This Week's News & Events Updates (July 26, 2025)

Welcome to your weekly Canadian Senior Moment update, bringing you the latest news, trends, and opportunities relevant to older adults across Canada and beyond!

National & Global Insights

Affordable Housing for Seniors: Good news for seniors in Cape Breton! The federal government, in partnership with Nova Scotia’s Department of Growth and Development and the North Sydney Food Bank Society, has invested $1.7 million to create 19 affordable housing units for seniors. This initiative transforms the former Seton School building, providing much-needed safe and affordable homes. This aligns with a broader Canadian priority, where 95% of Canadians believe in federal government policies supporting “aging in place.”
The Rising Tide of the Elderly: Globally, the population of individuals aged 65 and older continues to increase significantly, with an estimated 857 million in 2025, seven times the number in 1950. This demographic shift highlights the increasing need for tailored healthcare, long-term assistance, and social support.
AgeTech Innovations: Canada is at the forefront of AgeTech! AGE-WELL has launched its 2025 National Impact Challenge, inviting Canadian startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to pitch their technology-based solutions for healthy aging. This competition aims to drive real-world implementation of innovations that can transform homes, communities, and care settings for older Canadians and caregivers.
Creative Aging as a Wellness Trend: A significant global trend for 2025 is “Creative Aging,” which redefines later life as a period of growth and creative exploration. Engaging in activities like painting, music, dance, and creative writing is shown to enhance emotional resilience, cognitive vitality, and social connections.

Financial Updates

CPP Updates: If you’re planning your retirement, remember that delaying your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) until age 70 can significantly increase your payments – by 0.7% for every month past your 65th birthday, totaling 42% more than starting at 60. For 2025, the maximum annual pensionable earnings for CPP is $71,300, with a contribution rate of 5.95% of your income (minus $3,500).
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): For eligible Ontario seniors, the 2025 benefit year (July 2025 – June 2026) offers monthly payments if you qualify for more than $360. If you qualify for $360 or less, you will receive a single payment in July 2025.
CRA Benefit Mail Changes: Starting July 3, 2025, some benefit recipients will begin receiving their CRA mail online. If you are registered for a CRA account and currently receive paper mail, you may now receive most of your mail in My Account.

Health & Well-being

Community Meals in PEI: Prince Edward Island is investing over $160,000 to support community meals for older Islanders across the province. These initiatives aim to reduce social isolation and promote well-being among seniors.
Self-Care for Seniors: July is Self-Care Month! Remember that self-care for seniors can involve various activities, including staying active, prioritizing nutrition, fostering social connections, focusing on mental health, getting sufficient sleep, embracing relaxation techniques, and engaging in favourite activities.

Events & Community

Nova Scotia Events (July 26, 2025):
- Scrabble Squad/Group: Join fellow enthusiasts for Scrabble at the Colchester East Hants Public Library in Truro and Stewiacke. This is a drop-in program, so no registration is required.
- Festival acadien de Clare: This festival runs until August 15th, offering a celebration of Acadian culture.
- Bear River Cherry Carnival: Enjoy this carnival from July 26th to 27th.
- Old Man Luedecke with Blessing Tangban: Catch this performance in Nova Scotia.
- “Eden Unleashed” Pride Dance Party: A pride event happening in Nova Scotia.