Ideas Sought For Action Plan For Aging Population

NOTE: A list of meeting dates, times and locations follows this release.

Nova Scotians are invited to share their ideas about how people can continue to be healthy, active, contributing members of their communities as they age.

Government will consider input from the public, research and from an advisory committee to build an action plan for an aging population, expected later this year.

"Older adults contribute greatly to our families, communities and the economy today, and I want the growing number of Nova Scotians entering this phase of life to feel they can do so too," said Seniors Minister Leo Glavine.

"The aging population is not just a seniors' issue, it's a community issue. And, if we plan it right, the demographic shift can be an opportunity to help meet labour force demands, strengthen our communities, and improve how we view and value older adults."

Input from all Nova Scotians, including family members, businesses, the non-profit sector, and community groups, as well as older adults is welcomed.

"I see active aging applying to both individuals and population groups. It allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout life and to participate in society according to their wants and needs," said Marjorie Willison, community leader and volunteer co-chair of the Action Plan Project Advisory Committee. "I think people will have a lot of ideas to share about how we can encourage a better quality of life for older adults, and I'm looking forward to hearing many different perspectives."

Hosted by the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, public meetings will be held in seven communities, and an online survey will be available starting June 27. A French language session will be announced shortly. Topics for discussion are paid work, volunteering, aging in place, and healthy living. The deadline for input is July 22.

People can register to attend a meeting and take the online survey at http://novascotia.ca/seniorstalk. The survey can also be requested by mail, by calling 211.

Public meetings will be held on the following dates:

• June 27 at 10 a.m., Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, 135 North Park St., Bridgewater
• June 27 at 3 p.m., Captain William Spry Community Centre, 16 Sussex St., Halifax
• June 28 at 10 a.m., Rodd Grand Yarmouth, 417 Main St., Yarmouth
• June 28 at 3 p.m., NSCC Kingstec Campus, 236 Belcher St., Kentville
• July 5 at 10 a.m, Antigonish Town & County Library, 283 Main St., Antigonish
• July 5 at 3 p.m., Grand Lake Road Fire Hall, 850 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney
• July 7 at 2 p.m., YMCA of Cumberland, 92 Church St., Amherst