SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | Active Aging Week 7
Redefining Aging WITH ACTIVE AGING CANADA
BY GEORGIA WIEBE
G rowing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Active Aging Canada, a national non-profit, is working to change how Canadians think about aging, starting with keeping people engaged, con- nected, and physically active so they can continue living full, healthy lives at every stage and age. Liza Stathokostas, director of Active Aging Canada, says that while physical activity is a big part of healthy aging, the organization operates within the broader scope of ‘active aging.’ The World Health Organization describes active aging as continued participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs. “So, while we primarily focus on the promotion of physical activity, we recognize the critical linkages of physical health to social and mental well-being and overall quality of life,” Stathokostas says. For many older adults, staying active can mean joining a fitness class, but it isn’t limited to that. It can also mean making friends in the commu- nity or gaining a new hobby. Active aging can look different for everyone, but the goal remains the same: helping people live independently and enjoy a fulfilling quality of life. Active Aging Canada works along- side organizations such as Active Aging in Manitoba and other groups involved in similar campaigns to support a future where active aging is an important part of building healthy communities. “Manitoba is fortunate to have an organization like Active Aging in Manitoba,” Stathokostas says. The Manitoba initiative focuses on creating opportunities and showcasing older adults as peer leaders, giving them a voice in their communities. While Active Aging Canada is not directly involved in Active Aging Week, Stathokostas says she sees the initiative’s value. The movement not
only celebrates older adults engaging in a fulfilling life, but also connects them with programs, services and resources that can open the door to new opportunities and experiences. Stathokostas says they actively promote movements and organiza- tions involved in Active Aging Week, but that ‘active aging’ requires more than promotion. “It requires sustainable investment and recognition of the significant role physical activity plays in healthy aging, reducing social isolation, supporting independence and improving overall well-being,” Stathokostas says. Increasing funding and support for adults as they age is crucial to creating a high quality of life. Greater investments in programs that support social engagement can help aging adults feel a sense of belonging and connection while reducing social iso- lation. Investing in community-based supports would also help seniors maintain their independence and dig- nity by allowing them to age without needing to move into a long-term care home. That is why advocacy has become an increasingly important part of Active Aging Canada’s work. Along with them and similar organizations, the goal is to build communities where active aging is recognized as an essential foundation for healthy communities across Canada. “Each year, as Active Aging Week grows, we hope this visibility not only inspires active living among Canadi- ans, but also highlights the people, places and spaces needed to support active aging.” As Active Aging Week continues to grow, so does its message that getting older doesn’t have to mean taking a step back. With the right support and connections, Canadians can keep moving forward and make the most of every stage of life. n
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