As Ontario’s population ages, promoting fitness and physical activity is key to maintaining health, independence, and overall quality of life for seniors. It is now common knowledge that regular physical activity helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis while enhancing mental well-being, reducing risks of falls, and fostering social connections. 

A 2022 report from Sheffield University shows that fitness is a preventive measure to staying healthy longer but can also save the healthcare system up to $23.4 billion for Canada. As such, CARP supports the Ontario government’s initiatives to improve fitness for all seniors. However, we want to see more. The data proves that fitness is preventative care and can reduce reliance on hospital visits and long-term care (LTC) – this will undoubtedly help with the overstressed healthcare systems and LTC.

CARP advocates for:

• Increased investment in seniors fitness as a proactive response to health care needs of an aging population.
• Expanding fall prevention programs, incorporating balance and strength training and mobility support.
• A $1,200 refundable tax credit that will incentivize more seniors to take part in fitness programs, and more providers to create such programs and opportunities. There are already some programs (such as High Five For Older Adults) that would see participation rates increase if there were financial incentives.
• Increased provincial government engagement with regional and municipal governments to revisit their existing recreational programs and redesign them to better meet the needs and demands of older adults in their communities. Local communities will also find cost savings in other programs if they can do more to boost the health and fitness of their aging population.

Government’s response to the ‘CARP 5’

SENIORS ACTIVE LIVING CENTRES (SALCS) & GRANTS 

Regional Investments

• Ontario invested $1.6 million in senior services in Northeastern Ontario, including 28 SALCs. 
• The Ontario government invested $925,000 in SALCs and grants to help more seniors in Northwestern Ontario.
• Over $500,000 is invested in Seniors Community Grants, supporting 24 programs.

Legislative Amendments 

• There have been amendments to the Seniors Active Living Centres Act, 2017, allowing more types of organizations to deliver SALC programs. This came into effect on June 1, 2024.

Provincial Expansion and Funding

• The Ontario government celebrated 282 community projects funded (up to $6 million total) to help seniors stay active, healthy, and connected close to home. 
• There are now 315 active SALCs programs across Ontario. These programs enable municipalities to provide essential recreation services for older adults. 
• In 2024, Ontario spent $15 million to support all current SALC programs across the province, a significant increase from the $1 million allocated in 2023.
• The Ontario government announced increasing funding by $17 million to expand services and activities and adding up to 100 new SALC programs in 2025.

COMMUNITY SPORT AND RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (CSRIF)

Infrastructure Investments 

• Ontario invested $200 million to help communities revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and build new facilities, increasing accessibility and seniors’ participation in physical activities.

As of January 20205, The provincial government has yet to announce any refundable tax credit that will encourage seniors to take part in fitness programs. However, the province has invested in various programs through senior centres and community grants, promoting physical activity among seniors. Investments in encouraging seniors’ fitness provide a cost-effective strategy to reduce healthcare expenses and combat the negative effects of isolation and sedentary lifestyles.