Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates Seniors� Month

June is Seniors' Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services, today demonstrated the importance of healthy aging, leading a walk with the Mall Walkers Senior's Club at the Avalon Mall to officially kick-off the month's festivities.

"This year's theme is AcCTivate Your Age and supports the undeniable link between healthy aging and physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being," said Minister Ottenheimer. "Living longer, healthier, more active lives, seniors are redefining the concept of aging and continue to make valuable contributions in shaping our province."

Other events including seniors' seminars will be held in Corner Brook, St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Trepassey, Gander, Bishop�s Falls and St. John's throughout the month to inform seniors on healthy aging so that they can maintain their health and independence. The seminars will address security and fraud-protection issues, tips on active living, safe-medication use, stress management and falls prevention. It is hoped that these seminars will assist communities in promoting active, healthy living for older adults.

"Healthy aging is about adding life to years, not years to life. It is about being able to live our later years to the fullest with optimum health," added Minister Ottenheimer.

In November 2004, government created a new Division of Aging and Seniors, together with a provincial advisory council and Ministerial Council of Aging and Seniors - new initiatives focused on seeking the input of seniors in planning for the future.

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to approximately 66,300 seniors, which is close to 13 per cent of the population. Statistics Canada predicts that by 2021, the province will have more than one in four persons 65 years or older, the highest proportion in the country.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093

2005 06 02                             10:10 a.m.