eligibility for those benefits back to 65.

We also know that a majority of seniors want to age in place. It was very informative to discuss with my provincial and territorial counterparts about how we can deliver better support while ensuring access to safe and high-quality care, in our respective jurisdictions.”