Until a few years ago, 86-year-old Rosina Liguori travelled regularly to her native Italy on her own. Returning to Mississauga, she seamlessly resumed her life, happy as a lark.

In a perfect world, Liguori would be the poster child for seniors. However, not all seniors are as healthy, vibrant and fiercely independent.

That’s why today’s National Seniors Day is celebrated – to bring awareness to the challenges faced by seniors and to recognize the contributions they make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.

“I’m happy when I’m in my own home, caring for myself. It’s an environment where I feel safe,” Liguori told Mississauga South MPP Charles Sousa at a luncheon today to mark National Seniors Day.

Liguori speaks little English, so her daughter-in-law, Rosanne Liguori, acted as interpreter.

Among the other guests was Julie Curitti, Mississauga-area director of Bayshore Home Health, the country’s largest provider of home and community healthcare services, with more than 50 home care offices, 20 community care clinics and 8,000 employees.

“We are an aging population, especially in this area,” noted Curitti, who has lived in the Lorne Park area for 26 years. “We want to find the best possible care for our seniors that allows them to live independently and with dignity in the community for longer.”

She adds, “I think it’s unfortunate that people don’t know they can access additional home care and can choose between getting treated in the hospital and getting well at home.”

Sousa said more must be done to help seniors live happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes. However, getting the message out to seniors could be a challenge.

“Seniors don’t want to impose on their families,” he pointed out. “But it’s better for their quality of life.”

Sousa is organizing a Seniors Expo on Nov. 9 at the Clarkson Community Centre, to provide information regarding programs and services that are available for seniors.