- Seniors Month – June 2026
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15, 2026
- Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week – June 15 to June 21, 2026
- National Drowning Prevention Week – July 19 to 25, 2026
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
- National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
Seniors Month – June 2026
June is Seniors Month in Ontario. It is a time to recognize our amazing older adults and the contributions they have made in our community.
The City of Pickering has many exciting programs and events planned to help celebrate the occasion. Community Services Staff are hosting Spotlight Series information sessions, a variety of workshops and programs, and the Seniors Month Big Band event, just to name a few.
For more information on Seniors Month programs, visit: pickering.ca/adults55plus and be sure to subscribe to the 55+ Aging Well Together Newsletter, to keep updated on program offerings.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15, 2026
Older adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and valued as contributing members of society, imparting a wealth of experience and wisdom in our communities. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, proclaimed this day to recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
We all need to recognize the importance of taking action to invest in creating social change, to prioritize the prevention of elder abuse and raise awareness to foster a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and their rights. Elder abuse has a significant impact on the lives of older adults and families; and is not limited to race, gender, culture, or circumstance, and regardless of whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, financial or neglect; ageism and social isolation are major causes of elder abuse in Ontario.
Recognizing that it is up to all of us, as citizens, organizations, communities, and governments, to work collectively to prevent violence and abuse of older adults in their homes and communities. Preventing abuse of older adults through improving and maintaining social and health services and systems such as housing, income security, and safety will improve their quality of life and allow them to live independently and contribute to the vibrancy of Ontario. Where there is respect for human rights, equality, and justice there can be no abuse; therefore, all residents are urged to join this global movement to promote the Rights of Older Adults and Stop Abuse and Restore Respect.
For more information, please visit: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week – June 15 to June 21, 2026
Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week is one of six annual campaigns by GenWell, designed to encourage Canadians to connect face-to-face, focusing on populations that experience higher rates of disconnection, times of year when people can struggle and connections that can support our social health. By mobilizing everyone simultaneously, the campaign makes it easier for those who may struggle to reach out and foster a greater sense of connection and health.
During Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week, Canadians are encouraged to take one of the following actions to get seniors connected:
- Say hello to a senior at the coffee shop, in a lineup at a store, up the street, in an elevator or any place where a senior will feel safe to connect.
- Take a senior that you know for a coffee or a meal.
- Take a senior for a walk outside in nature, around the block or in the garden.
- Participate in the shared experience of a hobby or activity that a senior would enjoy doing with you.
Although the goal is to get seniors connected face-to-face during Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week, people are encouraged to use digital technology or the telephone to make connections if the time or geography makes in-person impossible.
Learn more at lonelinessawarenessweek.ca.
National Drowning Prevention Week – July 19 to 25, 2026
The Lifesaving Society has designated July 19-25, 2026 as National Drowning Prevention Week. With over 450 Canadians drowning in preventable water-related incidents each year, drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under the age of 60. Even one drowning is one too many.
To help reduce the risk of drowning, all Canadians are urged to:
- supervise children at all times in and around water;
- practice safe boating habits;
- exercise caution and awareness in open water;
- ensure backyard pool safety measures are in place; and
- stay sober in, on or around the water.
For more information, please visit: lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting those living with prostate cancer. It is the most common type of cancer to affect Canadian men. Raising awareness for Prostate Cancer is one of the best ways to help people learn about the signs, symptoms, and preventive screening. It also helps build communities and foster connections.
For more information, visit: prostatecanada.ca
National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
National Dental Care Day (NDCD) is a coast-to-coast Canadian movement that celebrates dignity, compassion, and access to essential oral health services. Every October 10th, participating dentists and dental professionals volunteer their time to provide free dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions, to individuals who face barriers to care. NDCD is organized by Doing Positive in My Backyard, a recognized grassroots volunteer initiative founded by Dr. Raj Khanuja, recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Since 2012, over $360,000 in free dental services have been provided through this initiative. This proclamation will encourage greater civic participation, community care, and equitable health access across Ontario.
For more information, please visit: nationaldentalcareday.ca