The Government of Yukon has released its first Aging in Place annual report. The report highlights completed and ongoing projects from September 2020 to September 2021, all of which aim to promote, enhance and protect the wellbeing of Yukon seniors and Elders.
The Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan was released in September 2020. The plan included 56 recommended actions to help older Yukoners live safely, independently and comfortably in their own home or community for as long as possible.
Of the 56 recommended actions, 28, 50 per cent, are now either complete or underway, 17, 30 per cent, are in the planning or development stages and 11, 20 per cent, have not yet been started.
The 56 recommended actions in the plan are grouped into four pillars: living a full and meaningful life, housing, transportation and programs, and services and infrastructure.
Yukon seniors and Elders deserve to age with dignity and comfort in their own home or community for as long as possible and the first Yukon Aging in Place report shows that we are making significant progress for seniors and Elders to do just that in the territory. Over the next 20 years, the Yukon’s senior population is expected to more than double and it is great to see that 80 per cent of the recommended actions in the Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan are already complete or underway. Thank you to the Aging in Place Seniors Advisory Committee for their valuable insight that is guiding the Yukon government’s actions to better the lives of seniors across the territory.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
Implementation of the Aging in Place Action Plan is very important to older Yukoners across the territory. The government’s commitment to have departments work together on this initiative is appreciated. We look forward to an increasing speed of implementation in the coming year, with appropriate resources.
Seniors Action Yukon representative on the Aging in Place Seniors Advisory Committee Deborah McNevin
The Government of Yukon has continued to make progress on Aging in Place since the annual report was written. It was recently announced that Handy Bus services in Whitehorse are being offered seven days a week, marking the completion of action 3.2.
The Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan was informed by broad public engagement with more than 1,200 Yukoners.
It provides a path forward upon which the entire community will work together to promote, protect and enhance the wellbeing of Yukon seniors and Elders.
The vision of the Aging in Place Action Plan is to ensure that Yukoners can access the supports needed to live safe, independent and comfortable lives in their own home or community for as long as possible, regardless of age, income or ability level.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8539
michael.edwards@yukon.ca