Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations
The Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations (OSSCO; French: La Société d'Organisations des Citoyens Âgés de l'Ontario) is a registered charitable organization established in 1987[1][4]. It serves as a provincial network advocating for older adults through education, research, and public policy initiatives[1][2].

History

OSSCO was founded in 1985 as a coalition of seniors' groups to oppose federal proposals to de-index Old Age Security pensions, later obtaining charitable status in 1987[1]. Key milestones include:

• 1991: Launched the Citizen Participation in Health Public Policy project[1].
• 1992: Conducted public hearings and policy conferences on long-term care reform under the Senior Citizens’ Consumer Alliance for Long Term Care[1].
• 1994: Hosted the Home Alone: Who is Taking Care of our Elderly conference addressing elder care gaps[1].
• 1995: Published Life Before Medicare: Canadian Experiences and organized forums on aging within ethno-cultural communities[1].

Programs and Initiatives

OSSCO develops peer-led educational programs and collaborates on policy advocacy:

• Educational Workshops: Offer courses on photography, digital literacy, and adaptive aging strategies[2].
• Employment Support: Connects adults aged 55+ with job resources through the Network! Connecting to Job Prospects initiative[2].
• Pandemic Response: Launched virtual learning hubs during COVID-19 to reduce social isolation[2].
• Advocacy: Publishes reports on aging-in-place and healthcare accessibility, representing approximately 500,000 seniors through member organizations[1][2].

The organization emphasizes participatory approaches, leveraging peer facilitators to deliver its programs[1][2].

Note: The provided web domain (www.ocssco.ca) appears inactive or incorrect; the organization's official website is www.ossco.org[1][2][4].