Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia
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Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia © Crown copyright, Province of Nova Scotia, 2005 ISBN: 0-88871-975-2 Published in conventional and electronic form by Communications Nova Scotia. Design/layout: Laura Graham Design Photo of Aleta Williams (cover and inside page): courtesy of The Evening News, Pictou County This publication is available on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/scs/publications.htm “If I had asked the people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” – Henry Ford The Task Force on Aging asked Nova Scotians what they wanted. Admittedly, some suggested the equivalent of faster horses. But many, many more told us that meeting the challenges ahead requires new and sustainable ways of doing things. Solutions to meeting the needs of seniors and all Nova Scotians today and in the future do not rest in convenient thinking, they lie in our collective creativity. About the Secretariat Acknowledgements The Nova Seniors’ Secretariat is the This Strategy is the result of a year-long provincial government agency responsible process that involved more than 1,000 for seniors. The Secretariat consults individuals from caring communities across extensively with government departments, Nova Scotia. We extend our appreciation seniors, and voluntary seniors groups to to: coordinate the planning and development of government policies, programs and The Task Force on Aging Advisory services for seniors. Committee for their tireless efforts in deliberating the broad and complex issues associated with aging, and for providing The Secretariat serves as a single entry insightful guidance on all aspects and phases point to government for seniors. It responds of developing the Strategy for Positive to seniors’ issues and concerns, and provides Aging in Nova Scotia. A complete list of information on all matters related to aging Advisory Committee members appears in through a toll free information line, Appendix A. information resource library, consultations, and various publications and directories Individuals and organizations for submitting such as the annual Programs for Seniors. written comments, and hundreds of Nova Scotians for attending public meetings The Seniors’ Secretariat consists of the across the province – all of whom helped Ministers of Health, Community Services, shape the final Strategy. A list of public Education, Service Nova Scotia and meeting locations and the number of Municipal Relations, and Health participants appears in Appendix B. Promotion. The Minister of Health serves Representatives of organizations and as the Chairperson of the Secretariat and professionals from a wide variety of sectors is Nova Scotia’s Minister Responsible for for sharing their vast knowledge and hands- Seniors. The Secretariat is staffed by an on experience at stakeholder forums. Executive Director and seven permanent staff. Seniors’ Community Ambassadors who helped promote public meetings, welcomed the Task Force to their communities, and assisted in countless other ways. Contact Information: Royal Canadian Legion branches and other Toll-free: 1-800-670-0065 community facilities for generously providing space and setup for public Phone: (902) 424-0065 meetings. E-Mail: [email protected] Legion volunteers and staff for providing Website: www.gov.ns.ca/scs hospitality to meeting participants, for making Task Force members feel welcome, 1740 Granville Street and for keeping weary travelers well fed. PO Box 2065, Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2Z1 Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia 2005 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION: Strategy Outline . 7 Message from the Minister . 8 Preface: Defining Positive Aging . 10 Quick Facts. 13 Demographic Drivers . 14 Terms and Definitions. 16 Overarching Theme: . 18 Social Determinants of Health PART ONE: Making the Strategy Work. 24 The Framework Vision . 25 Guiding Principles . 26 Summary of Positive Aging Goals . 27 Goal 1 - Celebrating Seniors. 28 Goal 2 - Financial Security . 31 Goal 3 - Health and Well-Being . 34 Goal 4 - Maximizing Independence. 40 Goal 5 - Housing Options . 44 Goal 6 - Transportation. 47 Goal 7 - Respecting Diversity . 50 Goal 8 - Employment and Life Transitions . 53 Goal 9 - Supportive Communities . 57 PART TWO: Celebrating Seniors. 62 Context and Financial Security. 68 Background Health and Well-Being . 77 Maximizing Independence . 86 Housing Options . 98 Transportation. 107 Respecting Diversity . 114 Employment and Life Transitions. 123 Supportive Communities . 137 PART THREE: Good Ideas. 149 The Road Ahead In the News . 163 End Notes . 169 References . 175 Appendices . 176 “It’s up to everyone, individuals, governments, business, community organizations and the voluntary sector to anticipate the challenges and take the steps needed to meet them. Some steps can be taken by one sector acting alone, while most would benefit from joint or combined action.” – National Advisory Council on Aging, 1999 and Beyond, Challenges of an Aging Society Strategy Outline Introduction explains the purpose of the Strategy and provides background on its development, as well as quick facts about demographic changes, definitions for clarity, and an overarching theme that cannot be captured under individual goal topics because it extends over or throughout several sections of the Strategy. Part One: The Framework includes the Vision, Guiding Principles, and Positive Aging Goals. Each of the nine goals is discussed individually and includes a brief descriptive narrative, goal statement, and societal actions. The Positive Aging Goals do not appear in any particular order. Goal numbers do not imply priority. They must, in fact, be achieved collectively in order to achieve the vision. For quick and easy access, the Framework can be identified by the gold-tone margin at the edge of each of these pages. Part Two: Context and Background provides research notes, statistical highlights, and summarizes comments received at public and stakeholder meetings and through written responses to the Discussion Paper on Positive Aging in Nova Scotia. Part Three: The Road Ahead contains 20 items that illustrate progressive approaches. “Good Ideas” are innovative initiatives that have been undertaken in other jurisdictions; “In the News” items are news clippings from across Nova Scotia. The intent is to stimulate creative thinking around a variety of aging issues as we plan for the future. Appendices provide public meeting details, a list of Advisory Committee members, as well as summaries of government programs (descriptions and eligibility criteria). “Strategy” Defined A strategy outlines basic directional decisions and related actions. A strategy answers the question: What are the goals we want to achieve and how should we achieve them? The Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia provides nine goals and the societal actions needed to achieve them. The Strategy is based on the belief that the vision will be realized when all of the goals are achieved. Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia 2005 7 Message from the Honourable Angus MacIsaac Minister of Health, Chairperson of the Seniors’ Secretariat Aging in Nova Scotia Removing boundaries, building opportunities It gives me great pleasure to present the Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia. The Strategy reflects the insights and experiences of the more than 1,000 Nova Scotians who provided direct input during its development. On behalf of the Government of Nova Scotia, I want to thank everyone who attended public and stakeholder meetings of the Task Force on Aging and submitted written responses to the Discussion Paper. Your dedication to this process and your insightful comments were essential for ensuring the Strategy represents the values and priorities of Nova Scotia communities. More than a framework for government action, the Strategy is a guide for helping all sectors create senior-friendly communities. Because the issues addressed in the Strategy cover virtually every aspect of society, a wide range of approaches and solutions are needed. The Strategy therefore ignores the boundaries that exist between each level of government, business, not-for profit organizations, and community groups. Instead, it views the province as a whole and considers how all parts can work together in pursuit of a shared vision. Nova Scotia is aging. Each month, 700 Nova Scotians turn 65. The population of seniors will nearly double by 2026. Demographics give us the power to see the future. In doing so, we have to come to terms with the fact that an aging population will increase costs. But our province will be much better equipped to manage the challenges if we are able to maximize the opportunities. By beginning to plan and prepare now, we have the extraordinary opportunity to empower people to arrive at their senior years in better health. And we have the opportunity to seek the full inclusion and participation of seniors in the community. 8 Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia 2005 By anticipating the future and acting accordingly, we can in fact change the future. For example, disability rates can be lowered, personal savings can be increased, housing and community infrastructure can be made more age- sensitive, and in-home supports can be enhanced to extend independence. Improvements in the voluntary sector and workplace changes that support an aging labour force can redefine “productive aging” and unleash untapped human resources. In order to meet the needs of an increasing retired population, we will continue