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Seniors

Everybody at every age should have access to what need. That’s why we work to ensure seniors to have equal opportunities for good quality of life.

Everybody at every age should have access to the things they need for physical and mental well-being, as well as feel like they’re part of a community. That’s why we continue our unwavering work to ensure support services that allow seniors to have equal opportunities for good quality of life are there when they need them. Any way we can.

THE CHALLENGE

Seniors are the fastest growing age group in Canada. They also face compounded social and physical challenges, as well as an increased likelihood of living with a disability, feeling isolated and having a low or fixed income. Seniors often have difficulty accessing healthcare, finding culturally relevant community services and staying connected with friends and family. Everyone in the GTA should be able to live happy, healthy lives where they can rely on their communities as they age. That’s what keeps us working with grit and determination to make sure that no one gets left behind — at any point in life.

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11%

of food bank users in Toronto use senior benefits

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31%

of seniors in Peel are living on a low income

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69,855

seniors live in poverty across Peel, Toronto and York Region

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS

Through our network of community agencies, we support 55 programs for seniors that increase social connections and encourage well-being through things like home assistance services, meals on wheels, hospital-to-home transition and more, with specific agencies focusing on Indigenous seniors and seniors of African descent. We’re also investing in community programs like the 211 Helpline which directs people to nearby government and community-based social services providing support with food, housing, health and counselling services. Our Community Hubs provide one-stop shops across the GTA where seniors can foster connections and make new friends while accessing healthcare, government and food resources. Together with seniors, caregivers, hospitals, community and municipal agencies, as well as federal and municipal ministries, we’re finding solutions to the challenges facing seniors. As a partner, advocate, and community builder, we’re working with everything we’ve got to make sure that seniors have their urgent needs met and are able to live full, healthy lives.

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United Way has the ability to mobilize the community in a broader reach than a smaller agency like North York Seniors Centre could ever imagine. It is important to engage the community together to avoid duplication and to support the coordination of services for the clients and other stakeholders.

Candace Thomson, Executive Director at North York Seniors Centre (a United Way-supported agency)

BUILDING A GTA FOR ALL

Building community takes community. Together, we have helped:

 Senior is taught how to use a laptop.

36,869

seniors received support to connect with others, the community, or needed services

Senior talks to a person over coffee in a room of seniors.

9,249

seniors participate in local initiatives (e.g., safety, well-being, resident-led neighbourhood initiatives)

Everyone, regardless of age, deserves access to the resources they need for a high quality of life.  It’s up to us to make sure every senior in the GTA has their physical and mental needs met and feel a sense of belonging in their community. Any way we can.


Learn more

March 20, 2025

100 years of volunteering

United Way Greater Toronto celebrates the contributions of six of our volunteers, who all received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. Together, they represent 100 years of continuous service in their community.

December 05, 2024

United Way Greater Toronto’s local gift guide

Welcome to United Way’s 2024 Gift Guide! It’s full of socially conscious goodies from local creators and United Way supported programs.

August 08, 2024

Where to donate school supplies in the GTA

Want to help students get ready for back-to-school? Here are three local agencies where you can donate supplies to support youth in Peel, Toronto & York Region.