Seniors’ ability to live active, safe, socially engaged and independent lives in their communities is being enhanced by $500,000 in age-friendly grants to local governments.

The Province has provided $50,000 for Concerts in Care, which offers musical programs for seniors in B.C. care homes.

Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas announced $50,000 in funding to the Health Arts Society to help them offer musical concerts for people in retirement, assisted living and residential care facilities.

Government is committing $500,000 for 2015 Age-friendly Community Planning and Project grants to help local governments establish or continue projects and community planning that supports healthy, active seniors.

Mayors from throughout B.C. will help shape the future of rural health care today in discussions with Health Minister Terry Lake and health authority representatives at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Whistler.