Almost 300,000 Manitobans are over 65

Hon. Scott Johnson<br/> <strong>Minister’s Message</strong>” itemprop=”image” height=”300″ width=”222″ title=”Hon-Scott-Johnson” onerror=”this.style.display=’none'”> <p><strong>Hon. Scott Johnson</strong><br><strong>Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care</strong></p> <h2> Dear friends, </h2> <p>For several months the Manitoba government has been connecting with <strong>10,000 </strong>seniors, family members, and people who work with seniors to gain their perspectives towards the development of a seniors strategy that we will deliver to Manitobans this winter.</p> <p>There are <strong>229,050 </strong> Manitobans aged 65 or older living in the province, representing 17.1 % of the total population. <strong>Of that group, 29,255 are aged 85 or older</strong>. The proportion of women outnumbers the population as age increases.</p> <p>Manitoba has a rapidly aging population and in the coming years, there will be a much greater need and demand for specialized services and supports for older Manitobans, in the community, within healthcare facilities, and in long-term care.</p> <p>Sadly, research tells us that approximately one quarter (<strong>24.4 per cent</strong>) of Manitobans over 65 <strong>often feel isolated from others</strong>. Indigenous seniors are considered at high risk of experiencing social isolation due to factors such as racism, marginalized language, culture, poverty and historic negative experiences.</p> <p>Our government is looking to create a seniors strategy where older Manitobans are valued and empowered to live healthy and productive lives in their homes and communities as long as it is safely possible.</p> <p>As the Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care I have engaged in extensive dialogue with Manitobans to inform the development of the Seniors Strategy.</p> <h3> The following is some of the input we have heard from Manitobans through the consultation process:</h3> <ul><li aria-level=As Manitobans age, we may experience increasingly complex care and support needs related to dementia, mental health and other chronic conditions.
  • Manitobans want to live independent, vibrant, and fulfilling lives in their own homes and communities, for as long as possible. Each individual and family’s needs are specific; some want to stay in their home, others with family, and for some it’s about staying connected to a larger community. 
  • Life is getting more expensive for seniors who are dealing with issues of inflation, fixed incomes and affordability of services and supports. 
  • There are gaps in the continuum of services and supports for Manitobans as we age, especially in rural, northern and Indigenous communities.
  • Despite the commitment and best efforts of seniors serving organizations, services and supports are challenging to access and navigate and can operate in silos.
  • While many seniors talk about how they are valued, ageism and ableism exist and should be reduced.

    • The Seniors Strategy is a highly, anticipated, sophisticated and living document that plans to address the difficulties that effect all seniors in Manitoba.

    Thank you for your interest in the seniors strategy, I am looking forward to announcing the strategy in the near future.

    After all, we are all aging, and every Manitoban deserves to age with dignity, with wellbeing, and with purpose.

    @ 2023 Pegasus Publications Inc.

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