Team profiles :

Play Forever

At a Glance   

Region: Ontario

Setting: Rural

EAIP program principle(s): 

• Access to social and community supports 

Implementation (new, spread, and/or expand):   

• Expand 

Team Profile  

The organization leading this initiative is Play Forever, in collaboration with Crescent Village Housing Corporation and Toronto Seniors Community Housing. Team members include representatives from each organization, including directors, and program and technology coordinators.  

Community

• This initiative is planned in the city of Toronto, Ontario, the largest city in Canada, with a population of over 3 million residents. 
• Approximately 17% of Toronto's population is currently over the age of 65, a figure expected to grow to 19% by 2030. The number of dependents (older adults and children) is projected to increase from 55 to 64 per 100 working-age Torontonians by 2030. 
• Toronto is a multicultural city, with nearly half of its population being newcomers to Canada and 52% identifying as visible minorities. 

Program Focus 

Program Description  

• Play Forever offers a range of activities and services in the community aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of older adults in Toronto. The program emphasizes personalized navigation and accompaniment, health education and promotion, and chronic disease management. It also helps reduce loneliness and combat social isolation by organizing community events, workshops, and engagement activities.   
• Through the EAIP initiative, Play Forever is expanding their program to address barriers such as digital inclusion, transportation/accessibility, and health literacy while enhancing cultural competence and language support.  

Implementation Approach: 

• The organization plans to expand their services through partnering and supporting existing community programs and organizations to reach a broader audience and meet the evolving needs of the population.  
• Health and Tech Workshops: Continue to offer workshops to build knowledge and capacity around nutrition, fitness, and chronic disease management. As well as provide technology workshops to enhance digital skills, connecting seniors to online resources and social platforms to support their independence. 
• Combat Social Isolation and Field Trips: Plan to partner and strengthen relationships with local organizations, healthcare providers, community centers, and senior service agencies to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for planning community engagement activities. Organize field trips and social events to provide opportunities for seniors to connect, combat social isolation, stimulate cognition, and build meaningful relationships within their community. 
• Home-based and Flexible Services: Integrate home-based services for seniors with health issues or caregiving needs, ensuring transportation assistance for those with mobility challenges. Introduce flexible programming options to accommodate varying schedules and preferences, provide caregiver support resources, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach and accessibility.
• Build Cultural Competence: Recruit a diverse team of staff and volunteers to enhance cultural competence and language support. Prioritize cultural competency training for program facilitators, involve community leaders in program planning, and ensure that activities are sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds.