National Seniors Day is October 1

This is an occasion for all Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour or a friend. The Government of Canada is proud to acknowledge the contributions older adults in Canada have made and continue to make to our families, communities and society.

It is easy to show your respect and gratitude for the older adults in your life. There are many ways to thank seniors for their contributions and to show them just how much they are appreciated. Here are just a few:

  • say “thank you”
  • visit, call or connect via video-messaging, and take some time to say “hi”
  • run errands for a senior
  • help with some outdoor chores
  • take a walk together
  • send an e-postcard or post a message on the Seniors in Canada Facebook page

Features

Video: Minister MacKinnon celebrates National Seniors Day

Transcript

Hi, I'm Steven MacKinnon, Canada's Minister of Seniors, and I want to wish everyone a Happy National Seniors Day.

I have just recently taken on the responsibility of serving you as Canada's Minister of Seniors. I am deeply honoured to take on this work, and to lead the Government's efforts to make life better and more affordable for seniors.

That is the Government's commitment to Canadian seniors: that no matter where they live, every senior should be able to age on their own terms, with dignity and choice.

I have already had many great conversations with seniors about how we have been able to help make life better for them, but also about what we have left to do.

Just a few weeks ago, I was in Québec to visit with people at a seniors' residence. I was greeted at the door by a woman with a smile on her face and enthusiasm in her eyes. She had just gone to the dentist, thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan and now had new teeth.

She was so happy. Stories like these are why I am so pleased to be the Minister of Seniors. These are the tangible results of the work we are doing.

But we still have a lot of work to do to make sure every community, from coast to coast, is an inclusive place for seniors to thrive as they age.

I am looking forward to meeting with more seniors all across Canada to learn more about how we can best support Canadian seniors so that they can age with dignity and choice.

Happy National Seniors Day!

Programs and Services

Programs and Services for seniors

Dental coverage, Public pensions, finances, Housing, health, caregiving, fraud prevention, veterans services.

Age Well at Home

A Grants and Contributions program that supports projects that enable seniors to age in place.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities.

Connecting Families

A program that provides more affordable Internet services to eligible Canadians.

Resources for Seniors

International Day of Older Persons

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.

National Seniors Council

Advise the Government of Canada on the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors.

United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing

Inclusive platform to collaborate and share knowledge with others around the word.

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

Forum to share information and discuss new and emerging issues related to seniors.

Aging and Seniors

Health promotion and wellbeing, ways to stay active, fall prevention, emergency preparedness, mental health, substance use, and elder abuse.

Retirement Hub

Find out about public pensions, when to collect them and tips to consider for your retirement income.

Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms affecting brain function. Learn more about this condition.

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