THUNDER BAY – LIVING – The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has awarded the City of Thunder Bay a grant of $25,000 to empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others and enable seniors to age in their homes confidently and comfortably.
The GIANTs (Grand Individuals Aging with Neighbours in Thunder Bay) project, coordinated by Age Friendly Thunder Bay, will focus on addressing social isolation among seniors by encouraging them to talk with other seniors about aging at home and in their neighbourhood. Age Friendly GIANTs will inform, educate, entertain and connect seniors, especially those who live independently, through a variety of projects including digital storytelling workshops, print media and community gatherings.
“This project will address one of the action items as indicated on the recent Age Friendly Thunder Bay Community Action Plan,” says Councillor Rebecca Johnson, Chair of Age Friendly Thunder Bay. “Developing and communicating a stronger plan to help seniors age in their own home was indicated by seniors as a priority for Age Friendly Thunder Bay to address in the coming years. The GIANTs project will help to get people talking and listening to seniors.”
With nearly 20 per cent of Thunder Bay’s population aged 65 plus, Age Friendly GIANTs will help to recognize the contribution that seniors have made to our community and continue to make. Many seniors live in one-person households and in single detached housing, according to the 2016 Census. It is important to assist today and tomorrow’s seniors to ensure a dignified and secure life.
“I am so thrilled to see this initiative help ensure seniors can age at home,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “Age Friendly’s GIANTs Project is a wonderful example of how all levels of government are working collaboratively to develop policies that provide better outcomes for our seniors. Our government has committed $6 billion over the next 10 years to improve access for seniors aging at home. I look forward to seeing the great outcomes from this initiative.”
Seniors, especially those 70 or better, are encouraged to share their tips about aging well at home and in the neighbourhood. More information can be found at agefriendlythunderbay.ca. Comments can be submitted by email to agefriendlygiants@gmail.com. Aging at home tips will also be gathered in-person at community gatherings over the summer. Tips and suggestions will be gathered until July 30, and then shared with the public in the fall.
