Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

World Health Day 2012

April 7, 2012

On April 7, communities around the world and across Canada mark World Health Day. This year's theme "Aging and Health: Good Health adds Life to Years" reminds us that good health throughout life can help ensure full and productive lives, at any age.

Over the past century, the number of people over the age of 65 has grown faster than at any other time throughout history. Making healthy choices now will help adult Canadians avoid serious health problems and chronic diseases in their later years. These can include eating right being physically active for at least 2.5 hours each week, and psychologically preparing for the next phase of life.

Recognizing the contribution that seniors make to our society, the Government of Canada supports active aging activities, through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities initiative, falls-prevention initiatives, and by providing information to help older adults make physical activity part of a healthy lifestyle.

The federal government will continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to promote Age-Friendly Communities throughout Canada to help make our communities safer and healthier places in which to live. Today, more than 575 communities across Canada have taken steps to make their communities more age-friendly.

We also recognize that physical activity among seniors lowers their risk of chronic disease, improves their overall health, and allows them to remain independent. That is why we continue to promote and support physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle for Canadians at all stages of life. One way we're doing this is by providing physical activity tips for older adults.

We are also working with our national and international partners to learn more about the factors that contribute to seniors' falls and how they can be prevented, since falls are the leading cause of injury among Canadians over the age of 65. And we provide seniors and their families with injury and falls-prevention information.

Good health throughout life helps us make the most of aging. So, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about ways they can lead a healthy and active life at any age.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada