Media
HelpAge Canada National Programs
Digital Literacy
Canadians lacking digital literacy left behind as world becomes more dependent on technology – National Post – December 30, 2022
“Before the pandemic, staff of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System noticed a strong need emerging within the communities they serve. Library users were asking for help with digital technology — including computers, mobile devices, and using the internet. Many of the libraries within the Chinook Arch system, which includes 33 locations in southern Alberta, are small and rural. Lisa Weekes, associate director of the system, said they just did not have the capacity to teach digital literacy skills to their community members.”
Free computer training and tools come to local seniors – Langley Advance Times – July 15, 2022
“Langley Meals on Wheels is looking for 20 seniors, 65 and older, who would like to learn computer skills. Executive director Shannon Woykin says it became obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic that some seniors were really struggling, while trying to access services and staying at home as much as possible. Many either had no internet or email, or were unsure how to use it. Yet many services that they required regularly were based on having internet access – including things like ordering groceries, or online banking.”
New program hopes to improve digital literacy skills for older Nunavummiut – CBC News – September 17, 2021
“The Connected Elders and Youth program, by Pinnguaq, Connected Canadians and HelpAge Canada, is an intergenerational digital literacy program that pairs youth and elders. It’s hoped the skills will help elders keep connected with friends and family digitally. The program will be in the seven communities of the Kivalliq region, including Rankin Inlet, Arviat and Whale Cove, and the program has also expanded to Clyde River, which is in the territory’s Baffin region.”
Age Better
Why loneliness is a serious and growing health issue among seniors, advice for retiring abroad and how to use an inheritance to help out adult kids – Globe and Mail – January 27, 2022
“When asked about loneliness, Gregor Sneddon recalls a visit he made to a single senior woman who was blind and lived alone. She relied on volunteers to bring her food and medications. Mr. Sneddon, executive director of the non-profit HelpAge Canada, went into her fridge during his visit and found a jar full of mold.”
“And this woman still managed to be cheerful and so grateful to have somebody come to visit her,” says Mr. Sneddon, whose organization’s mandate is to address isolation and loneliness in the mature population. “Just imagine facing the world alone. You have nobody to share a meal with. You have nobody to share your day with, to speak to, to reflect and engage in who you are.”
Celebrating 2022’s Achievements in Aging and Longevity and a Look at What’s Next – You Are UNLTD – December 20, 2022
“CBSS organizations are lifelines, helping older Canadians to age in community. We envision a nationwide network where these organizations access knowledge and support from one another and from us. This ecosystem needs recognition, resources and infrastructure to create a society inclusive of older persons.”
Canada HomeShare
With rentals scarce, a program that houses students with seniors is growing fast – University Affairs – September 13, 2022
“As rental prices rise in many Canadian cities, students are finding it more difficult to secure affordable housing. One program is offering an alternative that is not only easier on student wallets, but also provides support to older adults.
Canada HomeShare is an intergenerational housing initiative that matches students in need of housing with older adults with extra space in their homes. Students pay between $400 and $600 in rent per month, while also providing five to seven hours of assistance around the house or companionship. The program operates in Toronto and neighbouring Peel Region, Kingston, Ont., Vancouver, Peterborough, Ont. and, most recently, Edmonton.”
Seniors and students become housemates as rents soar – Moneywise.ca – August 26, 2022
“Catherine Tordoff is an independent 65-year-old from Toronto, who enjoys spending her time volunteering and socializing with her friends.
But Tordoff would appreciate some help — both physically and financially. “I am completely independent. But I don’t have the greatest of backs, and things like cleaning out the bathtub really hurt my back,” she says.
This is why she opened her home to Lee Chang, a 36-year-old student at the University of Toronto. Instead of finding a roommate on Marketplace or Craigslist, Chang matched with Tordoff through Canada HomeShare, a program that partners students seeking affordable rent with seniors who have an extra room and need additional support.”
One roommate is 85, the other is 27. Such arrangements are growing. – The Washington Post – July 15, 2022
“Nadia Abdullah was on the hunt for an affordable apartment in the Boston area a few months before she graduated from college.
“It was a little frustrating because I couldn’t find anything in my budget,” said Abdullah, 25, who was sharing on-campus housing with four other students until she graduated from Tufts University.
At the same time, Judith Allonby, 64, was debating whether to move out of her family’s old home in Malden, Mass., after her parents died. Her two-story house seemed too large for one person and it required a lot of upkeep, but she liked the neighborhood.”
In B.C., students are moving in with seniors to save on rent and stave off elders’ isolation – The Globe and Mail – June 13, 2022
“Michael Wortis spent more than a decade mostly living alone in his house. His wife’s Alzheimer’s and later death meant the 85-year-old retired physics professor, especially during the pandemic, craved the simple pleasure of someone to share breakfast or a coffee with.
Last November, Mr. Wortis, who taught at Simon Fraser University, joined a home-share program that matches SFU students with adults aged 55 and over who have a bedroom available for rent at below-market prices.”
HelpAge Canada International Programs
Ukraine
Additional Canadian support for Ukraine announced at 2022 G7 Summit – Prime Minister of Canada – June 28, 2022
“The Prime Minister…announced the allocation of $73 million of the $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine and neighbouring countries announced at the Stand up for Ukraine on April 9. These funds are being allocated to experienced humanitarian partners who are best positioned to reach those most in need, quickly and efficiently, to provide emergency health and protection services and address essential needs such as shelter, water, sanitation, and food.”
100 days of the Russia-Ukraine war – Al Jazeera – June 3, 2022
“After months of tension, and despite many believing it simply could not happen, Russian troops invaded Ukraine 100 days ago.
The ensuing fighting has caused the biggest movement of people in Europe since World War II; more than 14 million people have been displaced, and 6.9 million Ukrainians have crossed the borders and are living as refugees abroad.
In early January, few people expected a full-scale war – from Territorial Defence volunteers in Kyiv to soldiers on the front line in Donbas and members of Mariupol’s Azov Battalion. Yet almost every conversation contained the same caveat: “With Russia, you can expect anything.””
Alone under siege: how older women are being left behind in Ukraine – The Guardian – May 16, 2022
“With many living alone in dire conditions or unable to care for themselves, these forgotten women are among those least able to escape…..Most of Ukraine’s elderly people are women – they make up two-thirds of those aged over 65 and 71% of those aged above 75 – partly because Ukraine has the sixth highest proportion of women in the world.”