The Hamilton Council on Aging

The Hamilton Council on Aging (HCoA) is a non-profit charitable organization that was founded in 2005. A group of retired professionals, academics, and community leaders identified the need for an independent group that focuses on and addresses the systemic issues that affect the aging experience and recognized that some seniors fall through the cracks between existing agencies and government departments.

The Hamilton Council on Aging updated its Mission, Vision and Values in late 2018, to reflect our desire to advance positive aging experiences for ALL seniors

Vision: Positive aging is visible in Hamilton.

Mission: We advance positive aging — promoting the health, well-being and social participation of ALL older adults — by influencing attitudes, policies and programs to include their voices.

Values: The Hamilton Council on Aging is committed to:

• Inclusion: We value the wisdom and experience of older adults and their right to experience a high quality of life, free of ageism.
• Diversity: We value the rich diversity of the Hamilton community and strive to include the many voices of older adults in all our endeavours.
• Collaboration: We value our shared work with volunteers and community partners, and know that their insights, knowledge and experience make us stronger.

HCoA established an age-friendly movement in 2007 and developed,  in partnership with the City of Hamilton and their Seniors Advisory Committee, Hamilton’s Plan for an Age-Friendly Community  2014-2019 and 2020-2026.

HCoA receives funding from various sources. They have received  grants from various organizations, including:

• The City of Hamilton
• New Horizons of Canada
• United Way Halton & Hamilton
• Ontario Senior Community Grant & Age-friendly Community Grant
• Public Health Agency of Canada

HCoA has a working board but heavily relies on volunteers to carry out programs and initiatives. Some of these programs and initiatives are listed below:

• Age-Friendly Dementia Friendly Hamilton
• Let’s Get Moving Workshops including Let’s Take a Bus, Let’s Take a Walk, Let’s Ride a Bike and Let’s Drive a Car.
• Healthy Aging Workshops including Positive Aging (6 workshops) and Navigating the Health Care System (3 workshops)

Website: www.coahamilton.ca