Preparing for the future empowers seniors and their families, helping them to stay active and connected withing their communities. This awareness week encourages early conversations among families, friends and caregivers, fostering better preparation for seniors to live out their “silver years”. It also coincides with November as Financial Literacy Month in Canada.
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) would like to take this opportunity to promote some of the resources and initiatives that can support older adults in this planning. For example, Ontario offers:
- A comprehensive Seniors Guide, with resources on tax credits, health and wellbeing, caregiving, volunteering, transportation and staying safe.
- An online Seniors Portal that provides information on programs and services for seniors, such as tax credits, health care, caregiving, housing, transportation and more.
- Free Tax Talk Webinars to help individuals understand provincial taxes, tax credits and benefits.
In addition, Canada’s Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum offers:
- Brochures on What every older Canadian should know including:
- Information to help older adults volunteer and stay engaged in their communities: FPT Seniors Brochure on seniors Volunteering.
The federal government also provides Federal Resources on Retirement Planning for older adults to plan for their retirement, including a checklist and information about the types of retirement income, saving for retirement and how much money you will need to manage your finances.