Province Hosts Seniors' Emergency Preparedness Workshop

More than 100 leading international experts are in Halifax this week, March 17 to 19, to discuss the role seniors play when disasters strike.

The team of experts is attending a three-day International Workshop on Seniors and Emergency Preparedness, the goal of which is to set in motion actions for ongoing collaborative work by sharing tools, resources and practices aimed at a better integration of seniors in emergency preparedness.

"Through the ups and downs of living through more than five decades, seniors have developed skills that make them more resilient than most of us," said Len Goucher, acting Minister of Seniors. "While this experience makes the contributions of seniors at a time of crisis most valuable, we also need to learn more to ensure that crisis planning meets their needs."

The conference, sponsored by the Department of Seniors and the Public Health Agency of Canada, brings together experts in seniors' issues and disaster response planning from around the world to address the needs of older adults during disasters.

"The government of Canada is committed to empowering seniors so that they can continue to play an important role in shaping our societies," said Tony Clement, Federal Health Minister. "I am pleased that the Public Health Agency of Canada and the government of Nova Scotia are continuing to work with international partners in dealing with the important issue of seniors and emergency preparedness."

The conference will develop guidance for effective emergency management practices for seniors. Issues to be explored include seniors' involvement in emergency preparedness and planning, identifying seniors in emergencies and educating health professionals about emergencies and vulnerable groups.