Senior Food & Happiness Program
Bridging the Gap for Canadian Seniors with the Senior Food & Happiness Program
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget about the challenges faced by seniors in our communities. However, with Canada’s ageing population, it’s more important than ever to address these issues head-on. The World Action Foundation, a federal charity based in Toronto, is
stepping up to make a difference in the lives of seniors across Ontario with its new Senior Food & Happiness Program.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of seniors in Canada is expected to reach 9.6 million by 2030, making up nearly a quarter of the country’s population(1). Ageing comes with its own set of challenges, including health concerns, reduced mobility, and isolation. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, with one in six seniors living in a Canadian community at risk of not getting enough to eat(2).
The Senior Food & Happiness Program aims to address these issues by providing nutritious meals, social activities, and emotional support to seniors in Ontario. Through a range of activities, such as competitions, well-being sessions, talent shows, and sports events, the program intends to create a
sense of belonging and purpose for seniors, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Isolation among seniors is a significant concern in Canada. A study by the National Seniors Council found that 50% of seniors over the age of 80 reported feeling lonely (3). Loneliness not only affects mental health, but it also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions and impacts
overall well-being (4). By engaging seniors in community activities, the Senior Food & Happiness Program aims to combat loneliness and foster connections that are vital to their overall health.
The importance of addressing food insecurity among seniors cannot be overstated. A report by the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force revealed that nearly half of the seniors admitted to hospitals in Canada were malnourished(5). By providing nutritious meals, the Senior Food & Happiness
Program seeks to ensure that seniors in Ontario have access to the sustenance they need to stay healthy and active.
As the World Action Foundation gears up to launch the Senior Food & Happiness Program, we need your help. A small contribution can make a world of difference in the lives of seniors who struggle with isolation, food insecurity, and a lack of emotional support. By donating, you’re not only helping seniors access nutritious meals and engaging activities, but you’re also giving them a chance to thrive and enjoy their golden years.
Together, we can make a difference for seniors in Ontario and, eventually, across Canada. Join the World Action Foundation in our mission to improve the lives of seniors by donating to the Senior Food & Happiness Program today.
Links to hyperlink:
Statistics Canada. (2021). The Daily — Canada’s population estimates: Age and sex, July 1, 2021.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210929/dq210929a-
eng.html
Nutrition Screening, Canadian Malnutrition Task Force. (n.d.).
https://nutritioncareincanada.ca/nutrition-screening/
National Seniors Council. (2014). Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors.
https://www.canada.ca/en/national-seniors-council/programs/publications-reports/2014/social-isolation-seniors.html
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Med, 7(7), e1000316.
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10