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Principles of the
National Framework
on Aging |
Participation
Getting involved, staying active and taking part in the community, being
consulted and having one's views considered by government - e.g., being
active in all facets of life (socially, economically, politically); having
a meaningful role in daily affairs; enjoying what life has to offer; participating
in available programs and services; and being involved and engaged in
activities of daily living (decisions/initiatives in all spheres, not
just those specifically oriented to seniors).
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* Growing numbers of healthy seniors continue to
be active and involved in their families and communities. At least
20% of seniors engage in formal unpaid volunteer work. Seniors also
comprise a large proportion of informal caregivers who provide the
everyday care and support to very elderly, frail seniors.
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* Text in italics marked with a star
has been taken from A Portrait of Seniors in Canada, Second
Edition, Statistics Canada, 1997. .
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Policy Questions
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Does the policy/program promote and support the active
and meaningful participation of seniors in daily affairs and decisions
that are important to them?
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Does the policy/program promote and enhance opportunities
for seniors to participate meaningfully in all aspects of life: physical
activities, economic and financial affairs, political and policy decisions,
intellectual and cultural pursuits, etc.?
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Does it provide effective means for seniors to be consulted
and actively involved in the design, implementation and evaluation
of policies and programs of importance to them?
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Does the policy/program impose barriers (e.g. financial,
technological, institutional, attitudinal, etc.) to the participation
of seniors in all that life has to offer them?
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Does it equip formal and informal caregivers with tools,
knowledge and resources to promote seniors' participation?
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Does it promote communication and direct contact with
seniors themselves?
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Example of Policy/Program Response
Housing policy supports the development of a range of housing options
forolder people that eliminates barriers to independent living and encourages
full participation in community life.
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