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Greetings and Happy Spring!
Spring it seems, is having a very slow start this year, with reported snowfalls in the north and cooler temperatures prevailing, dampening our spirits as we patiently wait to start enjoying gardening activities that come with warmer days.
But we have reasons to remain hopeful as the season also brings renewal and new opportunities. This is particularly important as Canadians are in the throes of an election which too brings opportunities for communities to come together, advocating for the respect, dignity and rights of older persons. We encourage everyone to mark your calendars for April 28th to exercise your democratic right to Vote and have your say!
On that ‘Rights’ note, EAPO is honoured to be among members of civil society who on April 3rd were witness to a landmark Resolution being adopted at the 58th Human Rights Council proceedings in Geneva. After longlast, with over 900 evidentiary documents and international forums and 14+ years of advocating for a UN convention for the Rights of Older Persons, the formal process has now begun to draft this legally binding instrument. For our subscribers eagerly following developments in this important space, EAPO will once again be hosting a webinar on May 7th, Moving Forward with the UN Convention. Registrations will open shortly and we encourage everyone to secure their spot, to receive updates about what transpired in Geneva and how together, we must get involved to see the declaration come to fruition.
From all of us at EAPO, Happy Spring and enjoy this latest issue.
Marta C Hajek
CEO
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Older Canadians Demand Effective Leadership to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation
1 in 10 Seniors Experience Abuse – Canada Must Act Now
National studies show that each year, 1 in 10 seniors experience some form of abuse. Financial abuse and exploitation, the 2nd most prevalent type, threatens our community’s economic and social well-being as older Canadians are disproportionately vulnerable to these threats. They diminish older Canadians’ their financial security, undermine their health and independence, and force an increased reliance on public systems and services.
Read more here
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The CCAA Election Kit highlights the critical need for strong political action and policies that respect and support the rights, needs, and contributions of older adults.
CCAA is urging all federal parties to prioritize (4) key commitments in the upcoming election, to combat ageism and ensure a more equitable and inclusive Canada for people of all ages.
Canadians need bold action and courageous leadership!
Learn more and access the full election kit here
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Campaign : Vote to End Gender-Based Violence
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The "Vote to End Gender-Based Violence" campaign is a nonpartisan initiative led by YWCA Toronto, in collaboration with a coalition of anti-gender-based violence advocates and survivors.This collective effort aims to urge all political candidates in the federal election to commit to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Canada.
The campaign calls on all candidates to:
- Declare intimate partner violence an epidemic
- Appoint a federal GBV Commissioner
- Ensure long-term funding for prevention and survivor supports
YWCA Toronto’s message is clear: ending GBV must be a national priority. This election is an opportunity to demand leadership and real investment in the safety and dignity of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Learn more : www.votetoendgbv.com
| | Historic Decision: Governments decide to draft a UN Convention! | | |
📢 PRESS RELEASE
Historic decision on the human rights of older persons: Governments decide to start drafting an international convention. On 3 April, UN Member States at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a landmark resolution, to create a new intergovernmental working group, to begin drafting a UN convention on the Rights of Older Persons. This milestone achievement is the culmination of over 14 years by civil society around the world, advocating for the creation of an international legally binding instrument, centered on the rights of older persons.
📄 Read the full press release to learn more about this breakthrough and what comes next here
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Listener Survey : Your Voice Matters!
Aging Vibrantly: Conversations to Empower Seniors Podcast
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Thank you for listening to the Aging Vibrantly: Conversations to Empower Seniors Podcast!
EAPO would like to express our sincere gratitude to you for listening to our new podcast. We value and appreciate you being an active part of our community. We hope you enjoyed the 10 episodes of Season 1 with guest experts and older adult leaders alike, who imparted their wisdom, expertise and lived experiences to enhance your understanding of aging issues and living a safe and fulfilling life, with dignity and respect.
We are now preparing for Season 2 and seeking feedback from our listeners, to see how we can enhance your listening experiences and present topics of interest in future episodes.
A short survey has been crafted for our listeners and we invite you to take a moment to complete it today. All responses will remain anonymous and kept confidential.
Again, thank you for being an active listener of the Aging Vibrantly podcast.
Your support means a lot!
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National Volunteer Week 2025 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the powerful impact of volunteers across Canada. This year’s theme, Volunteers Make Waves, highlights how individual and collective actions create ripples of positive change—shaping stronger, more inclusive, and connected communities.
As we look ahead to this week of recognition, we invite everyone to reflect on the incredible value volunteers bring to our lives—and to join in celebrating their vital role in creating a better future for all.
Find Resources and Social Media Campaign Kit here
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Strategy to Action: Driving Change Across Canada
Future Us was launched in March 2022, as a pan-Canadian Roadmap for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
Join us on May 6th, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm (ET)
to get an update on what’s been happening across Canada to advance the Strategy’s (3) goals:
- Prioritizing prevention of elder abuse and neglect in every community.
- Establishing and supporting EA Prevention Networks at local, regional, and national levels.
- Teaching everyone how to recognize warning signs of abuse and neglect, how to respond safely and effectively and where to find help in the community.
Learn more here
Register in advance to reserve your spot!
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day National Virtual Event (WEAAD) Plan to join us on June 11th, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (ET)
as EAPO joins communities across the globe to heighten awareness of the impacts Elder Abuse has on the quality of life of this fastest growing demographic.
WEAAD, underlines the importance of each of us, taking responsibility for helping prevent elder abuse. It promotes a better understanding of how cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affect this complex societal issue.
To learn more ....Speaker details are coming soon! But please
Register TODAY to reserve your spot!
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Planning your own World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event?
EAPO has resources available to help you in planning your WEAAD 2025 Events. Check out EAPO's website for downloadable promotional materials, including WEAAD logos (EN & FR), social media banners, a proclamation, certificate, customizable templates, planning ideas for WEAAD events! More tools will be added soon!
Don't forget to let us know about your WEAAD plans - by adding it to our WEAAD Calendar.
https://eapon.ca/weaad/
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View EAPO Event Recordings
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National Volunteer Week 2025 – April 27 to May 3
Volunteers Make Waves Together, we create ripples of change #VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025 The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves.
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Global Intergenerational Week 2025 – April 24 to 30
Together, let's celebrate the power of connection. Relationships between older and younger people are not just ‘nice’ but essential.
| | | Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation National Grant program | | |
The Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation National Grant program is intended to inspire transformational change in the lives of family caregivers across Canada. They fund projects and programs that primarily: alleviate the systematic challenges faced by family caregivers across Canada support thought leadership and research programs that illuminate these challenges; provide new insights; suggest innovative solutions; create tools or resources for family caregivers.
The National Grant application portal will open for 5 weeks beginning May 2025.
Click here for more information.
| | Call for Participants : GBV Among Older Adult Female Caregivers | | |
A team at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health is seeking assistance in identifying potential public participants for a research project. They are seeking individuals with any of the lived experiences listed below:
- women aged 55 years or older currently providing informal care to someone, or individuals who have observed an older woman doing so
- women aged 55 years or older with a previous experience of providing informal care to someone, or individuals who have observed older women doing so.
If you would like more information about this project or have any questions, please reach out to Grace Hu at gh2648@cumc.columbia.edu
| | NEW Reports and Resources | | The NCTR is pleased to share the 2024 Annual Report. Inside the report, you'll find a reflection on the past year's work in preserving the truths of Residential School Survivors, supporting Indigenous communities, and advancing the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Read more here | | |
Steps to Justice now has information about what can happen if someone is not mentally capable of making decisions about their health care.
This includes information about:
- what it means to be mentally capable to make health-care decisions
- who can step in to make health-care decisions for someone who is not mentally capable
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what rules someone must follow when they are making health-care decisions for someone else. Read more here
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RHRA is pleased to launch the Insight Series, beginning with a focus on abuse and neglect. This resource highlights sector-wide trends to support compliance and enhance resident safety.To complement it, four short learning modules are now available to help licensees, staff, and volunteers strengthen their understanding and practices.
Learn more here
| | This article highlights how Canada’s aging population is a growing yet under-discussed issue ahead of the April 28 federal election. With nearly one in four Canadians expected to be over 65 by 2040, the article emphasizes the urgent need for policy reforms in health care, housing, and social support to ensure older adults can age with dignity while maintaining intergenerational fairness. Read full article here | | |
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Conference invites you to share your research, insights, and best practices with a national audience of professionals and experts. Workshops, oral presentations, and posters are welcome.
Abstract Submission Deadline: May 11, 2025 Submit Online: https://loom.ly/dyq7JMY
| | This report provides insight into 2S/LGBTQ+ perspectives on MAID-MI and sheds light on important and nuanced factors to consider on the topic of MAID-MI in 2S/LGBTQ+ communities. Read report here | | This toolkit is designed to support organizations and professionals in the caregiver sector by offering clear, strategic communication tools to promote the value of social prescribing. It includes an accessible overview of the approach, audience-specific messaging, and practical guidance on building partnerships, enhancing referral pathways, and embedding social prescribing within caregiver support systems. Read report here | | Upcoming Webinars & Conferences | | |
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario | www.eapon.ca
416-916-6728 | Toll-Free: 1-833-916-6728
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