In June, we celebrate Seniors Month!

June is a time to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made and continue to be made by older adults in Chatham-Kent! This month also raises awareness of the health and social issues that seniors face.

Older adults are leaders, workers, mentors, and volunteers in our community that pass on valuable experience and knowledge. Despite this, older adults may experience ageism, or discrimination and prejudice because of age in public and professional settings, the healthcare system, in policies, and the workplace. Ageism can negatively impact people’s mental or physical health, social, and economic life.

Older Adults in Ontario & Chatham-Kent

Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in Ontario. Ontario has the most culturally diverse seniors’ population in all of Canada. And, 28% of seniors in Ontario aged 65-69 are working. Unfortunately, 30% of seniors are at risk of facing social isolation.[i]

Chatham-Kent has a higher number of people who are 65+ (21%) compared to Ontario (17%) and Canada 17%.[ii]

At the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, we strive to remove barriers for older adults and seniors. As with other organizations across Canada, we have seen more older adults in our workforce in recent years. In our community, we are working towards becoming more age-friendly. We offer recreation programs for older adults, and various volunteer opportunities. The Municipality also recognize older adults in the community through annual Seniors Achievement Awards.

On June 1st, 2022, the 2022 Senior of the Year was announced. Watch a recording of the Senior Achievement Awards on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s YouTube channel.

As Municipal employees, we can all support older adults in our workplace and services.

We can do this by:

• Participating in learning opportunities to understand biases you may hold about older adults and seniors
• Ensuring work and public spaces meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements. Things like accessible washrooms, adequate workspace lighting, large print materials, large screen computer monitors, and sit-stand workstations benefit many people, not just seniors.
• Managers and Supervisors can promote recruitment and retention of older adults. Learn more about how to become an Age Friendly Workplace from the Government of Canada.

This month, and all year long, we are grateful for the older adults in our organization and community – thank you for all you do!

Learn more about how to support older adults in Chatham-Kent by visiting the links below.

Resources:

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Age Friendly Committee-Provide direction and support to develop and implement Chatham-Kent’s Age Friendly Action plan. Supports a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful community that enables independence and healthy lifestyles at all stages of aging.

Resources for Seniors in Chatham-Kent- Supports, volunteer opportunities, health center information, and links to community activities and things one can do in Chatham-Kent.

Seniors Centers in Chatham-Kent- Offer social, recreational, and /or exercise programs.

Age-Friendly Workplaces: Promoting Older Worker Participation– A resource from the Government of Canada.