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News Release

May 29, 2006

MINISTER’S MESSAGE TO SENIORS: STAY FIT, LIVE WELL LONGER
Ontario Government Helping Communities Promote Active, Healthy Living

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is providing support to hundreds of communities across the province as they get set to celebrate Seniors’ Month in June, and plan for the challenges of Ontario’s aging population.

“The McGuinty government is on the side of seniors. That is why we are working to help them lead active, healthy lives,” said Jim Bradley, Ontario's Minister Responsible for Seniors.  “It is never too late to start.  Take a fitness class.  Join a walking club. Plant a garden. Volunteer. The important thing is to stay active and involved."

Seniors’ Month recognizes the contributions of older adults across the province.  For more than 20 years, communities have been hosting seniors’ events including award ceremonies, information fairs, seminars, and socials. To help communities promote Seniors’ Month, each year the province develops and distributes promotional materials, including a poster. For the first time, the poster is available in 19 languages including Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cree, and Urdu.

Information about Seniors’ Month, including a listing of events taking place in communities across Ontario, is available on the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat website at www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/seniors.

Some recent McGuinty government initiatives to help seniors include:

• Increasing the number of cataract surgeries by 16 per cent
• Increasing hip and knee replacement surgeries by 28 per cent
• Allocating an additional $155 million in new funding this year for long-term care homes, bringing the overall budget to $2.84 billion for fiscal 2006/07.

“We encourage everyone to join in the celebrations taking place in their local community,” said Bradley.  “This is our opportunity to help older Ontarians remain fit, healthy and engaged in their communities.”

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Contacts:
David Oved, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Donna Piasentini, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7242