Too many older Canadians face economic and social barriers, with individuals aged 65 years and older having a median after-tax income of only $29,500 according to Statistics Canada – a figure that is even lower among older people in marginalized communities.
Age Better provides grants to community-based seniors’ services organizations, so they can provide older people in their communities with the equipment, services, and social programs they need to stay healthy, engaged, and active.
Since 2020, the Age Better program has reached more than 5600 older adults in over 45 communities across Canada.
We support older people living in:
Aging better within the community means improving:
- access to mobility and communication-enhancing equipment or devices
- access to dental care and support services such as transportation, delivered meals, and senior center memberships.
- access to innovative programs that meet community-specific needs
Social isolation and loneliness affect
more than 1.5 million older Canadians
– 2020 Statistics Canada Health Report
The Age Better program supports nationwide, regional, and local initiatives that are focused on improving the lives of aging Canadians currently facing barriers to inclusion:
Living with financial insecurity
Living with a high level of health needs
Living in underserved areas
Through the generosity of its donors, HelpAge Canada offers financial support to local community partner organizations caring for older Canadians.
Program Impact
Disbursed to local community organizations
Underserved older Canadians directly benefiting from support
Directed to men’s initiatives countering isolation, loneliness, and depression
My experience with my Men’s Shed is that I open up and ask for help. I’m not used to that, asking for help – that’s what Men’s Sheds has given to me.
– Gerry G, Ambleside Men’s Shed (Men’s Mental Health Initiative grant recipient)
Benefits for partners
Age Better provides community-based seniors’ services organizations with flexible grants that allow them to develop activities and services catered to the particular needs of their communities.
- Awarding grants up to $10,000 to holistically support programs and services
- Providing a responsive partner committed to transparency and open communications
- Bringing a national perspective on the community-based seniors’ services sector to inform best practices
- Giving expert communications support to share stories that shift the current narrative about older people to one that celebrates their contribution and values the lives of older people for the essential role they play in our society
- Offering a community of practice that allows for collaboration, education, and a space to exchange and reflect on best practices for community-based seniors’ services organizations
Canadians aging
better, together
Discover our Age Better granting
initiatives and learn how to apply
Grant applications are now open for our Well-Being Grants and Innovative Programming Grants. The deadline to apply is August 5th, 2024.
Well-Being Grants – Providing older adults in their communities with essential mobility and communication-enhancing equipment or devices, or access to vital day-to-day support services. For 2024, priority support services are related to food access. Read the eligibility requirements.
Innovative Programming Grants – Supporting programs focusing on physical and mental health, social inclusion, financial or occupational stability, spiritual and emotional wellness, cognition, environmental and community relationships, and more. Read the eligibility requirements.
Support Us
We appreciate the support of our generous donors in helping us create a world in which all older persons lead secure, healthy, active and dignified lives.