Older Persons Support & Active Living
Supporting Independence, Social Connection and Active Community Participation
The Older Persons Support & Active Living Program of Youth Advancement Sontek Society (YASS) is designed to support older residents of the Sontek community by helping them remain socially connected, informed, active, respected and engaged in community life.
As people grow older, their circumstances and support needs may change. Some older residents may experience reduced social interaction, difficulty accessing community services, limited mobility, challenges understanding government allowances or benefits, or difficulty identifying appropriate healthcare and other professional services. Others may simply be looking for opportunities to remain active, meet people and contribute their knowledge and experience to the community.
Through this program, YASS provides a community-based point of support where older residents can discuss their needs, participate in suitable social and recreational activities, receive practical information, connect with community resources and access appropriate referrals when additional assistance is required.
The program focuses on active living, participation and practical community support. It does not replace professional healthcare, clinical care, counselling, legal services or government agencies.
We are here to support older residents of Sontek.
Stay active, stay connected and live a respected, informed and dignified life.
Older Persons Support + Active Living + Social Participation + Needs Assessment + Practical Assistance + Resource Navigation + Referral + Follow-Up
This is an ongoing community-support and engagement program, rather than a single course or training program.
Depending on individual needs and interests, the program may involve:
2. What Does the Program Include?
Understanding the older resident's circumstances, interests and assistance needs.
YASS may begin with a simple discussion to understand the older resident's circumstances, interests and any assistance they may require. This may include discussion about:
The objective is not to conduct a medical or clinical assessment. It is to understand what community support, activities, information or referrals may be appropriate.
3. Who Can Participate?
The program is primarily intended for older adults living in or connected with the Sontek community who would benefit from social participation, community information, practical support, resource navigation or appropriate referrals.
Eligible Participants
Eligible Participants — This may include:
Activity-Specific Requirements
Some activities, external services or government programs may have their own age, health, mobility, income, residency, documentation or eligibility requirements.
Participation in YASS does not automatically establish eligibility for any government benefit or external service.
4. What Are the Benefits?
Greater Social Connection
Older residents can meet other community members, participate in activities and maintain stronger social relationships.
Active Community Participation
Participants can remain involved in community events, discussions, cultural activities and suitable recreational programs.
Better Access to Information
Residents can more easily understand where appropriate services, programs and resources may be available.
Easier Navigation of Benefits & Services
Older residents can receive general guidance about allowances, pensions, government programs and other available support.
Practical Community Support
Participants experiencing everyday difficulties can receive appropriate information, guidance and connections to community resources.
Appropriate Professional Referrals
When a need goes beyond YASS's role, residents can be directed toward appropriate healthcare providers, government offices, legal services or other qualified professionals.
Reduced Social Isolation
Friendly contact, group activities and community participation can create more opportunities for meaningful interaction.
Recognition of Experience & Skills
Older residents can share their knowledge, experience and skills through mentoring, volunteering and intergenerational activities.
Continued Follow-Up
Where appropriate, YASS can maintain contact and review whether recommended resources or services have been accessed.
Greater Independence
The overall objective is to help older residents remain informed, connected and capable of navigating community resources while maintaining independence wherever possible.
5. How the Program Works
Initial Contact / Registration
The older resident, family member or appropriate representative contacts YASS.
Needs, Interests & Circumstances Discussion
YASS discusses the resident's interests, strengths, circumstances and areas where support may be useful.
Identify Suitable Support & Activities
Appropriate YASS activities, practical support, community resources or referrals are identified.
Program Participation / Community Support
The resident participates in suitable social, recreational, awareness or community activities or receives appropriate practical support.
Resource Navigation / Referral
Where necessary, the resident is connected with an appropriate service provider, professional, government office or community resource.
Follow-Up & Progress Review
YASS reviews participation, referrals, changing circumstances and any remaining needs where continued contact is appropriate.
Further Support / Referral / Completion
Support may continue, change, move to another YASS program or conclude when active assistance is no longer necessary.
6. Older Persons Activities & Support
Stay Connected. Stay Active. Stay Part of the Community.
Older residents and their families can contact YASS to learn about available social activities, active-living opportunities, awareness sessions, community resources, benefit-navigation support and other suitable activities.
You do not need to know exactly which service or program is required before approaching YASS. Our role is to help understand the situation and identify an appropriate YASS activity, community resource, service provider or referral pathway.
Experience Matters. Connection Matters. Every Generation Matters.
YASS — From Sontek, For Sontek