Believe it or not, there is such a thing as having too much space. Many of us only realise as we get older that having too much house is not only impractical but lonesome, too. The City of Toronto connects over-housed seniors with under-housed graduate students through a Home-share program, with the help of the Seniors Community Grant Program under the Ministry of Seniors Affairs. Home-Share Program – How does it work?Homeowners are seniors over the age of 55 who live independently in their home, are interested in sharing household responsibilities, have spare living space, and are interested in companionship. Seniors Active Living services in Toronto Home sharers are at least 18 years old, looking for safe and affordable accommodation, willing to share household responsibilities and are interested in companionship. They match you on your geographical districts, preferences, interests, hobbies, backgrounds, and personalities, but a trial period of one or two weeks is advised before finalising arrangements. Once a match is established, regular follow-ups, as well as counselling for difficulties is offered. Home-Share program – Benefits for participantsThe longer seniors can stay in their house and have the company of another person, the more they benefit from significantly prolonged health. On a community level, there is a decreased use of shelter services, emergency services and a reduction in ambulance calls.Evidence suggests that both the homeowner and home sharer experience decreased feelings of isolation, increased feelings of safety, better sleep and overall better health when taking part in a HomeShare arrangement. Tips to prevent falls around your home. Contact the HomeShare coordinator at1-844-547-4273 or emailsupport@seniorhomeshares.com to learn more.

Looking for new opportunities to learn, have fun or meet new people? These days, seniors are living longer and more actively than they ever have before, with many remaining independent at home and in their communities, thanks to community engagement initiatives. Opportunities for seniors Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant Program has said it will be extending and enhancing its support to larger projects that will benefit more seniors in the long run. The program has, since being formed, funded over 1,300 projects in hundreds of communities that have helped more than 435,000 seniors to learn, volunteer and be socially involved in their communities. Read Impressive housing benefits for Toronto seniors. Engaging through the arts Did you know, engagement with the arts is known to reduce isolation, promote self-confidence and build a sense of community? Participating in arts activities and art therapy has proven to benefit both physical and mental illnesses associated with aging. The government has said it will create a fund to support art enrichment for seniors in community settings such Active Living Centres, retirement homes, hospitals, and long-term care homes, as well as the capacity for seniors to engage in arts organizations in their communities. Help with technology The Change the World program of Ontario is launching a special project that will link youth volunteers with seniors to help build their understanding and enable their use of technology, which in turn will help reduce social isolation. Social connectedness is vital to seniors’ health and well-being. Those with close connections and relationships tend to cope better with health conditions and experience fewer mental health issues than those without. Click here  to can find details on social activities and community engagement initiatives.