Norwood Seniors see provincial funds for active loving programs

Residents of Norwood trying indoor shuffleboard Friday, as Ontario announces seniors funding. By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, LJI

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, Local Journalism Initiative.

Norwood

Programming to encourage seniors in Norwood is getting a boost by the provincial government. Approximately $50,000 in funding was announced Friday for the Asphodel-Norwood Seniors Living Centre. Nestled in the Community Centre, the programs are design locally by seniors accessing those supports.

“This is designed by and for the community. We have active pickleball in Cobourg. We have this here. We had ‘Tech Time’ to help seniors deal with increasing disruptive technology in our day-to-day lives,” explained Piccini.

In delivering remarks to community members, Ontario Minister for Seniors, Raymond Cho remarked that a senior approached him recently telling him that seniors living centres, helped her battle depression and isolation, brought on the death of her husband. Cho said that she credited the programs for her to meet new people and get active. Piccini said stories like these, which have a profound effect on the community.

“Being married 45, 50, 55-years, somebody you’ve shared your life with. Ups and downs, and to suddenly lose that person has a big impact. I think by creating opportunities for seniors to come together, to stay active, to stay social, to stay connected really is the fabric, which keeps our communities sewn together,” said Piccini.

Piccini stated the province is creating more Senior Living Centres to meet a growing demographic, who are aging in-place in their communities, adding the Ontario government is investing more than $17 million into seniors programs.