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Notes from the Education Coordinator , By Mary Lou Norma FWIU Theme - 1939 . 1-797 International ":5 Year of Older \ l S a K Persons W International Theme: "Towards a Society for All Ages" The theme International Year of Older Persons (lYOP) was chosen to recog- nize that the world‘s population is aging and that such a change in demographics holds a special social. economic and spiriâ€" tual significance. Over the next few years. the average lifespan worldwide will increase by almost 20 years. At the same time, the proportion of older persons (defined by the United Nations as (1” and over) will increase from I in Hm I m4. Check out the following Internet sites for program ideas: International Project on Rural Aging, 1997â€"2000 http://www_hsc.wvu ed u/somlctr-on- aging/rural.htm#united United Nations Division for Social Policy and Development http://www,urtorgcsa/socdev/iyop US Department of Health and Human Services http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/international Also. review recent and future issues of The Cnunrrywunmn. the Associated Coun- try Women ofthe World magazine. National Theme: "Canada, A Society lor All Ages” This theme was developed by repre» sentatives of the federal. provincial and territorial governments in consultation With seniors and senior‘s organizations, Today. Canada‘s seniors comprise 12 perâ€" cent of the population; this figure will double in the next 40 years. The objectives of the Canada Coordinat- ing Committee include: 8 Home 8. Country, Spring I999 I enhancing the understanding, harmony and mutual support across generations I increasing recognition of seniors con- tributions to their families, commu‘ nities and country I helping Canadians understand how in» dividual and societal choices and decisions made today will affect indi- viduals and our society in the future I encouraging all sectors of society to be responsive to a diverse and aging popur Iation in a rapidly changing world I creating the potential for aging related products, technology and services Have a look at the following sources for program ideas: Canada Coordinating Committee for the International Year of Older Persons web site: http://iyopvaipajcgeca One Voice - The Canadian Seniors Network web site: www.crm.mb.ca/stip/option45+/ bureau/onevoicehtml Canadian Association of Retired Persons web site: vtrwwfiftyplusnet Health Canada, Division of Aging and Seniors web site: http://wwwhc-sLgctca/seniors- aines Phone: (613)954-5815 Fax: (613)957-1175 Email: seniors@hc~sc.gc.<a Provincial Theme: “A Province of All Ages" This theme provides Ontarions with a unique opportunity to work towards a province that recognizes and addresses the needs. aspirations and contributions of people of all ages. Each MPP has been asked to establish an IYOP Cotnmunity Committee, co-chaired by your MPP and a local prominent senior‘ with at least three other representatives of local seniors. Currently. Ontario has 1.45 million peo- ple (15 years of age. This is 12% of the population. By 2021. almost 18 percent of Ontario‘s population will be over 65. Sources of program information: Ontario Seniors Secretariat Phone: 1â€"888-910-1999 Phone - Toronto: (416)327â€"0510 Fax: (416)326â€"9338 IVOP Web site: httpt/lwww.gov.on.ca/health/iyop Ontario Community Partnership Projects Program Ferguson Block, 6th Floor 77 Wellesley St. W., Toronto ON M7A 1R3 Phone; (416)326-7076 Fax: (416)326-7079 United Generations of Ontario (UGO) Phone: (416)426-7115 Web site: http://www.intergenugoorg Contact your Local MPP’s office, Women’s Institute Involvement: Participate and recognize the International Year of Older Persons as the theme for FWIO programming for I999A2000. Things you can do: I recommend to your municipal council that this be the theme for your commuA nity this year I become involved with your local IYOP Community Committee I make use of the IYOP logo on your program, displays. brochures, etc. I ask your local council to form a com- mittee to enhance and improve life for seniors in your community I advertise all Women‘s Institute events with the IYOP Community Committee I network with local organizations. com- mittees. agencies. etc, to promote WI as a partner and make known the needs. interests and talents of older persons in rural Ontario I honour older persons in the W1 mem- bership and community with a plaque. certificate or special gift I have your PRO initiate profiles of and stories about local seniors I initiate IYOP projects and competitions with children, youth, parents. neighâ€" bourhoods, etc. I purchase and present a Women‘s Insti- tute history book to members with a 9 in their year of birth (ie. '29, ‘39. etc.) I add a new section to the Tweedsmuir history recognizing the contributions of community residents of all ages Source: IYOP 1999 Community Kit Mary Lou Norton is the Education Coordinator for FWIO. She can be reached at RR 2, Bloomfield ON KOK 160, Phone: (513)3912052, Fax: (613)393-5374, email: mln@reach.net . t