Quebec Allocates $11 Million to Enhance Physical Activity for Seniors and Communities
Quebec is taking a proactive approach to tackle the issue of physical inactivity, especially among seniors, with a significant investment of $11 million over two years. Kariane Bourassa, the minister overseeing sports, recreation, and outdoor activities, announced this initiative on Tuesday. The funding aims to make physical activity more accessible by expanding existing programs, boosting promotion efforts, and introducing new services in locations frequented by inactive or minimally active individuals, including private senior residences, Indigenous communities, and youth centers.
To encourage community involvement, Quebec will launch a call for projects on July 15 for various organizations. These organizations will have the opportunity to secure funding of up to $100,000 to implement their innovative ideas. Eligible groups include community recreation centers supported by the financial assistance program for community recreation centers and regional authorities responsible for recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.
It’s crucial to recognize that physical inactivity poses significant health risks, contributing to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, specific cancers, depression, and osteoporosis. The minister’s office acknowledges in a statement that factors like costs, transportation challenges, suitable program availability based on age, and social and cultural influences can impede people from adopting an active lifestyle.
Moreover, the Fédération de l’âge d’or du Québec (FADOQ) will mobilize community outreach workers to motivate individuals aged 50 and above to explore engaging leisure activities. This initiative by FADOQ will also cover the procurement of equipment and the facilitation of activities, all geared toward introducing members to diverse physical activities.
Recent data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec for the period of 2020–2021 reveal that nearly 40% of individuals aged 65 and over lead sedentary lifestyles. Yves Bouchard, president of FADOQ, emphasized in a press release the importance of deploying community liaisons across Quebec to connect directly with individuals aged 50 and older, enabling an expansion of outreach efforts, a greater focus on prevention, and the promotion of adapted active leisure activities.
The funding announcement aligns with the Ministry of Health’s 2026–2031 Government Action Plan for the National Health Prevention Strategy and marks the second call for projects under the financial assistance program for community initiatives (PAFIMC).
