CARP POLL: CARP MEMBERS WANT THE LONGEVITY TEST BUT WON’T CHANGE LIFESTYLE; FOREIGN TRAVEL TOPS “BUCKET LIST”; READY FOR E-HEALTH BUT DON’T SEE MUCH PROGRESS; WANT UNIFORM PRICING FOR GENERIC DRUGS TORONTO, ON: CARP members seem content with their lives even if some expect to outlive their money. The majority will take the longevity test if available but despite the results, would not change their lifestyle. However, one third of those who found out they had the longevity gene would take better care of themselves and begin fulfilling their “bucket list”. Similarly, one third of those who found out they did not have the gene would also live a better lifestyle but more [40%] would get going on their “bucket list”. Travel to an exotic locale tops their “bucket list”- the list of life’s dreams to complete before one dies – followed by bringing family together but there is little appetite to pursue a dream career. While the majority expect to live to between 80 and 90 years, many more would like to live to between 85 and 95; a significant group [12%] wants to live past 100. Be sure we will be including travel in our 2011 Zoomer North conference. NEW HORIZONS FOR SENIORS PROGRAM
By providing funding to non-profit organizations, the New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities, through active living and participation in social activities.
The Program funds projects that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their communities – from enabling seniors to share their knowledge, wisdom and experiences with others, to improving facilities for seniors’ programs and activities, to raising awareness of elder abuse. There are three kinds of funding: Community Participation and Leadership, Capital Assistance, and Elder Abuse Awareness.
For more information on the federal government’s actions on seniors’ issues, please visit Seniors Canada.; Questions about New Horizons for Seniors
Organizations are invited to apply for funding through Calls for [email protected]
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McGuinty expands energy tax break for seniors * – Lee Greenberg, Postmedia News • Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty responded to mounting attacks over rising energy costs yesterday by expanding a tax break for seniors — a move he said proves the provincial government is listening to public concerns.
The $70-million measure will make the pre-existing tax credit for hydro and property tax costs available to an additional 50,000 seniors. The tax credit is worth up to $1,025 annually based on a senior’s income. “The purpose of today’s announcement is to recognize there are some additional challenges being faced by seniors and we owe it to them to have another look at it,” the Premier said.
The tax break was applauded by the Canadian Association for Retired Persons, the country’s largest seniors’ lobby, but jeered by political opponents.
Conservative leader Tim Hudak said he disagrees with the government’s method in targeting relief.
“Dalton McGuinty tends to want to pick winners and losers, whether it’s corporate grants for multinational corporations like Samsung or particular areas of the population,” he said. “I just have a different view. I think people are tired of Dalton McGuinty’s social engineering.”
