Report of the National Seniors Council on Volunteering Among Seniors and Positive and Active Aging

Annex A: Summary of Suggestions for Action

The Council offers the following suggestions for the consideration of the Government of Canada.

Develop and implement a national campaign to address ageism and promote positive images of aging.
Develop and demonstrate an “Ageism-Free” community tool to identify and address ageism.

Develop and hold a national conference on healthy living for seniors.
Implement a seniors’ fitness tax credit that allows seniors to claim a certain amount of money per year for eligible fitness expenses.
Continue to fund the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Develop and implement tools and resources to identify health risks facing senior caregivers to promote their health and well-being.
Develop and implement a Seniors Independence Program covering a similar range of services that are available through the Government of Canada’s Veterans Independence Program.
Federal/Provincial/Territorial collaboration on health care.
Continue to invest in research on older drivers.
Build on existing efforts to increase knowledge and awareness of existing federal services, benefits and programs available to seniors.

Build on current government initiatives to improve community design considerations for seniors.

Support and promote initiatives that encourage baby boomer volunteering.
Develop and implement a national social marketing campaign to promote volunteerism.

Implement a tax credit for volunteers that allows for a certain amount of money per year to be claimed for eligible volunteer expenses.
Create a prime ministerial award that recognizes the contributions of Canada’s senior volunteers.