Age-Friendly Grants Help Seniors Lead Active, Healthy Lives

Funding under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program continues to benefit seniors throughout the province. The Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington and the Town of Come by Chance are the latest municipalities to receive grant funding through the program.

“This grants program benefits both seniors and their communities by providing supports to older people to help them continue to lead active, healthy lives,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “Our government is investing $160,000 in this year’s program. This continued funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting healthy aging in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington is receiving $10,000 to complete an age-friendly community assessment. Through this assessment, the town will determine its available resources and assets, and evaluate potential challenges and opportunities to make it a more age-friendly place to live. An action plan will be drafted, with the ultimate goal of addressing the community’s needs as identified through the evaluation process.

“Healthy living practices should be a top priority for all citizens. I am delighted that the Town of Long Harbour-Mount Arlington Heights has been awarded this Age-Friendly Grant,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s. “The town has one of the most active seniors’ clubs in the area and I am confident this money will be put to good use to promote health and wellness among its seniors. This funding will go a long way in assisting the town assess its needs in order to increase the awareness of seniors and help them in maintaining active, healthy and productive lives.”

The Town of Come by Chance is being provided with $10,000 to conduct a community assessment. A committee will evaluate the town’s resources and assets, and work to develop an action plan to encourage the growth of an age-friendly community.

”I am very pleased that the Department of Health and Community Services is continuing their support towards seniors,” said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. “These age friendly grants provide opportunities to promote active and healthy living programs. The 50 Plus Club of Come By Chance has been very active and this grant will strengthen their motivation.”

The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program was launched in 2010 as an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. The program provides funding to incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, as well as seniors’ organizations and retiree groups throughout the province. This year, seven communities are each receiving $10,000, and 11 seniors’ organizations are receiving grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.

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2012 06 27                  9:40 a.m.