[Announcement] $3M Investment Boosts Support for Older Adults Across Alberta

Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA) is pleased to announce $3.06M in funding from Waltons Trust towards the Provincial Social Prescribing for Older Adults Program, extending this work until September 2028.  

Social prescribing is an emerging collaborative approach between community organizations and health that connects older adults with non-medical supports to improve health and wellbeing. Since launching the program in 2022, over 3,400 older adults have been supported. Early results show improved social connection and mental well-being for older adults, reduced strain on primary care providers, and improved relationships between system partners. 

Currently, HAA is supporting the implementation of Social Prescribing for Older Adults in 14 communities (Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Red Deer County, Jasper, Whitecourt, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Strathmore/Wheatland County, Vulcan). 

This funding will continue to support frontline programming in seven rural communities and expand to three more communities until September 2028. The funding also supports HAA in continuing its backbone role for the social prescribing program, including facilitating the community of practice, developing shared communication materials, and evaluating the impact the program is having on older adults, service providers, and the health system. In this next phase of work, HAA will explore the development of a five-year social prescribing strategy and undertake more knowledge mobilization activities. 

“We are deeply grateful to Waltons Trust for their continued partnership and investment in community-based solutions that promote healthy aging. We are excited to continue building on the momentum of the Provincial Social Prescribing for Older Adults Programs. This funding allows us to deepen our support for older adults in rural communities, expand our reach, and strengthen partnerships across the sector.” – Mariam Elghahuagi, Director, Healthy Aging Alberta 

For more information about social prescribing, please visit Healthy Aging Alberta’s website. 

About Healthy Aging Alberta 

Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA) is a ‘by community, for community’ initiative working to make Alberta one of the best places to grow older. We connect, strengthen, and amplify a network of community-based seniors serving (CBSS) organizations and groups and community allies to support older adults to age on their terms. 

About Waltons Trust 

The Waltons Trust is a limited-life grantmaking foundation focused on reducing loneliness and isolation among older adults so they live happier and healthier lives