MEDIA ADVISORY: Think Tank on Elder Health to address the "grey wave"

    TORONTO, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - Like much of the rest of Canada, Ontario is
slowly turning grey. As the number of people turning 65 continues to increase,
the Elder Health Coalition (EHC) is holding a meeting in partnership with the
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to address some of the health challenges
today's and tomorrow's seniors can expect to face.
    On Nov. 19, senior and health-care organizations and government policy
makers will join in a day long think tank. More than 70 participants will
share success stories about Ontario's Aging at Home strategy, explore how gaps
in services can be overcome and ways of supporting and continuing expansion of
the strategy. There will also be special sessions on how poverty and mental
health affect seniors.
    "There's no doubt seniors need more support and if they have the support
they need, they can continue to contribute to their communities and improve
the quality of their lives," says Gerda Kaegi, co-chair of the EHC and a
member of Canadian Pensioners Concerned.
    "We're pleased the government launched an Aging at Home strategy. The
reality is that many people across the province, especially in rural
communities still have few options available to them in terms of aging in
place. We're working with government to find solutions to these challenges,"
says Doris Grinspun, co-chair of the EHC and executive director of the
Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO). "More emphasis and dollars
must go to expand home care services and supportive housing across the
province."

    WHAT:   The 7th Annual Elder Health Think Tank presents "Aging at Home:
            Getting There from here"

    WHO:   -Doris Grinspun, Co-Chair of the EHC and Executive Director, RNAO
           -Gerda Kaegi, Co-Chair, EHC and a member of Canadian Pensioners
            Concerned
           -Top advisors from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
           -More than 70 delegates representing various senior and health
            groups from across the province

    WHERE:  89 Chestnut Street (Across from the Metropolitan Hotel),
            Giovanni Room (2nd floor)

    WHEN:   Nov. 19, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    The Elder Health Coalition represents 40 provincial umbrella
organizations whose aim is to help create and shape healthy public policy for
older persons.

    RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses
wherever they practise in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy
public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses'
contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that
affect nurses and the public they serve.

For further information: Marion Zych, Director of Communications,
Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, Ph: (416) 408-5605, Cell: (647)
406-5605