British Columbia invites ICAA to advise on healthy aging initiatives

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Founder and CEO to represent association on new network

VANCOUVER--The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), an association that supports professionals who develop wellness centers and services for adults over 50, has joined a cross-sectoral network that will advise the Government of British Columbia on healthy aging. ICAA founder and CEO Colin Milner will work with 12 other individuals on the newly launched Seniors’ Healthy Living Advisory Network. This group will provide input to the BC government on engaging older adults in the Canadian province, as well as building supports and promoting healthy living for this population.

The creation of the Seniors’ Healthy Living Advisory Network was among the objectives presented in Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework, released in September 2008. In its recent network announcement, the British Columbia Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport explains that the “Framework outlines four cornerstones that government will focus on over the coming months and years: creating age-friendly communities; mobilizing and supporting volunteerism; promoting healthy living; and supporting older workers.”

“We’re actively working to prepare for the demographic shift that is coming, when one in four of us will be over the age of 65,” says Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak. “The Seniors’ Healthy Living Advisory Network will help us move forward on a number of new initiatives to support seniors to live healthy, active, independent lives.”

Milner praises the BC government’s efforts to advance healthy aging, adding that “we are thrilled ICAA will participate.” Through the ICAA community, now represented in 33 countries around the globe, “our association is striving to make a difference every day in the way the world ages,” he says. The ICAA leader sees more understanding among governments and organizations that healthy, active aging provides answers to the challenges of an aging population. “So we are enjoying opportunities to contribute to this new way of aging on all levels—globally, nationally and regionally,” continues Milner. “It’s especially rewarding, though, to be able to contribute to healthy aging in our home province of British Columbia through this new network.”

Members of the Seniors’ Healthy Living Advisory Network represent organizations that deliver services to older adults, volunteer and business organizations, plus Aboriginal, multicultural and research communities. Among the first items this group will review is a new Aging in Action Grant Program for voluntary organizations.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
ICAA is the world’s largest membership association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with the growing population of people who are 50 years and older. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.

For interviews or more information about ICAA or aging-related issues, contact:

Colin Milner, CEO, International Council on Active Aging
Toll-free: 1-866-335-9777 (North America only)
Telephone: 604-734-4466; cell: 604-763-4595
Email: colinmilner@icaa.cc