PROVINCE LAUNCHES ACTION PLAN TO SUPPORT SENIORS

VANCOUVER – The government of British Columbia has released its action plan to support B.C. seniors in living healthy, active, independent lives, Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak announced today.

“The Healthy Living Framework sets out government’s priorities to meet the opportunities and challenges of preparing for an aging population, as we work to build the best system of supports for seniors in Canada,” said Polak. “We must ensure we have a plan for the demographic shift that is coming, when one in four of us will be over the age of 65, and this framework will assist us in being prepared.”

The Seniors’ Healthy Living Framework was developed collaboratively by 13 ministries, and outlines four cornerstones that government will focus on over the coming months and years: create age-friendly communities; mobilize and support volunteerism; promote healthy living; and support older workers.

The plan also announces a Seniors’ Healthy Living Secretariat, which will lead implementation of the framework across the provincial government and with other key partners including local government, the business community and community organizations. The secretariat will be responsible for developing information resources for seniors and engaging stakeholders, as well as monitoring and reporting on progress.

The actions identified in Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework will build on existing supports, and provide a future that ensures British Columbians can continue to enjoy independent, active, and secure older years. Dedicated funding over the coming three years will bolster resources and programs for seniors, in priority areas identified in the action plan.

“Adapting to an aging population is a long-term enterprise, so this plan is not just about today’s seniors and their families, but is government’s road map to support tomorrow tomorrow’s older British Columbians,” said Polak. “Early success in the four areas identified in this plan will provide the momentum we need for action in other key areas down the road.”

“I am pleased to see such a robust, practical action plan in government’s response to the growing needs of the aging population,” said Dr. Patricia Baird, the former chair of the Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues. “I support the emphasis and direction of the framework and would like to see us build further on it in the future.”

Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework was guided by the report from the 18-member Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues, which was asked to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with an aging population. Their findings included input from hundreds of British Columbians who provided individual submissions and participated through community meetings.

To read Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework visit: http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/seniors/PDFs/seniors_framework_web.pdf

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Media contact:	Anne McKinnon Communications Director Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport 250 952-2387

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