Press releases
Senior-Aware: 15 years of preventing and raising awareness on fraud and abuse
The Senior-Aware program is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Born from ...
The Senior-Aware program is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Born from a unique collaboration between FADOQ, Sûreté du Québec, and CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Senior-Aware is now more essential than ever in preventing and raising awareness on fraud and abuse against older adults, particularly with the rise of fraudulent schemes and technological developments.
Since its launch in 2010, over 85,000 people across Quebec have participated in Senior-Aware information sessions, which encourage discussion and reflection. The program’s content, now considered a key reference, is collaboratively prepared by all partners. Thanks to this program, older adults are better equipped to recognize the signs of fraud and abuse and protect themselves effectively.

What makes these sessions unique is their format, which combines the expertise of a police officer with the experience of a FADOQ volunteer facilitator. Using realistics videos, developed collaboratively by all program partners, participants learn to identify risky situations and adopt the right reflexes.
Senior-Aware originated from an awareness project initiated by Sûreté du Québec, Les “Z” aînés déchaînés, which used theater to educate older adults about the risks of abuse and fraud. Recognizing the effectiveness of this approach, the partners joined forces to create a broader, sustainable program adapted to all regions of Quebec.
Despite the progress made over the past 15 years, fraud and abuse remain sadly current issues. New videos have recently been produced, addressing SMS fraud and intrafamilial financial abuse.
FADOQ, Sûreté du Québec, and CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal plan to continue developing the program to address emerging challenges.
“FADOQ is very proud to collaborate and participate in the management of the Senior-Aware program. For 15 years, Senior-Aware has concretely contributed to protecting older adults and strengthening their sense of security. This program perfectly illustrates what collaboration can achieve when guided by respect and kindness.” — Yves Bouchard, President of FADOQ
“Sûreté du Québec’s community-based approach aligns perfectly with the values of Senior-Aware. A Senior-Aware session is a unique opportunity for police officers to meet older adults and discuss their concerns about fraud or abuse. Every senior has a story to tell. Officers are there to listen and respond to their needs.” — Karine Chayer, Head of the Analysis and Prevention Division, Sûreté du Québec
“For 15 years, Senior-Aware has established itself as a key tool in combating abuse against older adults, relying on the experience and engagement of seniors to prevent abuse and promote respectful relationships.” — Sarita Israel, Coordinator of the Expertise Domain to Counter Abuse Against Older Adults, Research and Expertise Center in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS)