The Ontario government is investing $22.8 million in Seniors Active Living Centre programs across the province as it marks 60 years of supporting services aimed at helping older adults remain active, healthy and socially connected.
The funding, announced Friday at Life After Fifty in Windsor, will support more than 400 Seniors Active Living Centre programs throughout Ontario. The programs offer recreational, social and lifestyle activities designed to help seniors maintain their independence and strengthen community connections.
“I am so pleased to celebrate this at Life After Fifty in Windsor. In many ways, the concept of seniors active living centres all got started here,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud of our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres programs over the past six decades, which are expanding services, keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities.”
The province partners with municipalities, non-profit organizations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs to deliver the programs.
Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh, said Life After Fifty was among the first Seniors Active Living Centre programs funded by the province.
“Life After Fifty holds the distinction of being one of the first Seniors Active Living Centre programs funded by the Government of Ontario, supporting older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged in our community,” Dowie said. “I am proud to join Life After Fifty in celebrating 60 years of service and this significant milestone, while recognizing the contributions of Windsor’s seniors in building the strong community we enjoy today and promoting health, independence, and well-being.”
The announcement coincides with the start of Seniors Month in Ontario, which recognizes the contributions of older adults and promotes programs and services available to support them.
“Congratulations to Life After Fifty on 60 fantastic years of keeping seniors connected, active, and healthy,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “I’m proud to be part of the movement with Seniors Active Living Centre programs in Essex County. Let’s keep the ball rolling, and continue living healthy, fulfilling lives.”
The government said the funding builds on a $17-million increase announced in 2024 that supported the creation of more than 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario.
There are currently 416 Seniors Active Living Centre programs operating in the province. Eligible programs can request up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs, up from $42,700 in 2023 and $50,000 in 2024.
“For 60 years, Life After Fifty has been proud to partner with the Province of Ontario to support older adults in living active, connected, and independent lives,” said Tom Wilson, executive director of Life After Fifty in Windsor. “This anniversary is both a celebration of our shared history and a reminder of the importance of continued investment in programs that strengthen our communities. We are grateful for this enduring partnership and excited for the work that lies ahead!”
