Health and Community Services
June 2, 2014

Supporting Seniors Essential to Strong Communities and Families

Seniors Month Recognized in the Province

Older adults play a valuable and essential role in the fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and prosperity. June is Seniors Month, and all residents of the province are encouraged to recognize the contributions of older adults in their communities and take the time to reflect on how we can all make this province more age-friendly and age-inclusive.

“During Seniors Month, it is important that we take the time to thank and recognize the hard work, dedication and contributions of our parents and grandparents. They have laid the foundation for a bright and prosperous future in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that we provide the opportunities and resources to ensure that older adults can continue to contribute to this province.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government has invested in numerous programs, guided by the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, that focus on supporting older adults including community age-friendly initiatives, recognition of older persons, tax and fee deductions, and affordable housing and prescription medications.

“Our government has made a commitment to ensure that we provide supports and services to help older adults with their daily living activities. Investing in home support programs, funding for seniors organizations and community groups, providing affordable prescription drugs, recognition programs and age-friendly transportation options are investments in independence and allow older adults to continue to enrich the lives of their families and our communities.”
- Minister Davis

For more information on Provincial Government programs and services including legal, financial and health information pertaining to older adults please visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/seniors

QUICK FACTS

• The month of June is being recognized as Seniors Month in the province.
• The goal of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework is for individuals, families, communities and society as a whole to foster healthy aging in order to achieve optimal health and well-being.
• There are numerous provincial initiatives that focus on the needs of older adults including the Home Support Program; the prescription drug 65+ Plan that ensures that clients pay no more than $6 per prescription; fee reductions for any adult over the age of 65 on driver’s licence and vehicle registration fees and fees for fishing, hunting, camping and wood cutting; Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants program; Low Income Seniors Benefit; and Affordable Housing Program.

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2014 06 02                                        3:15 p.m.