Minister Wong celebrates National Seniors Day as Canada gets one of top rankings worldwide on well-being of seniors

OTTAWA, Oct. 1, 2014  /CNW/ - Canadians across the country are celebrating National Seniors Day today to show their appreciation and to honour the seniors who have made a difference in their lives and in their communities.

To help mark the day, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, along with representatives from HelpAge, visited the Good Companions Seniors' Centre to release the Global AgeWatch Index 2014 report and announce Canada's worldwide standing in the measure of seniors' well-being.

HelpAge created the Global AgeWatch Index to monitor the economic and social well-being of older adults worldwide and give governments a benchmark by which to help measure the success of their efforts for seniors. This year, Canada's ranking has increased from 5^th to 4^th out of the 96 countries measured.

As the Canadian seniors population continues to grow, the Government of Canada remains committed to improving the well-being and quality of life of older Canadians through tax relief, improved services and by increasing available information and resources.

Coinciding with the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons on October 1, National Seniors Day in Canada provides an occasion for all Canadians to honour the seniors who enrich their lives.

Quick Facts

• Since 2006, the Government has continued to support seniors across Canada by providing assistance in areas needed most including: introducing pension income splitting, increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement, investing in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers and increasing funding to community-based projects for seniors.
• The Government has also taken steps to protect Canada's most vulnerable seniors from elder abuse and financial abuse.
• In September, the Government of Canada released the Government of Canada Action for Seniors report, a comprehensive information resource highlighting federal programs and services that can be accessed by seniors, their families and caregivers.
• For tips and resources on celebrating the day and honouring the seniors in your life as well as information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
• Join the new Seniors in Canada Facebook page today and post stories and photos of celebrations in your community. Tell us about a #senior in your life! #thinkingofyou

Quotes

"National Seniors Day is a time for Canadians all across the country to stop and pay tribute to the special seniors in their lives. So many seniors, including grandparents, parents, other family and friends, play such an important role in the lives of Canadians every day. I encourage everyone to reach out to a senior who has made a difference in their life and let them know how special they are to you. Our government will continue to ensure that Canada's seniors continue to receive the support they need and deserve."
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

"Aging is quickly changing our world, especially in developed countries such as Canada. There is no doubt that in many ways our seniors fare better than elsewhere. However, on a daily basis, older Canadians still face important issues, from access to services to social isolation. We need to work together to address these issues—they impact us all."
– Jacques Bertrand, Executive Director, HelpAge Canada

"The Good Companions is happy to celebrate National Seniors Day again this year. As one of Ottawa's largest seniors' centres, we are dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting the zest for living, well-being and independence of older adults as well as adults with physical disabilities."
– Russ Gallant, Director of Operations, Good Companions Seniors' Centre

Associated Links

Seniors.gc.ca

Seniors in Canada (Facebook)

Global AgeWatch Index 2014

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Earl Maynard, Office of the Minister of State (Seniors), 613-716-5422 ; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail], Follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook