Yukon says it's making progress supporting 'more and more' people who are aging in the territory

The Yukon government said it's making headway on its plan to better support seniors who are aging in their own homes and communities. 

The territory released its Aging in Place Action Plan back in 2020, and it contained 56 recommendations to make sure Yukoners can live safely, independently and comfortably where they choose for as long as possible. 

In its third and final report on that action plan, the territory said 30 of those recommendations have been carried out, 25 of them are in progress, and one has been blended into other work. 

Justin Wallace, who is an acting assistant deputy minister of continuing care with Yukon's Department of Health and Social Services, said the number of people who are choosing to age in the territory can be used as a measure of the territory's progress. 

The perception used to be that people would retire and then leave the territory. Now, he said, "more and more people are staying."

Recommendations in the initial action plan include the need to reflect First Nations knowledge, encourage the growth of community-led seniors' organizations outside of Whitehorse and provide training on aging and ageism. The report also recommends starting intergenerational programming with early childhood educators, providing funding for home modifications and addressing transportation challenges.

Normandy Living is a supportive housing project in the Yukon. It offers services such as housekeeping, meals, and laundry to seniors. Twenty-six of the project's 84 units are subsidized. 

Natal Samuelson, Normandy Living's executive director, said there is still work to be done but the report shows how much work and care has been invested in improving the lives of seniors in recent years. 

"The Yukon does a better job supporting their seniors and elders than we have in the past," she said.

Ongoing Goals

Wallace said one goal is to support people so they can die in a place of their own choosing. For many, he said, that is their own home.

Samuelson said they're continuously working to ensure seniors get to live with dignity, independence and joy.

The territory said its Aging in Place Seniors' Advisory Committee contributed to the report's recommendations. The report also said it is meant to work in conjunction with other strategies in the Yukon.