Providing Information for Our Seniors
One of the best ways for Branch Legion Seniors Chair to gain respectability within the community is to supply information to our seniors. The following are leads for contacting and obtaining information and resources relevant to seniors.
Senior Programs
Programs for seniors has been an important contribution made by Legion branches in Ontario for many years.
Legion Seniors Programs focus on many areas including social activities, health support and education, sports and competition, housing, transportation, and support for seniors in their home. Helping seniors to stay active is an important facet of Legion’s goal to help seniors enjoy their later years in health and happiness. Programs run by Ontario Command branches become valued social outlets for seniors to interact with those of their own age group.
Legion sponsored sports and competitive programs allow those seniors who like to test their skills against others, an opportunity to compete against those from their own age groups in activities geared to their abilities.
Many branches host medical clinics and education programs, as well as operating meals on wheels programs.
These programs become that much more important as Ontario’s population ages.
The Falls Prevention Initiative:
A new program for seniors that is run in co-operation with Veterans Affairs Canada, Health Canada and many leading health care providers and researchers.
More On The Initiative
Optimal Aging Portal:
The Legion partnered with McMaster University’s Optimal Aging Portal to provide free, research-backed health information for older adults and caregivers.
https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/
Cogniciti
The Legion has partnered with Cogniciti to provide a free, private online brain health assessment for seniors aged 50-79, which takes about 20 minutes to complete.
https://cogniciti.com/
The Legion’s Home Away Initiative:
The Legion provides a Seniors Support Program Guide for Legion Branches and organizations to help develop and improve programs that meet the needs of community seniors.
https://legion.ca/docs/default-source/default-document-library/seniors-support-program-the-home-away-initiative.pdf
Transporting The Disabled:
Did you know that if you meet the eligibility criteria, a refund of Ontario Sales Tax (RST) paid is available on certain licensed motor vehicles purchased or leased on a long-term basis (at least 12 months) for the purpose of transporting a person with a permanent physical disability.
For more information visit your local Ministry of Transportation office and ask for Retail Sales Tax Guide 701.