Involve Seniors Communities are more likely to have successful, sustainable initiatives if they define their own problems, search out solutions, control their own programs, and strategize to make change. The information on this fact sheet comes from a cross-Canada process designed to gather valuable learnings from seniors' community projects funded by Health Canada. Nine fact sheets share what was learned about practical ways to deal with issues that affect seniors' health and well-being. Permission is granted to photocopy if the source is acknowledged.ell-being. Finding the Leaders Effective community programming for seniors requires that seniors take the lead in defining needs, finding solutions and controlling programs.
Seniors have diverse interests and skills.
A variety of events and activities are required to attract seniors and respond to specific community needs. Possibilities include dances, exercise programs, community gardens, cooking classes, community kitchens, short trips and personal care services such as blood pressure checks and foot care. Take time to create an environment of mutual respect so that seniors feel comfortable participating in programs either as recipients, volunteers, planners or decision-makers. Given time and patience, a few seniors can become a core group that shares information and contacts, identifies common issues and reaches out to other seniors. The seniors that come out first are most likely to be leaders who are out-going and interested in being with others.