Results Analysis - 2010-11 Annual Report

Participating in the community means being able to work, volunteer, engage in educational, recreational and other chosen activities. To assist Albertans who need support to access these opportunities, the Ministry works with partners to create awareness of issues such as accessibility and visitability of public spaces and private residences, and to identify initiatives to enable all seniors and persons with disabilities to participate in every aspect of Alberta society.

To ensure seniors have access to consistent and accurate information on the programs and services available to them, the Ministry produces the Seniors Programs and Services Information Guide. In 2010-11, more than 47,000 copies of the guide were distributed to Albertans by mail, through Seniors Information Services Offices and seniors’ organizations throughout Alberta. The Ministry also provides access to information through the provincial toll-free Alberta Supports Contact Centre¹ and the Ministry website at www.seniors.alberta.ca.

• The Ministry continued to provide comprehensive information to Albertans about the range of programs and services available to seniors:
  • The Ministry provided Albertans with over 185,000 publications, forms and brochures related to seniors financial assistance programs.
  • The Ministry partnered with Calgary Seniors Resource Society to co-host the 2010 Seniors Services Conference "Grey Matters" on September 23 and 24, attended by more than 170 front line workers who support seniors. As part of the effort to continually enhance the value for the attendees, for the first time, accredited learning opportunities were provided for Registered Social Workers and online registration was available.
• The Ministry also worked with the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors to sponsor a conference focused on promoting positive attitudes and images of aging among the general public. Misconceptions about older people and the aging process can affect access to resources and opportunities, and even impact a seniors’ general well-being. The symposium was held in conjunction with the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s 39th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting held December 2-4, 2010 in Montreal. Over 100 experts and professionals in the fields of aging, media and advertising discussed how and why misconceptions about aging are formed, how they influence society, and how to become an agent of change to promote positive and realistic images of aging.
• To promote positive images of aging, the ministry also worked with its Federal, Provincial, and Territorial counterparts to develop the Celebrating Seniors web banner which demonstrates the achievements and contributions that Canada's seniors make to their communities, their families and Canadian society at large. The web banner is available to view on the ministry website at www.seniors.alberta.ca/celebratingseniors.
• The Ministry partnered with the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta to promote Seniors Week 2010. Seniors make a difference in Alberta communities every day. From supporting family members and friends to assisting charities and volunteering, seniors contributions benefit Albertans of all ages.
• The 2010 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards were presented at a special ceremony in June during Seniors’ Week. This award recognized Albertans who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of seniors