Seniors’ Month is an important time to celebrate the valuable contributions they make in communities across Ontario and reflect on the way they are supported. June 1 marks the start of the 32nd Seniors’ Month and CMHA Ontario is dedicated to supporting well-being in all people across the life span, including an important focus on senior citizens. Seniors mental health has been an important issue at CMHA branches across the province. It was also the sub-theme of Mental Health Week in May. To learn about mental health for those over 65, see the Mental Health Week website.
Living Life to the Full for Older Adults and Older Adult Caregivers are two important initiatives led by CMHA Ontario that focus on promoting and maintaining positive mental health in those over the age of 55. Through these projects, seniors are given the opportunity for continuing education in the area of mental health. Together in groups, senior citizens learn and share coping skills, knowledge of mental health, and ways to take control of mood and anxiety. Feedback from program participants has been very positive; demonstrating improvements in overall wellbeing and quality of life. We are dedicated to continue to support seniors’ mental health in Ontario communities and wish all senior citizens across the province a mentally healthy and happy Seniors’ Month.