FADOQ

Get Moving, Get Involved, Build Connections: In Outaouais, Active Aging Makes a Difference

Gatineau, October 1, 2026 — On International Day of Older Persons, FADOQ Outaouais wishes to take a different look at aging this year. A perspective focused on what is truly happening each week across the 16 affiliated FADOQ Clubs in Outaouais: thousands of people aged 50 and over getting out, staying active, learning, traveling, participating, and above all, building connections.

Behind this growth, however, lies something far more important than participation statistics: people coming together and breaking social isolation. In recent years, FADOQ Outaouais has made active aging a core priority, and the response from members has been encouraging!

With over 30,000 members in Outaouais, FADOQ Outaouais witnesses daily the impact of an active social life on the well-being of people aged 50 and over.

« This desire to participate naturally makes us very proud. Behind every registration, there is a senior leaving their home, staying active, developing new habits, and, very often, forming new friendships. We don’t just organize activities: we create opportunities to remain active, engaged, and connected. That is how we help break isolation, » emphasizes Marc-André Plouffe, Executive Director of FADOQ Outaouais.

Nearly 200 Volunteers, One Shared Mission

This movement would be impossible without the exceptional commitment of nearly 200 volunteers working within FADOQ Outaouais and its 16 affiliated Clubs.

« Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we accomplish. They welcome, organize, accompany, make phone calls, prepare activities, and look out for one another. They do so wholeheartedly and for the right reasons: because they deeply believe in the importance of being present for their community. These nearly 200 men and women are bridge-builders. Today, we thank them once again, » states Sylvie Desormeaux, President of FADOQ Outaouais.

Provincial Election: Another Way to Get Involved

This International Day of Older Persons occurs just a few days before the provincial election on October 5, 2026. FADOQ Outaouais is taking this opportunity to encourage seniors to exercise their right to vote.

This invitation aligns with the vision presented in FADOQ’s 2026 Electoral Platform. The document calls on political parties to address four major areas of action: health and social services, leisure and physical activity, housing, and finances and retirement.

« With only a few days left before the vote, FADOQ Outaouais encourages its members and all seniors to learn about the commitments of the parties and candidates, and to make their voices heard by voting. Participating in society also means taking part in the decisions that shape its future. For us, that is also what showcasing the power of age is all about, » adds Ms. Desormeaux.

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Information:

Grace Dogo

Communications Agent

FADOQ Outaouais

819 -777-5774 ext. 205

communications@fadoqoutaouais.qc.ca