Issue 89 – 26, February 15, 2026
Congratulations!
The process of creating this UN treaty is a big effort involving many countries and organizations.
The United Nations (UN), starting this week is working to create a new international agreement called a "convention" to protect the human rights of older people. Its purpose is to protect the rights of older persons everywhere. By working together, we can build a future where everyone is treated with dignity and fairness, no matter their age.
This is an important step, the UN has set up a special group of representatives from different countries to help write this agreement. This group will meet from February 18 to 20, 2026, to discuss and create the treaty. The goal is to make rules that protect older people’s rights around the world. Sometimes, laws or policies do not protect well, this new treaty will help fix those problems by setting clear rules and responsibilities for countries to follow.
Older people and their organizations should be involved in the process to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are understood. Experts and countries will talk about what should be included in the treaty. They will decide on the main ideas, principles, and goals.
Respecting the dignity and independence of older people.
Making sure they are treated equally and not discriminated against.
Ensuring they have access to healthcare, housing, and social services.
Protecting them from ageism, which is unfair treatment based on age.
Giving older people the right to seek help if their rights are violated.
Once they agree on the main ideas, they will write the actual rules and obligations for countries to follow. This will include rights like respect, equality, and access to services.
After the draft is written, it will be reviewed and improved. The goal is to create a strong and clear agreement. Then we move into the adoption and implementation, when everyone agrees, the treaty will be officially adopted. Countries will then work to follow the rules and protect the rights of older persons.
The main goal is to create a world where older persons are valued and can live with dignity. The treaty will help change attitudes, laws, and systems that currently may not fully support older people. It aims to make society fairer and more inclusive for everyone, no matter how old they are.
As people live longer today, more older persons need protection and support. A strong international treaty will help countries improve their laws and policies to ensure that older people are respected, safe, and able to participate fully in society.
The process of creating this UN treaty is a big effort involving many countries and organizations. Its purpose is to protect the rights of older persons everywhere.
Read more - Organisational meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on older persons | OHCHR
New Ways for Older Canadians to Live in Community
Not so long ago a pandemic was very hard on older Canadians. Over 20,000 seniors in long-term care homes died during this time. Many families saw how poorly some of these homes were prepared and how their loved ones suffered. Because of this, many older people and their families hope for big changes in the future. They want more options to live in their communities, stay independent, and still get support when they need it.
Sadly, governments have not responded fast enough. Most provinces have focused on building more long-term care homes, even though most seniors say they do not want to live in those places. Instead, many believe that older adults should be able to “age in place” meaning they stay in their own homes or neighborhoods as they get older.
A lot of older Canadians are now acting themselves. The baby boomer generation is speaking up and starting their own projects. They want to create communities where they can live happily and independently. Here are four ways older adults are thinking outside the box to live in community:
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs)
Many communities are creating NORCs, where lots of seniors live in the same apartment buildings or condos. These communities support each other and make it easier to stay social and active. Some NORCs offer exercise classes and even group meals. For example, in Waterloo, a NORC coordinator helps residents organize activities and support networks. This makes the community stronger and helps people stay healthy.
Support Circles from Families and Friends
Some families are creating “support circles” to care for their older loved ones. These are small groups of family members and friends who meet regularly to help with practical tasks like shopping or cleaning, and to offer emotional support. This helps the main caregiver not feel so alone and gives seniors more social connections. Asking others for help can be hard, but research shows that social networks improve well-being and make people feel they belong.
Age-Friendly Communities
Older adults are leading efforts to encourage their cities and towns to be more age friendly. Some cities have groups of elders who work to improve sidewalks, parks, transportation, and housing so that everyone can participate safely. These efforts help seniors access amenities easily and feel included in community life.
Shared Housing and Co-Housing
Some older adults are choosing to live together in shared houses. Women, especially from the baby boomer group, find this appealing because it helps reduce loneliness and provides a sense of community. For example, in Montreal, a group called Radical Resthomes promotes sharing homes with others in the final decades of life. This way, people can support each other, share costs, and stay connected with friends and family.
Besides these community initiatives, many older Canadians are advocating for even more options. They want expanded home care services, small neighborhood care homes, and programs that support aging at home. One exciting project is in Kenora, where a community new seniors’ housing complex has health services on-site. This means people can stay in their community and receive the support they need without going to a long-term care home.
Another promising idea is small, not-for-profit neighborhood homes. These homes are designed for four to six residents who need some help but want a home-like environment. They are in regular neighborhoods, so residents can walk outside, visit neighbors, and stay part of their community. These homes focus on building relationships, respecting cultural traditions, and allowing residents to live with dignity.
In the future, we need to think beyond traditional long-term care homes. We should imagine a society where older adults have many options to live happily, safely, and independently in their own homes, in alternative settings, in their own neighborhoods. This can include community-based homes, shared housing, and community projects led by seniors themselves.
By working together with government, communities, and older adults, we can create a future where aging is a positive experience, full of support, connection, and respect. It’s time to think outside the box and explore new ways to live in community!
Read more - Older adults and population aging statistics
Many enjoying a long weekend?
Family Day is not a national statutory holiday, it is only observed in New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan and in British Columbia.
Other provinces have holidays in February on the same day, but these holidays aren't called family day. In PEI Islander Day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February and in Manitoba the 3rd Monday in February is the Louis Riel Day holiday. In Nova Scotia this day is called Heritage Day.
Family Day was originally created to give people time to spend with their families, but it also provides a day off between New Years Day and Good Friday as they are approximately three months apart.
Since this is not a federally mandated holiday all federal workers work on Family Day including post office employees and public servants.