We have provided a list of links below that will get you connected with a variety of helpful resources for living and thriving in your later years.
- The Ontario Government has a comprehensive Guide to Programs & Services for Seniors. If you prefer, you can easily download this guide as a pdf. This guide covers everything from health and finances, to employment and much more. Check out the section on Active Living (including a section on Volunteering). Visit this page to find a Seniors Active Living Centre near you. You can call them toll-free: 1-888-910-1999 or TTY: 1-800-387-5559.
- OSSCO (Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations) They empower older adults and seniors to remain independent, be financially secure & live safely in community. Part of their vision is Finding solutions to make aging easier…for everyone. You can call them toll free: 1-800-265-0779.
- A Friendly Voice is just a phone call away. This is a free, confidential “warm line” for older adults aged 55 and above living in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island). It’s a welcoming space where you can freely connect with a caring volunteer without expectations or judgment. A friendly voice is there to listen. This is a terrific work-from-home volunteer opportunity as well! You can call them toll free: 1-855-892-9992.
- OACAO (Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario) OACAO is involved in promoting the well-being and quality of life for older adults and the association provides support and resources to member centres. Older adult centres across the province rely on the dedication and commitment of thousands of volunteers each year. Find a centre near you on this on their member directory page or using the map search. You can call them toll free: 1-866-835-7693.
- 211 Ontario Connects Seniors with Financial Assistance Dialling 2-1-1 on your phone is one of the best ways you can learn about financial support that can help improve your quality of life. Many calls to the 211 Ontario helpline are from seniors and caregivers who want to know what type of practical help, such as income assistance, is available and how to access it.
- Ontario Care Givers Association (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers, ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. They support caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so you have what you need to be successful in your role. You can call their helpline toll free:1-833-416-2273.
- The National Seniors Council (NSC) engages with seniors, stakeholders and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors. You can call them toll free: 1-800-622-6232 or TTY: 1-800-926-9105.
*a TTY is a special device that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to type text messages. A TTY is required at both ends of the conversation in order to communicate. It can be used with both land lines and cell phones. Unlike text messaging, it is designed for synchronous conversation, like a text version of a phone call. A modern digital cell phone must support a special digital TTY mode in order to be compatible with a TTY device. TTY stands for “teletypewriter.”