Issue 84 – 26, January 11th, 2026
International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026
In 2026, the United Nations (UN) has named it the “International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.” This special year is all about celebrating and encouraging volunteers around the world. The goal is to show how important volunteer work is for creating a better, more sustainable world.
This year-long effort will focus on showing how volunteers help solve big problems like climate change, poverty, health care, and education. The UN wants everyone, individuals, organizations, and governments, to work together through volunteering to reach global goals for a better future.
This year is special because it marks 25 years since the first International Year of Volunteers in 2001. Since then, volunteer efforts have played a key role in helping communities and countries become stronger. The UN believes that volunteers are essential for building inclusive and resilient societies, where everyone has a chance to succeed.
The main goal is to raise awareness about how volunteers help address global challenges. Whether it’s planting trees, helping the homeless, or organizing better health care, volunteers make a big difference.
This year is also a time to recognize and honor the hard work of union retirees, senior volunteers, and organizations like CURC, who dedicate their time for the common good.
The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026 is a chance to show the power of community service. Through volunteering, people can help solve world problems and create a fairer, healthier planet. So, whether you are a union retiree, a senior, or a community member, you are invited to join and make a difference. Together, we can build a better world today and in the future.
It is also important to think about the United Nations’ Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to make the world a better and fairer place by 2030. It has 17 goals to improve life for everyone, including seniors.
As people get older, they often face challenges like health problems, loneliness, and trouble finding affordable housing. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on solving these issues so seniors can live healthier, happier lives. For example, Goal 3 is about good health and well-being, helping seniors stay active and healthy. Goal 10 works to reduce inequalities, making sure seniors are treated fairly and with respect.
CURC continues to encourage the Canadian government to support union retirees and seniors as part of its work toward these goals.
Health and Well-Being: Canada needs to improve mental health services, especially for seniors and those facing mental health issues. The government should protect the Canada Health Act and invest more money so people can get help when they need it.
Affordable Housing: The government must create more affordable homes so seniors don’t have to worry about how they will pay for a safe and comfortable place to live.
Community Support: Union retirees and seniors need programs that help them stay connected with their communities and reduce loneliness. For example, community centers offer activities and support networks for older adults.
Employment Opportunities: Canada should help older adults who want or need to work longer by offering training and job opportunities. This helps seniors stay active and financially secure.
Protection and Respect: Canada needs to improve laws and programs that prevent age discrimination and abuse. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter their age.
Despite these efforts, many seniors still face challenges. They may have trouble accessing health care, feel socially isolated, or find it hard to get services in rural areas. The rising cost of living also makes it harder for some seniors to afford what they need.
To build a better future, we must keep working on these issues. This includes making health care more accessible, fighting age discrimination, and ensuring no senior is left behind.
Supporting union retirees and seniors is a team effort. Communities, families, and governments all have a role to play. By working together, we can make sure seniors are valued, healthy, and happy. It reminds us that a better world is possible when we all do our part.
With continued effort and teamwork, we can create a future where everyone, no matter their age, can enjoy a good quality of life. Let’s keep working together to make a more inclusive, caring, and sustainable world for all.
Everyone can take part, share ideas, and support projects that help others.
Read more - The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Understanding Ageism: Myths vs. Facts About Growing Older
Even though society has made some progress, many wrong ideas about getting older still exist. Stereotypes can be unfair and untrue, it's important to know the facts so aging people are respected. Let’s look at some common myths and the facts that go against them.
Ageism means having stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination based on age. It can happen in many ways, such as in laws, workplaces, healthcare, or everyday interactions. For example, older people might be ignored, treated as if they can’t make decisions, or made fun of because of their age. Sometimes, older adults are seen as weak or less valuable, which isn’t true.
Ageism can hurt older people's self-esteem, health, safety, and social life. It can also prevent them from getting good healthcare or job opportunities. Sadly, many people believe that growing older means being frail or useless. But many seniors contribute a lot to their communities and live active lives.
CURC and others are calling on society to challenge persistent myths about ageing and confront ageism in 2026. We are promoting learning about common myths and the facts that disprove them.
Myth 1: Most older people are grumpy and unhappy.
Fact: Many studies show that happiness increases as people get older.
The ‘U-curve of happiness’ explains this. It shows that people feel happy when they are young, feel a bit less happy in middle age, and then become happier again after age 55. In Canada, a 2025 survey found that over 60% of people aged 65 and older said their life was very satisfying, compared to less than half of young people aged 15-24.
Myth 2: Most older people are wealthy.
Fact: Many seniors live with low or moderate incomes.
About 25% of seniors earn less than $23,800 a year. Half of seniors earn less than $37,000 annually. Many seniors rely on food banks and meal programs, and some are even homeless. So, not all older people are rich, many face financial struggles.
Myth 3: Older people can’t use or learn new technology.
Fact: Today’s seniors are very good at using technology.
In 2022, more than 80% of Canadians aged 65 and older used the internet. During the pandemic, many seniors used the internet every day and felt confident with their devices. The main challenges are the costs of buying equipment and internet or learning how to use online services.
Myth 4: Older workers are less effective than younger workers.
Fact: Age doesn’t affect intelligence or routine tasks.
Many older people continue working because they enjoy it, need income, or want to stay active. In 2024, 27% of women and 41% of men aged 65 to 74 were still working in Canada. However, some work benefits like insurance or pension plans including workers compensation can be harder to access after a certain age. Limiting these benefits just because of age is unfair and can be considered discrimination.
Myth 5: Most older people have dementia or memory loss.
Fact: Memory problems are not a normal part of aging.
In 2024, 8.7% of people in Canada over age 65 have some form of dementia, and that number has stayed steady. Memory loss isn’t something everyone experiences as they grow older.
It’s important to challenge stereotypes and avoid jokes or comments that are disrespectful. Laws and policies should also treat people of all ages fairly. By talking openly about aging and age discrimination, we can create a more respectful and inclusive society.
Growing older isn’t a problem. Ageism, treating people unfairly because of their age, is what causes harm. Let’s celebrate the skills, experience, and knowledge of older adults and see aging as a natural, valuable part of life.
Let’s Stand Up for Our Healthcare!
We all want to live longer, healthier lives, but we need to act now to protect our healthcare system. History has shown us that we can stop bad legislation or effect real change when people come together and demand it.
Right now, there are policies being legislated that could put private profits ahead of our health. This threatens to make healthcare less accessible and could take away the care we deserve. If we don’t speak up, these dangerous plans could become reality.
That’s why it’s so important for us to sign the petition and send letters to our politicians. Your voice matters! By signing the petition, you show that you care about keeping healthcare public and fair for everyone. Sending letters to politicians lets them know we won’t accept policies that put profits over people’s health.
Every signature and letter helps build the pressure needed to protect our rights and our future. When we unite and stand together, we win!
Join us today, sign the petition, send your letters, and share this message with other union retirees, friends and family. Let’s make sure our voices are heard and fight for a healthcare system that cares for all of us, now and in the future!
Canadian Health Care Coalition – Health Coalitions across Canada call on Prime Minister Mark Carney and Health Minister Marjorie Michel to uphold the Canada Health Act in the face of Alberta’s Law 11 – Canadian Health Coalition
Sign and share the petition now: https://www.ourcommons.ca/