From training for volunteers, to new efforts in fitness and nutrition, the province is helping Nova Scotia families access more programs and services that will make life better for seniors.

"These programs help seniors remain independent by supporting community-based projects that improve their health and well-being and encourage them to participate," said Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "The needs of Nova Scotia seniors are changing, and this government will ensure they continue to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways."

The province announced today, Dec. 10, it is contributing more than $218,000 from the Positive Aging Fund in 29 projects across all regions of Nova Scotia.

The Aspotogan Heritage Trust will receive $10,000, the maximum available from the fund, to produce a series of two- to three-minute videos that capture building an age-friendly community.

"We believe these videos will help seniors learn about the great programs and services available to them within the municipality of Chester," said Aspotogan Heritage Trust Society executive director Kathryn Gamache. "We also hope this project will serve as a model for other Nova Scotia municipalities to recognize the benefits of becoming an age-friendly community."

The Municipality of the District of Chester recently completed an age-friendly community assessment, and is working to remove barriers so seniors are fully able to participate and offer their skills, wisdom and experience.

"We realized as we conducted the assessment, that we have a wonderful opportunity to capture the voices of our senior community," said municipality active living co-ordinator Gord Tate. "They have invested greatly in their communities, and striving to build age-friendly communities will help ensure their legacies."

The Positive Aging Fund advances the goals of Nova Scotia's Strategy for Positive Aging. A list of funding recipients is available at www.gov.ns.ca/seniors/positive_aging_fund.asp.