What is Seniors' & Elders' Month?

Seniors’ and Elders' Month celebrations have been traditionally held to recognize the accomplishments of Manitoba seniors and the extent to which their valuable contributions have shaped our province. Since 1989, it has been the practice for the Minister responsible for Seniors to officially proclaim Seniors’ and Elders’ Month in Manitoba.

Since 1997 the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards have been presented during Seniors’ and Elders' Month. The awards formally recognize organizations, businesses and individuals that provide services that reflect a positive attitude toward older Manitobans.

What is Seniors’ and Elders’ Day?
In 1991, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared October 1st as International Day of Older Persons to globally dedicate a day to older persons.

October 1st is the one consistent date that recognizes that older adults are an asset to society.  

Seniors’ and Elders’ Day celebrations in Manitoba have been held on an annual basis since 1989. They are intended to honour all older Manitobans for their valuable contributions to the Province of Manitoba.

Seniors’ and Elders’ Day events have included a theme event with entertainment, information booths, participation sports, opening remarks, and refreshments. Primarily, they are intended to offer a province-wide opportunity to meet and celebrate with others who share the challenges and rewards of being an older adult in Manitoba.

Each year, there have been several hundred participants in attendance.  October 1, 2007 Seniors’ and Elders’ Day celebration held at the MTS Centre marked the largest turn-out to date with over 700 participants in attendance!

What is the Seniors’ and Elders’ Day Community Committee?
The Seniors’ and Elders’ Day Community Committee, a multicultural seniors' planning committee, has been working for many months to host an event on the International Day of Older Persons, October 1. The committee is made up of interested organizations and individuals representing the Manitoba seniors’ community. Committee members include representation from the Metis, French, Jewish, Filipino, Sikh, Ukrainian and other communities.

The Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat provides administrative support to the committee.

The committee plans the Seniors’ & Elders’ Day agenda, and has working groups actively arrange for speakers, entertainment, volunteers, promotion, sports activities such as walks and gentle exercises, and sponsorship for the calendar of events, registration packages, refreshments and door prizes.

The committee also promotes the provincial celebration of Seniors’ & Elders’ Month. The committee recognizes that not everyone can come to one central event with a province so geographically large and a population so demographically diverse.

The event is sponsored by community organizations and businesses.

The event is supported by the time and efforts of many volunteers and committee members.

For more information please visit: www.seniors.cimnet .ca

Click here to register your event for the calendar.