Seniors: stay healthy and active
Get information on programs and services to help seniors be healthy, active and engaged.
A guide to programs and services for seniors.
Find information on resources available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, transportation and staying safe.
Community supports
Get information about programs that are available in your community including:
- Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious and affordable meals to a variety of groups, including: seniors, and people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments
- 211 Ontario finds programs in your community such as social, non-clinical health and related government services
- Seniors Safety Line, a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 200 languages for seniors in Ontario who are experiencing any type of abuse or neglect. Call
Toll-free: 1-866-299-1011 .
Health care programs and services
Seniors in Ontario have access to many health care programs and services in their communities.
Find health care programs and services.
Get more information about how to access provincial health care programs and services including:
- the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program - provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older
- the Ontario Drug Benefit Program – helps people age 65 and older pay for prescription drugs (with a valid Ontario health card)
- the Low-Income Seniors Co-Payment Drug Program – helps seniors with low incomes (under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program)
- the Assistive Devices Program – provides support if you have a long-term physical disability and provides access to personalized assistive devices
- Health Care Connect – helps you find a doctor or nurse practitioner if you don’t have one
- Health811 – connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice.
- Thehealthline.ca – find a list of health and community services in your area
- ConnexOntario – provides information and referral services to access mental health and addictions (drug, alcohol, problem gambling) supports across the province
Vaccinations
Vaccines protect you and those around you from serious preventable diseases. Ontario offers the following free vaccines for adults, including those 65 years of age and older:
- COVID‑19
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (once in adulthood) Tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)
- Flu shot (every fall)
- Pneumococcal (at age 65)
- Shingles (one dose between ages 65 and 70)
Get information about free vaccines, including shingles, and how to get them.
Staying healthy and active
Staying active is important for your health and quality of life.
It is recommended that adults ages 65 and over get 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Learn more about:
- physical activity tips for adults age 65 years and older
- guidelines you can follow for physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- the Ontario 55+ Senior Games
- an 8-week walking program in the physical activity tool kit
- staying active at any age with ParticipACTION
Staying mentally and socially engaged is also key to good overall health along with a healthy diet and a good night’s sleep. Learn about:
- programs and services available in your area through 211ontario.ca, including information about mental health counselling and treatment for older adults
- the Seniors Active Living Centre closest to you
- active living, health and wellness supports in your area through our Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario
- brain health from the Alzheimer Society
- A Friendly Voice which is a free, confidential phone line for Ontarians 55+ who just want to chat with a friendly person. Call toll-free
1-855-892-9992 between 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - the importance of sleep and healthy sleep advice for seniors
- healthy eating for seniors
- mental health information
- the importance of social connections
- healthy aging through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Find information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias from the:
- Alzheimer Society of Ontario – dedicated to improving the quality of life for Ontarians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Finding Your Way Wandering Prevention Program – helps people living with dementia live more safely in their community and raises awareness
Prevent falls and injuries
Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors and roughly half of these occur at home. Fortunately, many falls are preventable. The Government of Canada has resources to help seniors stay safe at home and prevent falls, including: