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Developing policies, programs and initiatives that support healthy aging: An age-friendly and healthy aging lens

From: National Seniors Council

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List of abbreviations
MIPAA
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing
UNECE
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
WHO
World Health Organization

Acknowledgements

Members of the National Seniors Council (2020)

  • Dr. Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard (Chairperson)
  • Joan Marie Aylward
  • Dr. Jean-Pierre Gagné
  • Jim Hamilton
  • Dr. Martine Lagacé
  • Alison Leaney
  • Dr. Kevin McCormick
  • Dr. Parminder Raina
  • Omar A. Saad
  • Nora Spinks
  • Cindy Starnino

The National Seniors Council would like to thank those who have shared their thoughts formally or informally. This inspired the Council as it developed this document. A subcommittee of the National Seniors Council led this work. This consisted of:

  • Jim Hamilton (Working Group Chairperson)
  • Joan Marie Aylward
  • Omar A. Saad
  • Cindy Starnino

Officials from Employment and Social Development Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada supported their work.

Disclaimer: The Council and officials made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. This includes the links integrated in the text, at time of publication.

*This report was submitted to the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health in December 2020. Minor updates were made prior to its release in 2024.

Section 1: Background on the National Seniors Council

Created in 2007, the National Seniors Council (NSC) advises the Government of Canada on seniors-related matters. This includes:

  • health
  • well-being
  • quality of life

The Council advises the Government through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health. The NSC undertakes a range of activities and takes into account the views of diverse stakeholders when developing its advice.

To guide the development of its advice to the federal government, the NSC developed a policy lens. This Lens provides a systematic way to examine policies and practices and ignite conversations about healthy aging. The Lens could also be useful for others seeking to include healthy aging considerations into policy and program design. Application of the Lens will thus contribute to mainstreaming aging in all policy fields.

The key principles and concepts that underpin and guide the NSC's work inspired the content presented in the Lens. Furthermore, many existing policy toolsNote de bas de page 1 developed in the Canadian context informed the development of this unique Lens. The Lens reflects advancements made in the field of healthy aging, which has evolved over the past 10 years. The content is also applicable and adaptable across all Canadian jurisdictions, geographies and cultures.

Section 2: About this lens

The creationNote de bas de page 2 of this Lens supports developing and implementing policies, programs and initiatives that are age-friendly and enable healthy aging. This includes those not specifically targeting or involving seniors. It may also challenge assumptions and identify potential impacts (positive or negative) of a policy, program or initiative on healthy aging.

By applying the Lens, organizations will be assessing their plans to consider older adults':

  • needs
  • views
  • lived experiences
  • contributions

For a policy, program or initiative, this includes the following phases:

  • planning
  • development
  • implementation
  • evaluation

The intention of the Lens is also to:

  • enable and promote the concept of age-friendliness in all policy fields
  • promote the overall health, functional ability and quality of life for older adults
  • embody a positive, strength-based view of aging
  • discourage ageist attitudes and behaviour
  • cultivate intergenerational solidarity
  • foster respect and social inclusion of older adults
  • value diversity and equity
  • consider safety and security

Healthy aging is gaining more and more attention worldwide. Canada describes healthy aging as "an ongoing process of optimizing opportunities to enhance and maintain physical, social and mental health as well as independence and quality of life over the life course" (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2010).

The term "healthy aging" has evolved. The focus was initially on being disease-free. Now, healthy aging takes on a more holistic definition. This holistic definition is based on the life course and functional ability perspectives. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as "the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age" (WHO, 2015). This includes a person's ability to:

  • meet their basic needs
  • learn, grow and make decisions
  • be mobile
  • build and maintain relationships
  • contribute to society

There is increasing momentum within Canada and internationally to address the impacts and opportunities of an aging population. The WHO's Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health (2016 to 2020) included multisectoral action for a life-course approach to healthy aging to foster both longer and healthier lives. In December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021-2030 to be the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing ("Decade"). The Decade builds on and responds to the calls for action set out in the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health (GSAP) to foster healthy ageing and improve the lives of older people, their families, and communities (see Annex A for more information).

The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021 to 2030 has a vision for "a world in which all people can live long, healthy lives" (WHO, 2020a). The Decade will address 4 interconnected areas for action:

  1. Change how we think, feel and act toward age and aging
  2. Ensure that communities foster the abilities of older people
  3. Deliver person-centred integrated care and primary health services responsive to older people
  4. Provide access to long-term care for older people who need it

"Age-friendly" is a concept first introduced in 2005. It evolved from a focus on age-friendly cities to:

  • incorporate considerations related to communities of all sizes
  • promote age-friendly environments as a way to promote health, remove barriers and provide support (WHO, 2015)
    • these environments include the places where older adults reside (for example, their homes, assisted living facilities or long-term care homes), neighbourhoods, communities and health care settings

In 2020, over 1,400 communities across Canada actively engaged in becoming more age-friendly. Age-friendly communities require policies, services and structures that are designed to help older adults live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. 8 key domains of age-friendly communities intersect to create age-friendly environments. They include:

  • outdoor spaces and buildings
  • transportation
  • housing
  • social participation
  • respect and social inclusion
  • civic participation and employment
  • communication and information
  • community support and health services

An age-friendly policy, program or initiative:

  • includes considerations related to supporting older adults so that they can live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved
  • recognizes that older adults have a wide range of skills and abilities
  • understands and meets age-related needs
  • respects decisions and lifestyle choices of older adults
  • protects older adults in vulnerable situations
  • recognizes that older adults have a lot to offer
  • recognizes how important it is to include older adults in all areas of community life

Section 3: Using this lens

This policy Lens can help ensure that policies, programs and initiatives are age-friendly and foster healthy aging.

The National Seniors Council created this policy Lens for use in its role to provide advice to the federal government. The Lens could also be useful for others seeking to include healthy aging considerations into policy and program design. Application of the Lens will thus contribute to mainstreaming aging in all policy fields.

Follow the 4 steps below:

Step 1: Gather information

Gather information about the policy, program or initiative. For example:

  1. What is the purpose or objective?
  2. What are the intended and unintended impacts on older adults? Is there an intentional focus on particular subpopulations of older adults?
  3. What consultations have taken place? Were older people (or organizations that serve them) involved in developing, implementing or evaluating this policy, program or initiative?
  4. To the best of your knowledge, are the impacts of this policy, program or initiative on older adults evidence-informed? For example, are research evidence, international or domestic best practices, clinical expertise, or lived experience of seniors available to measure the impacts? If not, why? Can additional efforts be made to incorporate (or generate) evidence?

Step 2: Respond to questions grouped into 5 key areas

Respond to the key questions below. The NSC and stakeholders grouped these into 5 key areas important to older Canadians and to healthy aging.

Not all questions will be relevant depending on the original intended outcomes of the policy, program or initiative. Take note of any areas for which you answer "no," "not applicable" or "to be confirmed." These areas may warrant further exploration or consideration. Take note of any thoughts that emerge as you work through the questions.

1. Diversity and inclusion

A range of social, economic and demographic factors influence our health and contribute to our sense of belonging. Factors include:

  • age
  • genetics
  • lifestyle choices
  • where we are born, grow, live and work

There is no "typical" older person. The population of older adults is diverse, and individuals have a wide range of abilities, aspirations, resilience and level of function. With age comes physiological changes, shifts in roles and social positions, as well as ongoing psychological development. Health status and level of independence can vary greatly. At any given age, 1 person could be very active and independent, while another could rely heavily on supports for essential everyday activities

For both men and women, there can be significant differences between life at age 65, 75 and 85 plus. Within these age groupings, we see examples of diversity such as educational levels, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, language and gender.

It is important to consider the heterogeneity of the aging population. It is also important to be aware that there are contexts that necessitate age-specific approaches: for example, age-appropriate screening and assessment tools designed for a geriatric population.

Table 1: Questions on diversity and inclusion
Is the policy, program or initiative accessible to and inclusive of diverse older adults? Consider: Yes No Not applicable To be confirmed
Gender No data No data No data No data
Sexual orientation No data No data No data No data
Place of residence (for example, urban, rural or remote areas; independent or assisted living) No data No data No data No data
Cognitive, sensory or physical challenges No data No data No data No data
Chronic illness or frailty No data No data No data No data
Income security No data No data No data No data
Level of education/essential skills No data No data No data No data
Literacy level (such as reading, writing, document use, digital literacy and numeracy) No data No data No data No data
Indigenous identity (First Nations on or off reserve, Métis, Inuit) No data No data No data No data
Culture, race or religion No data No data No data No data
Member of an official language minority community No data No data No data No data
Migration history and new Canadians No data No data No data No data
Availability of social supports No data No data No data No data
Caregiving responsibilities No data No data No data No data
Other No data No data No data No data
  • Notes: No data

2. Respect, dignity and social engagement

The language used to describe and communicate about policies, programs and initiatives should reflect a positive, strength-based view of aging. It should not perpetuate ageist attitudes and beliefs. Ageism can have profound consequences on older adults' health and well-being.

Social participation, social support and social connectedness strongly contribute to better mental and physical health and quality of life. Engaging community members is a key part of any age-friendly initiative-there are benefits for older adults themselves and the broader community.

Table 2: Questions on respect, dignity and social engagement
Have you considered the language used? Have you incorporated the following enabling factors into the policy, program or initiative? Yes No Not applicable To be confirmed
Uses positive, respectful language and images No data No data No data No data
Empowers older adults to participate and contribute No data No data No data No data
Consults older adults in the design, implementation and evaluation No data No data No data No data
Promotes a sense of community No data No data No data No data
Offers opportunities to bring different generations together No data No data No data No data
Offers older adults the tools, knowledge and resources to make informed choices No data No data No data No data
Respects privacy and confidentiality No data No data No data No data
Other No data No data No data No data
  • Notes: No data

3. Equity and rights

Canada is 1 of the healthiest countries in the world. However, some Canadians are healthier than others and have more opportunities to lead a healthy life. The social and economic resources and opportunities available to people across their life course influence their chances to achieve and maintain good health.

Health inequalities are the differences in the health status of individuals and groups. Health equity seeks to reduce these inequalities. It provides everyone the same opportunities to be healthy, no matter who they are or where they live. Reducing health inequalities can play a role in healthy aging.

Overcoming the challenges that some older adults face creates bridges that can facilitate access to programs, services and community participation. These challenges may include:

  • language
  • literacy
  • cost
  • built environment
  • transportation
  • the state of physical and mental health (for example, hearing or vision impairment or mobility issues)
  • cultural safety

The rights of older people to the highest attainable standard of health is enshrined in international law. Still, older people can experience age-related stigma, discrimination and violations of their rights at individual, community and institutional levels (WHO, 2015).

Table 3: Questions on equity and rights
Does the policy, program or initiative: Yes No Not applicable To be confirmed
Take into equal consideration the needs of older adults in comparison to other groups? No data No data No data No data
Respect and protect the legal and human rights of older people? No data No data No data No data
Provide mechanisms and support to address breaches of their rights? No data No data No data No data
Use methods of communication that ensure that older adults have access to information (consider literacy level, hearing and visual impairment, language, technology, etc.)? No data No data No data No data
Provide opportunities and support (for example, information, encouragement, resources, time) to make informed choices and decisions? No data No data No data No data
Facilitate participation (for example, through fair eligibility criteria, affordable options, physical accessibility, transportation, technological/attitudinal/literacy supports, staffing levels)? No data No data No data No data
Make proactive efforts to connect older adults to benefits and programs for which they are eligible? No data No data No data No data
Ensure that older adults have access to information to make informed decisions (consent)? No data No data No data No data
Other No data No data No data No data
  • Notes: No data

4. Health, well-being and functional ability

Age-friendly communities foster healthy aging by creating supportive environments. Healthy aging is not just about older adults. It is important to consider factors that affect adults in later life and understand how earlier events and experiences may have influenced a person's:

  • health
  • well-being
  • vitality

Canadians should have opportunities to have, maintain and enhance good physical and mental health at all stages of life. The needs of older people will differ depending on their physical and mental capacity at any given time, regardless of their age.

Well-being is a broad term that incorporates concepts such as happiness, life satisfaction and fulfillment. Functional ability refers to the health-related attributes that enable people to be and to do what they value. Functional ability also refers to the interaction between:

  • a person's intrinsic capacity (the physical and mental capacities they have to draw on)
  • the environments in which they live (which can be more or less enabling)

Environments can include the built environment, relationships, societal attitudes and values, and health and social policies, among others.

Achieving a higher quality of life is important to older adults. This is also important to society as a whole, since older adults have knowledge, experience and many valuable skills to contribute to their communities.

Table 4: Questions on health, well-being and functional ability
Does the policy, program or initiative: Yes No Not applicable To be confirmed
Support older adults to do what they want, when they want? No data No data No data No data
Encourage autonomy and independence? No data No data No data No data
Encourage aging in place? No data No data No data No data
Mitigate health and social impacts on caregivers? No data No data No data No data
Promote an age-friendly environment? No data No data No data No data
Promote physical activity and movement? No data No data No data No data
Offer opportunities to keep older adults socially connected? No data No data No data No data
Offer a variety of options to appeal to diverse preferences? No data No data No data No data
Provide opportunities for older adults to continue challenging their minds? No data No data No data No data
Enable older adults to make the most of their abilities? No data No data No data No data
Encourage older adults to look after their mental and physical health? No data No data No data No data
Other No data No data No data No data
  • Notes: No data

5. Safety and security

A person's sense of security and their actual safety and security are both important. Mistreatment of older adults refers to actions and behaviours, or a lack of actions and behaviours, that cause harm or risk of harm within a trust relationship (National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015). There are various types of mistreatment to consider, including financial, personal, physical and emotional.

Additionally, a variety of factors can limit the safety and security of some older adults. For example (WHO, 2020b):

  • poor or declining physical or mental health, including physical changes that increase the time needed for injuries to heal
  • social isolation of caregivers and older people, including lack of social supports
  • ageist stereotypes depicting older adults as frail, weak and dependent
  • limited training or remuneration of staff caring for older adults, including situations where care staff are overworked
  • limited or lack of engagement of older adults in program, policy and planning processes, including engagement in emergency management planning decisions
  • inadequately planned or designed houses, dwellings, community buildings or outdoor spaces (for example, walkways, ramps, stairs, flooring and rest areas) (WHO, 2007b)
  • self-isolation or limited social engagement due to perception of society as a violent or dangerous place

Creating safe, age-friendly physical and social environments influences mobility, independence and quality of life. It also supports aging in place.

All levels of governments have a role to play in protecting the personal security of older adults, in partnership with, among others:

  • communities
  • older adults
  • caregivers
  • the private sector
  • law organizations

This includes examining issues and identifying solutions, as well as developing and implementing policies, programs and initiatives that:

  • create safe and supportive living environments
  • promote safety and security
  • empower older adults
  • raise awareness of their rights
  • respect their dignity

The policy, program or initiative should respect the rights of older adults to live with the level of risk that is acceptable to them. This requires appropriate measures to protect those who need and desire protection.

Table 5: Questions on safety and security
Does this policy, program or initiative include: Yes No Not applicable To be confirmed
Access to information for older adults to make informed decisions (consent)? No data No data No data No data
Considerations for technological security and personal data protection? No data No data No data No data
Respect for the rights of older adults to decide on the risk level acceptable to them? No data No data No data No data
Privacy protection for older adults? No data No data No data No data
Consumer protection? No data No data No data No data
Design (finding one's way, fall prevention, independence, etc.)? No data No data No data No data
Age-friendly supports for injured or victimized older adults? No data No data No data No data
Methods to detect and protect from abuse (physical, psychological, financial, material, sexual) neglect or self-neglect? No data No data No data No data
Other No data No data No data No data
  • Notes: No data

Step 3: Identify areas of improvement

Determine how well the program, policy or initiative incorporates age-friendly and healthy aging considerations. Identify areas for improvement and areas requiring more information.

  • Review and reflect on your answers in Step 2
  • What kind of impact did this policy, program or initiative have on older adults' quality of life?
  • What seems to be working well? Note the strengths of the policy, program or initiative
  • What seems to be missing? Is there room for improvement? Are there areas that require more attention?

Step 4: Develop recommendations and an action plan

Consider enhancing the program, policy or initiative to better integrate age-friendly and healthy aging considerations. Develop recommendations and an action plan, which should include a list of potential areas for improvement (those noted in earlier steps). A useful prompt might be to complete the phrase "Wouldn't it be even better if…?"

Embedding healthy aging in policies, programs or initiatives requires collaborative efforts and coordination across sectors. As you develop the action plan, identify the information you need and with whom you could engage to inform your assessment. This could include government departments, older adults, researchers or non-governmental organizations.

Write recommendations that are evidence-informed and targeted to the appropriate audience. Consider:

  • jurisdiction/area of influence: Is the recommendation relevant to a specific department or organization? Is the recommendation within the mandate of this department or organization (or within their jurisdiction)?
  • potential impact: When implementing a recommendation, what outcomes could occur? If not implemented, could there be unintended consequences?
  • feasibility/readiness: What capacity is available to implement the recommendation?
  • partnerships and collaboration: Who else is working in this area? Will the recommendations complement other efforts underway?
  • built environment: Access to public places frequented by members of the community

Please rank recommended changes from those with the highest importance (High Rank) to those that you consider as less important (Low Rank).

Template: Recommendations in order of importance

High rank
Recommendation No data
Desired outcome No data
Information needed (what) No data
Consultations required (who) No data
Medium rank
Recommendation No data
Desired outcome No data
Information needed (what) No data
Consultations required (who) No data
Low rank
Recommendation No data
Desired outcome No data
Information needed (what) No data
Consultations required (who) No data

Conclusion

Older Canadians live in large and small urban centres, in rural areas and in remote places. They may own a house, rent an apartment or reside in a long-term care residence. Some may require home care or other supports such as assistive devices or specialized transportation. Regardless, they continue to contribute to their families and communities in important ways as leaders, employers, volunteers and caregivers, to name but a few.

No 2 people and no 2 communities are alike. In recognition of this, Canada offers a wealth of policies, programs and initiatives that enrich older adults' lives. The Lens can help organizations enhance or develop policies and programs to:

  • support one 's capacity to develop and maintain the functional ability that enables well-being and health in older age
  • develop more age-friendly environments that:
    • build community resources
    • mitigate the barriers limiting the participation of people of all ages

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic served as a further reminder that:

  • disasters and emergencies can disproportionately affect older people
  • vulnerability can take many forms

For example, applying a healthy aging lens in the early stages of disaster preparedness planning can help to ensure the consideration of seniors' needs, across the continuum of care.

"The Council is pleased to offer this Lens as a resource to support the development and implementation of policies, programs and initiatives that support healthy aging and respect both the resiliency and the needs of older adults."

Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, Chairperson, National Seniors Council.

Annex A: Key frameworks and initiatives

World Health Organization's Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health and Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030

Informed by the World Report on Ageing and Health, the WHO consulted extensively to develop the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health (GSAP). The GSAP includes multi-sectoral action for a life-course approach to healthy aging to foster both longer and healthier lives. The GSAP has 5 strategic objectives:

  1. taking action on healthy aging in every country
  2. developing age-friendly environments
  3. aligning health systems to the needs of older populations
  4. developing sustainable and equitable systems for providing long-term care (home, communities, institutions)
  5. improving measurement, monitoring and research on healthy aging

The WHO's GSAP and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030 ("Decade") build on the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. They support the realization of Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (WHO, 2024).

The Decade provides an opportunity to bring all sectors together for 10 years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of:

  • older people
  • their families
  • the communities in which they live

The Decade is addressing 4 areas for action:

  1. changing how we think, feel and act towards age and aging
  2. developing communities in ways that encourage the abilities of older people
  3. delivering person-centered, integrated care and primary health services responsive to older people
  4. providing older people who need it with access to long-term care

United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2030

In September 2015, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the principle of "leaving no one behind," the SDGs emphasize a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all. The 17 SDGs interconnect to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

The 11 Sustainable Development Goals described in the chart below are particularly relevant to the health, well-being and inclusion of older adults.

Table 6: 11 sustainable development goals
Sustainable Development Goal Implications for healthy aging
  1. No poverty
 Preventing older people from falling into poverty will be critical. This will require flexible retirement policies, tax-funded minimum pensions, social security and access to health and long-term care services.
  1. Zero hunger
 Families and aid programs often prioritize the young. Older people may be more vulnerable to food insecurity. Attention to older people will help reverse patterns of malnutrition and prevent dependence on care.
  1. Good health and well-being
 Healthy aging means that older people contribute to society longer, with opportunities for good health at all stages of life. It means having integrated, people-centred universal health coverage. This includes:
  • financial risk protection
  • access to quality essential health care services
  • access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
  1. Quality education
 Healthy aging requires:
  • lifelong learning
  • enabling older people to do what they value
  • the ability to retain decision making
  • the preservation of their purpose, identity and independence
  • literacy
  • skill training
  • barrier-free participation
  • digital skills
  1. Gender equality
 Pursuing gender equality throughout the life course will lead to better outcomes later in life. Systems should therefore promote equitable workforce participation and social pensions and should also eliminate gender-based violence. This will raise the economic status of older women and improve their access to services.
  1. Decent work and economic growth
 The working-age population, which includes many older people, must have job opportunities and decent work conditions. Their income and access to financial services will contribute to access to health services and products and reduce the risk of catastrophic expenditure. A healthy workforce increases productivity and reduces unemployment.
  1. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
 The infrastructure for healthy aging will require:
  • age-inclusive, affordable access to the Internet
  • research and evidence-based interventions that make older people visible by age-disaggregated data and analysis
  • new technologies
  • eHealth
  1. Reduced inequalities
 Older people experience unequal access to services and support in their homes, neighbourhoods and communities. This is often because of their gender, ethnicity or level of education. Healthy aging requires policies to overcome such inequity in all sectors.
  1. Sustainable cities and communities
 Age-friendly cities and communities allow all people to maximize their abilities across the life course. The creation of age-friendly cities and communities involves multiple sectors, including:
  • health
  • social protection
  • transport
  • housing
  • labour
  • It also involves other stakeholders, such as:
  • civil society
  • older people
  • organizations that serve older people
  1. Peace, justice and strong institutions
 Age-inclusive institutions will empower older people to achieve things that previous generations could not imagine. At all levels, this will require:
  • campaigns to raise awareness of ageism
  • tailored advocacy on healthy aging
  • laws to prevent discriminating based on age
  1. Partnerships for the goals
 Healthy aging should leave no one behind, creating a future for people of all ages. It will require active partnerships among many sectors, stakeholders and traditional boundaries. It will also require investing in age-friendly environments and integrated health and social care systems.

Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

At the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002, countries adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), a non-binding international agenda addressing population aging. Canada is a signatory and reports via the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on various activities related to the implementation of the MIPAA.

MIPAA country reports, which occur on a 5‑year cycle, support the exchange of national experiences, data collection, policy analysis and monitoring of human rights. Canada last reported on the MIPAA at the UNECE Ministerial Conference in Italy in June 2022, after publishing its national report in December 2021 (ESDC, 2021).

The 2022 Ministerial Conference completed the fourth review and appraisal cycle (2017 to 2022) and marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the MIPAA and its Regional Implementation Strategy (RIS). The Ministerial Conference in Rome adopted the Ministerial Declaration "A Sustainable World for All Ages: Joining Forces for Solidarity and Equal Opportunities Throughout Life" (UNECE, 2022).

The fifth cycle of review and appraisal of national reports and the next Ministerial Conference is expected to be held in 2027.

National Framework on Aging (1999)

The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum developed the National Framework on Aging. The Framework was the basis for the development of The Seniors' Policy Handbook. It contains 5 core principles to promote the overall health and well-being of older adults:

  • dignity
  • independence
  • participation
  • fairness
  • security

Annex B: Resources and references

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). (2024). Skills for Success – Assessment and training tools. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/initiatives/skills-success/tools.html

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). (2021). National Report: Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and its Regional Implementation Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/reports/seniors-aging/canada-report-2018-2021-madrid-international-plan-action.html

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). (2023). Mistreatment of Older Persons: Federal Policy Definition - Explanatory Document. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/reports/seniors-aging/mistreatment-older-persons.html

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (1998). Principles of the National Framework on Aging: A Policy Guide. Retrieved from https://ifa.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/060_11-Canada-1998-Principles-of-the-National-Framework-on-Aging.pdf

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (2006). Healthy Aging in Canada: A New Vision, A Vital Investment. Retrieved from https://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/alt-formats/pdf/publications/public/healthy-sante/vision/vision-eng.pdf

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (2009). The Seniors' Policy Handbook: A Guide for Developing and Evaluating Policies and Programs for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/about-seniorsbc/pdf/policy_handbook_eng.pdf

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (2011). Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Communities: A Guide. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/migration/phac-aspc/seniors-aines/alt-formats/pdf/publications/public/healthy-sante/age_friendly_rural/AFRRC_en.pdf

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (2021). Older workers: Exploring and addressing the stereotypes. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors-forum-federal-provincial-territorial/reports/older-worker-exploring-addressing-stereotypes.html

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. (2022). An examination of the social and economic impacts of ageism. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors-forum-federal-provincial-territorial/reports/ageism-social-economic-impacts.html

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