Issue link: http://clhia.uberflip.com/i/354914
16 remain active in the community while those receiving the care would benefit from the support received. In addition, in-home care is cost effective and would help to relieve the capacity pressures that are and will continue to face the long-term care system. Recommendation The CLHIA recommends that federal, provincial and territorial governments along with stakeholders promote volunteerism, particularly among seniors, to assist those that require long-term care. This could include introducing tax credits for such volunteering. 6. ENCOURAGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROMOTION Staying healthy for longer and avoiding the need for additional support is in everyone's interests. Not only does this maximize the individual's life satisfaction but it can contribute to lower costs on the health care system, including long-term care, thereby lowering the impact of costs on all payers. Health promotion programs focus on educating individuals about how to increase control over and improve their health in a variety of areas. This can include improving knowledge related to nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Wellness programs--a type of health promotion program--involve all aspects of the individual: mental, physical, and spiritual. Both types of programs provide structured opportunities to increase knowledge and skills in specific areas, such as stress management, or environmental sensitivity. They also provide a supportive environment for the emotional and intellectual needs of participants, and aid individuals in becoming increasingly responsive to their health needs and quality of life. Health promotion has gained increasing attention in recent years. Indeed, in the CLHIA's 2009 health policy paper, it was recommended that governments support more health promotion policies and provide more assistance to health promotion programs. The CLHIA strongly believes this would also be beneficial in the context of long-term care. Healthy aging is being promoted across Canada through the implementation of programs and initiatives by government departments, health regions and local organizations for seniors living in the community. However, there is significant variation across jurisdictions. Coordinated efforts and standards across jurisdictions would lead to greater harmonization of policies to encourage healthy aging for Canadians regardless of their place of residence. Recommendation The CLHIA recommends that federal, provincial and territorial governments support more health and wellness promotion policies and provide more direct assistance as a means to encourage healthy aging of Canadians.