Hon. Scott Johnson
Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care
Dear friends,
For several months the Manitoba government has been connecting with 10,000 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.
There are 229,050 Manitobans aged 65 or older living in the province, representing 17.1 % of the total population. Of that group, 29,255 are aged 85 or older. The proportion of women outnumbers the population as age increases.
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.
Sadly, research tells us that approximately one quarter (24.4 per cent) of Manitobans over 65 often feel isolated from others. 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.
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.
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.
The following is some of the input we have heard from Manitobans through the consultation process:
- 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.
