Select senior’s programs getting a financial boost in Mississauga

As Mississauga grapples with an ageing population, programs for seniors–especially those that allow people to stay social and active on a budget–will require more attention.

Fortunately for more mature residents, the province is investing over $100,000 in seniors’ programs in the city. 

Recently, Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, and Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, appeared at the Clarkson Community Centre and Mississauga Seniors Centre to announce that the government is investing more than $155,000 to help seniors stay active and socially connected in the Mississauga-Lakeshore area.

The Seniors Active Living Centre Program will provide over $52,000 each to the Clarkson Community Centre and the Mississauga Seniors Centre, as part of a $14.1 million investment to support more than 300 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario. 

The Seniors Community Grant Program will provide an additional $50,000 to initiatives in Mississauga-Lakeshore.

At the Clarkson Community Centre and Mississauga Seniors Centre, the funding will provide a variety of programming, including life-long learning and creative arts programs and active living activities.

The province says the programs will help seniors stay socially engaged, active, safe, and healthy at a time when about 30 per cent of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.

“Keeping seniors active and engaged has many positive health benefits, and reduces the strain on our already burdened healthcare system. By investing in our seniors, we help alleviate the strain on other vital services. Everyone benefits,” said Cuzzetto in a statement.

The senior population in Ontario is the fastest-growing age group. By 2023, there will be three million Ontarians over the age of 65.