The World's Message
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared 1999 the International Year of the Older Persons (IYOP). This year recognizes the changes in demographics around the world which emphasize the rapidly growing numbers of adults aged 65 and over. Statistics reveal that the average life span world-wide will increase by almost 20 years and that the proportion of those aged 60 years and over will comprise 1 in every 4 persons as compared to today's figure of 1 in every 14 persons in the world population.
The Canadian Context
Every province across Canada is launching projects to commemorate the international year of older adults. The theme of the international year of older persons is "Canada, A Society For All Ages". Canada's senior population today represents 12% of the total population, where 7% accounts for the female senior population as compared to 5% senior males. By the year 2031, the percentage of seniors in Canada is expected to increase to 19% and 23%.
Organization for provincial projects have been made easier through the volunteer work of the Canada Coordination Committee for the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). Provincial governments are contributing funds throughout the year to communities across the province to ensure every community is given the opportunity to recognize the contributions of older adults in their communities. Projects range from educational activities to social gatherings which address senior's physical, psychological and social needs as a means of addressing and planning for the present and future needs of an aging society.
Canada's Objectives for 1999
- Build an intergenerational union between Canada's young and old by fostering an enhanced understanding, harmony and mutual support across generations;
- Increase recognition of seniors' contributions to their families, their communities and the country;
- Help Canadians understand how individual and societal choices and decisions made today will affect individuals and our society in the future;
- Encourage all sectors of society to be responsive to a diverse and aging population in a rapidly changing world; and finally
- Create the potential for aging-related products, technology and services.
Provincial Contacts for the International Year
For more information on how communities across Canada are commemorating older adults, visit the IYOP web site at http://iyop-aipa.ic.gc.ca . This web site offers additional information on international initiatives which recognize seniors issues around the world.
For more information on the projects in your community or to become a volunteer, please contact your local member of provincial parliament for more details or contact the following representatives in your province:
Government of Canada
Health Canada, Division of Aging and Seniors
Jeanne-Mance Building, 8th Floor
Locator 1908A1
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, K1A 1B4
Tel: (613) 964-5815
Fax: (613) 957-1176
Ontario
Tel: (416) 326-9906
Fax: (416) 326-9338
Quebec
Tel: 1(800) 363-1363
or (819) 772-3232
Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 933-5023
Fax: (306) 933-8228
Manitoba
Tel: (204) 945-7729
Fax: (204) 948-2514
Alberta
Tel: (403) 427-2705
Fax: (403) 427-1689
British Columbia
Tel: (250) 952-1241
Fax: (250) 952-1159
Nova Scotia
Tel: (902) 424-4649
Fax: (902) 424-0561
New Brunswick
Tel: (506) 453-2950
Fax: (506) 453-2082
Price Edward Island
Tel: (902) 368-6190
Fax: (902) 368-6136
NewFoundLand
Tel: (709) 729-3428
Fax: (709) 729-5824
NorthWest Territories
Tel: (867) 873-7925
Fax: (867) 667-3096
Yukon
Tel: (867) 667-5747
Fax: (867) 873-7706
