About Saskatoon Council on Aging
Founded in 1991, the Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] is a community based nonprofit and resource hub for older adults 55 plus.
We strive to achieve a Vision of Positive Aging for All in an Age-friendly Community:
- We challenge ageism
- Build a better future with older adults
- Promote human rights for older adults
- Work to prevent elder abuse
- Promote an age-friendly community where seniors’ voices are heard
- Provide programs and services that promote dignity, health and independence of older adults
We serve over 4000 members and the Saskatoon area community (about 80,000) older adults. SCOA operates a Resource Centre and a Caregiver Information Centre as well as a full range of age-friendly programs and services. Our Resource Centre is an information hub for older adults 55 plus with resources on housing, health products, finance and community services. We feature monthly free programming that promotes social connection and informational presentations on topics of interest to older adults.
Our Impact
SCOA builds a better future with older adults. Through Age-friendly Saskatoon Initiative research, older adults and service providers told us their visions for an age-friendly community. Through ongoing collaboration with the City of Saskatoon, age-friendly principles are incorporated into the design and implementation of many City services. In 2019, the provincial government declared Saskatoon to be an Age-friendly Community.
Throughout 2020, we adapted programming and connected older adults with friends and family and to the community.
- We handled over 2000 phone calls and several hundred requests for services and information by email.
- Our websites (Caregiver and SCOA) had almost 16,000 visits. COVID-19 information and social programming were visited the most.
- SCOA offered 29 free virtual programs and presentations from September 2020, to March 2021. A total of 1527 older adults attended these sessions.
- The Telephone Buddy Program provided friendly calls to 225 older adults.
- The Seniors Technology program helped several hundred older adults to use various devices (iPad, cell phone, lap tops etc.).
- Older adults also learned how to use the Zoom platform to participate in SCOA’s virtual programs, presentations and to visit with friends and family.
How your gift will be used
Social isolation has negative impacts on health and wellness for everyone, particularly for older adults. During the pandemic, seniors are particularly at risk for social isolation due to health measures designed to maintain safety.
With your gift, you help support health and wellness; a valuable commitment to older adults, their families and the community in general.
- You will help older adults learn to use technology to enhance their lives with social clubs and learn new skills with lessons and workshops. Connecting with others brightens their days and builds hope for a better future.
- You will help seniors access a lending library of iPads to learn at their own pace or with a family member.
- You will help older adults connect with younger generations using video conferencing. This connection supports positive intergenerational relationships that combats ageism and negative stereotypes.
- Your help makes it possible for volunteers to reach out to isolated seniors over the phone or be pen-pals with a senior.
- You help build a better future with older adults by helping them to build social connections, develop new skills and enhance independence. Your gifts will help older adults continue to thrive throughout the pandemic and beyond.
