Creating Opportunities for Seniors to Stay Engaged in their Communities

Ontario Supporting New and Innovative Programs for Seniors and their Families

Ontario’s Minister of Seniors Affairs, Dipika Damerla, was at the Good Companions Seniors' Centre in Ottawa today to announce this year's Seniors Community Grant recipients. Minister Damerla also announced a new fund that recognizes the important role that the arts can play in the lives of seniors by reducing isolation, building a sense of community and improving physical and cognitive well-being.

The Engaging Seniors Through the Arts Fund is a $5 million fund to help increase the number of arts programs and activities available to seniors, whether in their communities or in retirement homes, hospitals and long-term care homes. It is part of Aging with Confidence: Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors and Ontario’s Culture Strategy.

The Engaging Seniors Through the Arts Fund will be administered by the Ontario Arts Council, and applications will open in Fall 2018.

"Our government recognizes the role the arts play in helping seniors to age well. Our new Engaging Seniors Through the Arts Fund will help to improve the health and well-being of seniors and provide them with opportunities to develop skills, increase social connections and be active members of society."
Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Learn more about this year’s Seniors Community Grant recipients.

Learn more about the Engaging Seniors Through the Arts Fund.