CANADA: International Day of Older Persons on October 1

TORONTO, September 20, 2006: On Sunday October 1, 2006, retirement residences, long-term care homes, and seniors' housing providers throughout Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, will celebrate "International Day of Older Persons" (a United Nations Proclamation) by hosting community wide events as part of Open Doors 2006, "Canada's Largest Seniors Celebration". Open Doors, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating positive awareness for seniors' housing, introduced this exciting one-day event format in 2005 to showcase the many significant attributes of these vital and important links in our communities. In the inaugural year for Open Doors, over 600 residences and homes took part in what many industry insiders have described as "one of the most important mass awareness events solely dedicated to promoting the vibrant seniors' market". This year, organizers are climbing to new heights, creating even more exciting community events. From antique car shows and jazz festivals, to guest visits from hockey legends such as Johnny Bower and Walter Gretzky. With a goal of building awareness and demystifying seniors' housing, Open Doors 2006 is expected to attract in excess of 100,000 visitors. Open Doors 2006 is supported by the Care Guide, MediSystem Pharmacy, the Ontario Retirement Communities Association, the Ontario Long-Term Care Association, the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors and the Alberta Senior Citizens' Housing Association. www.opendoorscanada.org © 2005 CNW Group Ltd.