News release

Learning Grants to Benefit Seniors

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)

Eight community learning networks in Nova Scotia are promoting health literacy to seniors thanks to $60,000 in funding and contributions from the departments of Seniors and Education.

The Seniors Literacy and Learning Grants aim to develop self-confidence and the skills many seniors need when it comes to understanding health information.

"This initiative targets some older Nova Scotians who wish to enhance their health, understand medical instructions, or make the best use of health and social services," said Len Goucher, acting Minister of Seniors. "We know that when you improve a person's ability to learn about health, the better that person's health will be."

Health literacy links a person's level of literacy with their ability to act on health information and, ultimately, take control of their health. Health literacy is critical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle by being able to understand things like food labels, medical instructions, the importance of fitness, routine medical examinations, and healthy eating.

"The results of the 2005 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey showed many Nova Scotian seniors have issues with literacy," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "These grants are our response to these findings and we are confident they will work to give seniors the knowledge they need to make informed decisions."

All eight funding recipients are guided by the Health Literacy Manual for Older Adults, developed by the Department of Seniors. The guide offers practical lessons for seniors that help with needs such as talking to a doctor or understanding nutrition labels. Some groups also bring in guest speakers, such as pharmacists, fitness instructors, or nutritionists to assist with programs.

"Our organization plans to hold workshops on important health issues and in addition, our seniors have discovered they have resources that need to be shared with others," said Alma Johnston, president of Lake Loon Cherry Brook Senior Citizens.

"It has prompted us to continue recording our stories in an upcoming book, Living Libraries II, Stories & Tips for Seniors Health. Thanks to projects such as this, our seniors now believe in lifelong learning."

The recipients and details of the projects being funded are:

  • Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton and Cape Breton Council of Senior Citizens and Pensioners. This 12-week program begins in March for 12 to 15 seniors. Topics will focus on the Health Literacy manual with occasional guest speakers.

  • Club Acadien de Chezzetcook and Regroupement des aînées et aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse. The program will highlight government's role in health care, Acadian history and French literacy.

  • Community Learning Association North of Smokey and Bay of St. Lawrence Community Centre Seniors. A 12-week program for 10 to 15 seniors on the Health Literacy manual and the Enhancing the Basic Skills of Older Nova Scotians manual.

  • Dartmouth Learning Network and Lake Loon Cherry Brook Senior Citizens Group. This 15-week program for 20 seniors will include the Health Literacy manual and resources from the Halifax African Health Association, pharmacists and Canadian Cancer Society.

  • Guysborough County Adult Learning Association and Shamrock Seniors Club. A 15-week program that will include the Health Literacy manual and guest speakers.

  • Guysborough County Adult Learning Association and Seniors Along the Bay. A 15-week program that will include the Health Literacy manual and guest speakers.

  • Hants Learning Network Association and Gladys Manning Memorial Retirement Residence, Kings County Grandparents International Storytelling Group, and Seniors Safety and Falls Prevention Coalition. This 26-week program for 50 seniors will include the Health Literacy manual and special guest speakers.

  • Inverness County Literacy Council will hold 12 sessions from the Health Literacy manual and the Enhancing Basic Skills of Older Nova Scotians manual with the Port Hood Knitters and Stitchers Seniors Club, and the North East Margaree Senior Citizens and Pensioners Club.