Healthy Aging in Canada: A New Vision, A Vital Investment—A Discussion Brief

[Next Page]

Table of Contents

1. A New Vision for Healthy Aging
2. A Vital Investment
3. Achieving the Vision
4. Five Key Focus Areas: The Evidence Base
5. Moving Forward
6. References

A Discussion Brief Prepared for the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Committee of Officials (Seniors)

Participating Governments:

• Government of Alberta
• Government of British Columbia
• Government of Manitoba
• Government of New Brunswick
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Government of Northwest Territories
• Government of Nova Scotia
• Government of Nunavut
• Government of Ontario
• Government of Prince Edward Island
• Government of Quebec *
• Government of Saskatchewan
• Government of Yukon
• Government of Canada

Members of the Healthy Aging and Wellness Working Group

• British Columbia
• Canada
• Manitoba
• Newfoundland & Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario

Acknowledgements

This brief and its complementary report were prepared for the Healthy Aging and Wellness Working Group of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) Committee of Officials (Seniors). The working group would like to thank Peggy Edwards and Aysha Mawani from The Alder Group who researched and drafted the larger report and prepared this brief.

The opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of a particular jurisdiction.

* The government of Quebec contributed to the present document by sharing information and best practices, however, it is not taking part in the joint initiatives mentioned in the document because it assumes full responsibility for activities pertaining to health and social services.

About This Brief

This brief was prepared for the Healthy Aging and Wellness Working Group of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) Committee of Officials (Seniors) to enable discussion, debate and decisions on how to move forward to promote healthy aging in Canada.

The brief provides a strong new vision for healthy aging in Canada and suggests five key focus areas for action (the what). It provides the rationale and evidence for investing in healthy aging (the why). Lastly, it describes three essential mechanisms for action and suggests some key opportunities for moving ahead (the how).

A longer complementary paper that expands on the concepts and evidence in this brief is also available online. It is written for all people who develop, influence and implement policies and practices that affect the well-being of Canadians aged 65 and over. These include ministers responsible for seniors, other government decision-makers at all levels and in a variety of sectors; the nongovernmental sector (including senior’s groups); service providers in health, recreation, housing and social development; and older Canadians themselves.

[Next Page]