October 31, 2025
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RICHMOND HILL – November 3rd, 2025, marks the first annual Planning for Your Silver Years
Awareness Week, thanks to a Private Members Bill, Bill 137, Planning for Your Silver Years Awareness
Week Act, 2024, by Daisy Wail, MPP for Richmond Hill.
The Act received Royal Assent on December 19, 2024, and proclaims the first Monday in November
each year as a week of awareness for Ontarians to hold proactive conversations with families and
friends about the future seniors want after retirement.
“As Ontario’s senior population continues to grow, it is more important than ever to encourage
meaningful and positive conversations on how to plan for our silver years well before retirement,”
said Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill. “This week is an opportunity to ensure our seniors are
psychologically, physically, and financially prepared for their future. By encouraging Ontarians to plan
proactively, we can empower seniors to live out their silver years comfortably and unlock the incredible
potential that comes with increased longevity. This bill aims at helping seniors to ENGAGE,
ENRICH & ENJOY their lives to the fullest.”
Senior citizens are a diverse, vibrant and treasured community. They have contributed immensely to
the culture and development of Ontario and deserve to live out their “silver years” comfortably, in an
environment that works best for their needs and interests.
There are a variety of potential options that can enable seniors to live their lives in full potential after
retirement. This includes exploring a second career or living out dreams in art, culture, music or special
interests. More importantly, seniors need to decide on the homes and communities in which they wish
to spend the rest of their lives.
Determining the most suitable environment often requires early conversations with family, friends
and caregivers. It also requires advance planning to ensure seniors are psychologically, physically and
financially prepared for their future.
In many cases, Ontarians are not having the necessary conversations early enough, and the subject
becomes more difficult to raise as seniors get older. Regrettably, these conversations are at times only
triggered after seniors are admitted to a hospital and are preparing for discharge, realizing they cannot
simply go back to their previous living environment. A lack of preparation can contribute to issues
including heightened stress and other mental health issues for seniors and their families.
Preparing for the future helps empower seniors and their families, enabling them to stay engaged in
their communities with a multitude of options available to them.
Planning for Your Silver Years Awareness Week is an opportunity to support all seniors in Ontario in
living out their “silver years” with the dignity and respect they deserve.
QUICK FACTS
- The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8
million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046. - A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors