View All Topics

Government services

Government services aim to help citizens make the most of the many programs and services available to them, and can support older adults to remain engaged members of society. Assistance with securing government identification, obtaining a driver’s licence, registering to vote, or accessing services designed to support optimal aging are some of the government services most important for older adults. Read about these and related topics in our resources below.

Be prepared: Tips for facing disasters
Read Blog Post
Unbefriended: The tragic fate of many older adults
Read Blog Post
Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.
Subscribe
  • Evidence Summary

    Unbefriended older adults have poorer quality of life

    Canadian Journal on Aging (2018)
  • Blog Post

    Age-friendly communities: Designing accessible, inclusive and safe communities

    As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.
  • Blog Post

    The crucial role of caregivers in emergency preparedness

    Caregivers are an invaluable resource: they are expected to provide care, support, facilitate navigation through health and social systems, and advocate for their loved ones. The role of caregivers is crucial, especially during disasters and as we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the experiences of caregivers during emergencies.
  • Blog Post

    Trees in the city: the roots of health and well-being

    The environmental benefits of urban green spaces are well known: greenhouse gas reduction, stormwater control, biodiversity conservation, and more. But did you know that urban trees are also associated with human health and well-being?
  • Blog Post

    Complaints as a learning and improvement tool

    Each year, many patients, families and caregivers who interact with the health and social systems experience dissatisfaction and adverse events. Complaint mechanisms can be seen as a tool for learning and improvement. But what do we know about the nature of complaints and their effects?
  • Blog Post

    Community resilience: Responding to and recovering from disasters together

    It is not only individuals who are struck by disasters like a pandemic, it is entire communities that are shaken. Implementing a community resilience plan can help a community come together and overcome any disaster, while rebuilding socially, physically and economically.
  • Blog Post

    Unbefriended: The tragic fate of many older adults

    Many older adults are unable to make decisions on their own, and do not have a family member or friend who can be their guardian, representative, or substitute decision-maker. These individuals are sometimes called ‘elder orphans’ or ‘unbefriended elders’. The limited body of research evidence paints a grim picture of these older adults, particularly in terms of their poor quality of life.
  • Blog Post

    Be prepared: Tips for facing disasters

    Climate change and rapid urbanization can increase the intensity and frequency of disasters. Many factors influence people’s ability to cope with disasters, such as age, health status, income, social support, and the communication channels used to inform them.