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| Last updated at 1:16 PM on 11/07/07 |
Government launches provincial healthy aging policy framework  
The Telegram
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| Health Minister Ross Wiseman |
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The provincial government today launched the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework that supports its vision of a supportive, age-friendly province which enables seniors to live independently and experience good health and well-being.
“Our province is rapidly aging and within 10 years, 20 per cent of our residents will be over the age of 65,” Health Minister Ross Wiseman said. “Our government’s vision is for a province where seniors can make a contribution to their communities, and in turn, our communities support senior residents in living as independently as possible. The policy framework provides key directions for government to achieve this vision and support our older population.”
Wiseman launched the framework at the Park Place Community Centre in Mount Pearl and was joined by members of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, various seniors organizations and groups.
The policy framework identifies and explores the major themes heard during 17 public, province-wide consultations held last spring and outlines six priority directions together with a series of goals and actions to establish healthy aging in the province. These priority directions are: Recognition of Older Persons; Celebrating Diversity; Supportive Communities; Financial Well-being; Health and Well-being; and Employment, Education and Research.
“Healthy aging affects all people across all ages,” said Leo Bonnell, chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors. “The release of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework demonstrates an important commitment to seniors of today and seniors of tomorrow.”
To support the implementation of the healthy aging policy framework, an integrated one-year action plan, Provincial Healthy Aging Implementation Plan, Year 1: 2007-2008: Building a Foundation, has been developed. The implementation plan involves several government departments and agencies and various action items are being supported through established government initiatives, such as the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Recreation and Sport Strategy and Action Plan, the Provincial Wellness Plan and the Violence Prevention Initiative.
Copies of each document can be obtained by contacting the Division of Aging and Seniors at 729-4856 or toll-free at 1-888-494-2266.
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11/07/07
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