Two provincial organizations provided grants to help keep older adults active as they age, including a program on Gabriola Island.
Thirty Seniors Active Aging grants were distributed across 27 communities in B.C. On Gabriola, the peer-to-peer exercise program, Island Stepping Up Stepping Out, which is provided by People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Island Society, received funding through Active Aging B.C. and the United Way of the Lower Mainland.
“The overall goal of these grants is to increase seniors’ level of physical activity in order to improve social connections, increase level of independence and improve seniors’ well-being and quality of life,” said Michael McKnight, president and CEO of the United Way of the Lower Mainland. “In order for a community to be great, it has to be great for everyone – no matter the person’s age.”
All 30 one-year grants are up and running.
Active Aging contributed $270,000 to the initiative, while United Way gave $240,000 provincewide.