B.C. Launches Healthy Living Network for Seniors

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009HLS0026-000538
March 27, 2009

Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport

VANCOUVER – A new Seniors’ Healthy Living Network has been established to advise government on engaging B.C. seniors, promoting healthy living, and building supports for B.C.’s older residents, Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak announced today.The formation of the network is one of the goals outlined in Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework, the B.C. government’s action plan to take advantage of opportunities and address challenges associated with an aging population. The framework was released in September 2008.

“We’re actively working to prepare for the demographic shift that is coming, when one in four of us will be over the age of 65,” said Polak. “The Seniors’ Healthy Living Network will help us move forward on a number of new initiatives to support seniors to live healthy, active, independent lives.”

The Seniors’ Healthy Living Network comprises 13 members from a variety of sectors and communities. They will assist in enabling the government to connect with British Columbians about seniors’ issues, engaging seniors, and advising government on ways to implement the many initiatives in the framework.

“We are pleased to see government take the lead and establish a cross-sectoral body to inform the direction we take as a province regarding seniors’ healthy living,” said Dr. Patricia Baird, the former chair of the Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues and member of the new network. “The Healthy Living Network will provide the expertise necessary to help achieve the goals outlined in Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework, benefitting seniors across B.C.”

The Seniors’ Healthy Living Framework outlines four cornerstones that government will focus on over the coming months and years: creating age-friendly communities; mobilizing and supporting volunteerism; promoting healthy living; and supporting older workers. One of the first items the network will be asked to advise on is a new Aging in Action Grant Program for voluntary organizations serving older people.

To read Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework visit: www.hls.gov.bc.ca/seniors/PDFs/seniors_framework_web.pdf

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Media contact:

Anne McKinnon
Communications Director
Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport
250 952-2387