For the first time in Canadian history, people over the age of 65 outnumber those under the age of 15.  Quality recreation has a significant role to play in keeping older adults healthy and active.  In response to the demographic shift in Canada and feedback from recreation providers, Parks and Recreation Ontario applied for and received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to develop a framework for older adult recreation, based on the success of the HIGH FIVE quality standard for children's programs.

This 3-year project which began Jan. 2016 builds on the current HIGH FIVE national industry standard for children, using best practices and systems already in place to customize a standard for the rapidly advancing demographic; older adults.

Principles of Healthy Aging (PHA) 

  • This one-day training provides insights into the unique needs of older adults when participating in recreation or leisure activities in municipal centres or retirement communities. It provides evidence-based approaches to improve the experience of participants by implementing the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Aging. Through experiential learning activities, scenarios and group discussion, leaders will gain knowledge, tips, and resources to enhance their programs as well as their relationships with participants and other staff members. Topics include ageism, program planning, as well as the importance that physical literacy plays in sustained long-term health, increased social connectedness, improved mental and physical well-being and a better quality of life.

    Healthy Aging Trainer Training 

  • This 2-day training is designed for people responsible for training staff in an organization or simply interested in helping to deliver training to multiple agencies who believe in ensuring older adults participate in quality programs. It helps organizations improve the quality of programs by making a commitment to continuous improvement in the area of healthy aging and training delivery.

    Online Healthy Aging QUEST 2 

  • This online training provides insights into the unique needs of older adults when participating in recreation or leisure activities in municipal centres or retirement communities. It provides evidence-based approaches to improve the experience of participants by implementing the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Aging. Through experiential learning activities, scenarios and group discussion, leaders will gain knowledge, tips and resources to enhance their programs as well as their relationships with participants and other staff members. Topics also include ageism, program planning, and the importance that physical literacy plays in sustained long-term health, increased social connectedness, improved general mental and physical well-being and a better quality of life.

    Online Healthy Aging QUEST 1 

This online training will help supervisors and managers assess, develop, measure and adopt

older adult-focused policies and procedures. Participants will gain access to policies and procedures in key risk areas including hiring, emergency management, program planning and report tracking. Learners will identify how to use the evidence-based HIGH FIVE QUEST 1 to adopt an older adult-centred approach to service delivery and operations to minimize risk. If there are areas where no policy or procedure exists, managers will have access to templates to develop them.

Parks and Recreation Ontario gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.