The Annual Seniors of Distinction Awards

In honour of October 1st, the International Day of the Older Person, AgeCare along

with its very committed partners have created the "Seniors of Distinction Awards".

The awards program takes place in Lethbridge, Brooks, Medicine Hat and Burnaby

each year to recognize those seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others - each and every day.

Organizations like AgeCare and our partners know that our seniors or "older people" are the new power. They are, and will continue to, contribute their vast resources to our society, as our demographics change to show that seniors are creating a demographic revolution. They are the "new power".

Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 - the vast majority of them in the developing world.

• In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force.
• Already now, older persons make major contributions to society. For instance, throughout Africa –and elsewhere - millions of adult AIDS patients are cared for at home by their parents. On their death, orphaned children left behind (currently, 14 million under the age of 15 in African countries alone) are mainly looked after by their grandparents. World Health Organization.

Together we are so proud to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and diversity of seniors in our communities. The Seniors of Distinction Awards are an opportunity to recognize all seniors who share their culture and talents, enrich our communities and enhance the well-being of those around them.

*Arts *Leadership *Community Service *Healthy Living