Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie will visit 100 Mile House on June 20 to update the community on her ongoing role and progress, and to listen to the comments and concerns of local seniors and their families.
It is a golden opportunity to discuss local issues and learn more about the province's Office of the Seniors Advocate (OSA), which monitors and analyzes seniors’ services and the issues that they and their families face.
OSA holds a key role in determining where improvements are needed, and makes important recommendations to both government and service providers.
"I think they will find it very informative," says Mackenzie. "And, it is also an opportunity to hear from seniors in 100 Mile House about what particular, unique issues they may have."
The free event takes place at Creekside Seniors Activity Centre, 1:30-3 p.m., on June 20.
Folks wishing to attend are asked to RSVP if they can (but it's not required) to Darrel Warman at 250-609-0432 or by e-mail to sc.agefriendly@gmail.com.
Those who know of other seniors or family members who might want to attend, but don't have a way to get there, are encouraged to offer them a ride.
Mackenzie says there are a number of different issues that affect seniors in the province, and many of them will be outlined in her presentation and discussed in the ensuing conversations.
"Hopefully, they can become engaged in learning about what will improve – if it needs to be improved – their retirement living."
This might involve the subsidies and programs that are available, she says, adding or learning what supports and information her office can provide.
Mackenzie encourages everyone with concerns about seniors supports, or has something to say about the strengths they see in the community, to attend and share their insight.
While many seniors in British Columbia face similar issues, available housing and transportation are key obstacles in the South Cariboo, and they will likely be part of the local discussions.
Mackenzie explains that while she hears about both issues everywhere in the province, there are often different aspects involved and solutions needed in rural communities.
In the Lower Mainland, the housing problem for seniors revolves around the rising costs of rent, while in rural B.C., the main obstacle is the lack of any place available to rent, she adds.
"We are going to have to do something in rural British Columbia – whether we go in as government and build ourselves, or incentivize the private sector to go to rural B.C. and build things.
"It's clear, for some [not all] of the seniors who maybe live right now on the outskirts of 100 Mile House, they want to stay in that community.
"There needs to be sufficient housing there, and sometimes there doesn't need to be a lot of services [involved], it just needs to be [suitable] housing."
Mackenzie adds she wants to reassure local seniors that she is aware of the issues and she wants to talk about them openly, and to answer any questions they may have.
More information on the Office of the Seniors Advocate, current issues, projects, reports and scheduled events is online at www.seniorsadvocate.bc.ca, or call toll-free at 1-877-952-3181.