The International Year of Older Persons (1999) was kicked off at a gala event in Charlottetown today on International Seniors Day.
The United Nations has declared 1999 the International Year of Older Persons in recognition of the world's rapidly aging population. Over the next few years, the average lifespan worldwide will increase by almost 20 years. At the same time, the proportion of older persons 60 years and over will increase from one in 14 to one in four.
Anna Duffy, provincial chair of the Year of Older Persons, said the purpose of the year is to foster awareness of the importance of seniors' role in society and the need for intergenerational respect and support. The theme of the year is "Canada, a society for all ages."
"The year holds many opportunities for Islanders to increase recognition of seniors' contributions to their families and communities," she said, "and to enhance understanding and mutual support across the generations."
The planning committee will be working with schools, organizations and municipalities to encourage Islanders to celebrate their seniors and create Island communities that are senior friendly.
Several initiatives are being planned by the committee. Some of those include an awards program to recognize the contributions made by Island seniors to younger generations; distribution of Year of Older Persons pins to raise awareness of the year and raise funds for a scholarship to promote study in gerontology; and special events that promote intergenerational involvement and support.
Representing government at the kick-off was Wes Mac Aleer, Minister of Community Services. The minister advised that the Year of Older Persons will be an important catalyst for governments and communities to address changing needs as the proportion of older people in our population grows, and the proportion of younger people becomes smaller.
"For instance, in the years ahead, we will likely require more resources in health care," he said. "We will have increased opportunities in tourism as large numbers of baby boomers begin to retire. At the same time, we will face new challenges such as an aging workforce and, eventually, a potential labour shortage."
Speaking on behalf of the PEI Senior Citizens Federation, Olive Bryanton said that older Islanders welcome the opportunity the year will bring to confront misperceptions about seniors and aging, "particularly those stereotypes that portray seniors as frail, dependent and inactive," she said. "The truth is that the vast majority of local seniors are vibrant and active community members whose contributions are sometimes taken for granted or simply overlooked."
In addition to raising awareness, the committee hopes to provide Islanders with how-to information about making their communities more senior friendly. This might include larger scale initiatives such as active living programs or the new seniors college at UPEI. Or, it might be something as simple as providing seating for seniors in public places, or keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
Community kits will be distributed this week to organizations across the province to encourage participation in the Year of Older Persons.
Members of the provincial planning committee include Anna Duffy (Chair), Helen McCabe, Heather Henry-MacDonald, George Steiger, Margaret Quinn, Gary Naylor, Jodi Swan, Orella Arsenault, Doreen Sark, Bernadette McDermid-Pederson, and Len O'Connor.
To obtain a community kit or more information, contact a member of the planning committee or Pat Malone, Seniors Liaison Coordinator, Department of Health and Social Services, 902 368 6190.