Seniors will benefit from projects that will make it easier to stay independent and engaged in activities that promote health and wellness.
Seniors Minister Leo Glavine announced today, May 1, provincial grants totalling about $430,000 through the Positive Aging Grant Program and the Age Friendly Communities Program, going to 62 not-for-profit organizations and municipalities.
“Encouraging the health, literacy, physical activity, and social participation of seniors enriches our lives and helps build vibrant communities across our province,” said Mr. Glavine. “These grants are investments in our communities. They will help many older Nova Scotians live healthier lives and make our communities friendly to people of all ages and abilities.”
The Cumberland Regional Library Board received a Positive Aging grant to start a volunteer delivery service, to make it easier to access library materials for those who are homebound or who have difficulty travelling.
“Transportation can be an issue that prevents seniors from keeping their minds and bodies active, especially in rural areas,” said Frank Balcom, chair of the Cumberland Regional Library Board. “On behalf of the board, I appreciate the Positive Aging grant’s assistance in helping us reach out to our seniors to promote healthy minds and bodies.”
The Seniors LINCS (Living Independently with Community Supports) Health Literacy Program received provincial funds in 2010 to pilot a program to connect patients with a seniors health advocate. Annapolis Valley Health and the Valley Community Learning Association worked together to help seniors better understand written health information, and get services and supports in the community. A Positive Aging grant for 2013-14 will allow the program to expand.
Michelle Helliwell of Annapolis Valley Health has been working on the health literacy program from the beginning.
“Late in life, when confronted with health-care issues, it is difficult for even those with excellent literacy skills to understand and follow new health-care recommendations or procedures designed to ease their symptoms,” said Ms. Helliwell. “This work helps seniors extend their independence and well-being.”
For more information, including lists of grant recipients, visit http://novascotia.ca/seniors/positive_aging_fund.asp and http://novascotia.ca/seniors/age_friendly_program.asp .
Source: Release
