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News Release

October 1, 2005

ONTARIO HONOURS SENIORS ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

TORONTO – Today is International Day of Older Persons, an opportunity for Ontarians to recognize the important contribution seniors have made to building our province, said Minister Responsible for Seniors Jim Bradley.

“Seniors have farmed our land, worked in our industries, taught our children, defended our freedom and built our standard of living,” Bradley said. “Seniors built this province, and they continue to make significant contributions to their families and communities.”

Ontario is home to more than 1.5 million adults over the age of 65, representing 12.8 percent of Ontario’s total population. This number is expected to more than double by the year 2028. The number of Ontarians 85 or older is expected to double in the next 20 years.

In response to these trends, Ontario has implemented a number of initiatives designed to help seniors live as independently as possible with the supports they need. Key initiatives include:

• Increased property tax credits for the first time in more than 10 years for seniors with low and moderate incomes, putting more money in the pockets of seniors.
  
• Funding for 600 nurses and 1,400 other frontline staff to provide higher levels of care for Long-Term Care Home residents, including having a registered nurse available at all times.
  
• Introducing ACTION Line, a province-wide toll free information and complaint line for Long-Term Care Home residents and their families (1-866-434-0144).
  
• Establishing a public website (www.health.gov.on.ca) that provides information to seniors and their families about individual Long-Term Care Homes and their records of care.
  
• Increasing the Comfort Allowance to put more discretionary income into the hands of low-income, Long-Term Care Home residents, and freezing the accommodation fees for long-term care homes.
  
• Delivering Seniors Information Fairs in communities across the province on topics such as the safe use of medications and advance care planning to help seniors make decisions about their future care.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated October 1 as International Day of Older Persons. By designating a special day for seniors, the Assembly recognized the contributions of seniors, and drew attention to a demographic phenomenon: the greying of the population.

"As a society, we owe it to our seniors to ensure they have the supports they need to live with dignity and respect," Bradley said.

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Contact:
David Oved, Minister’s Office , (416) 314-1400