Yukoners are invited to attend the first-ever Summit on Aging in Yukon. The summit is part of a broader, long-term public engagement to determine a Yukon definition for the term “aging in place” and to identify ways to support aging well in the territory. The summit is also a way to enhance public knowledge of existing services and supports for aging adults.
Government of Yukon officials will host similar events in communities across the territory this summer and fall to ensure that all Yukoners have an opportunity to provide input.
The public engagement on aging in place will continue until the end of November. Yukoners are invited to share their thoughts and perspectives at any time by emailing aginginplace@yukon.ca. A “What We Heard” document will be released in early 2019.
The summit takes place at the Coast High Country Inn on Wednesday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Anyone with an interest in this topic is invited to attend. Please confirm your attendance by emailing aginginplace@yukon.ca or by calling 867-393-6305.
Aging in place means having the supports and services you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community, for as long as you wish and are able. We realize this can mean different things to different people, and there are unique circumstances in each community. This summit will help us identify innovative and practical ideas to work with Yukoners to promote aging in place.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
We encourage older adults to attend this summit – and the other events planned for summer and fall – because it's important that government hears first-hand our needs and views on housing, health care and social services. We want to see existing services for seniors and elders maintained while encouraging strategic improvements to ensure a good quality of life for all.
Lillian Nakamura Maguire, Seniors’ Action Yukon
As of September 2017, according to Yukon Bureau of Statistics, there were approximately 4,700 Yukoners aged 65 or older.
Yukon’s population is aging. The 66-year and older age group is projected to increase by approximately 77 per cent by 2030, compared to 2016.
By the year 2030, the 66-year and older age group will represent approximately 15 per cent of Yukon’s total population.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8539
michael.edwards@yukon.ca