CHANGE A LIFE
Today is National Senior’s Day, a day to celebrate and honour the seniors in our lives – who are our teachers, mentors, neighbours, friends and family members. Healthy Aging by United Way supports regular programs across BC that help seniors with basic day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own
Making the lives of older British Columbians better strengthens the social fabric that creates healthy, caring, and inclusive communities for all ages. At no time has this been clearer than in the face of the devastating COVID-19 global pandemic. When the crisis hit, British Columbians readily stepped up to support seniors. From volunteers to community organizations
Don’t let the distance fool you, Kelowna residents Mary-Ann and Glen are becoming fast friends. That’s one of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic – newfound connections and appreciation. “The first time I met Glen, he looked me straight in the eyes and there was a connection there,” says Mary-Ann. “It hit me really
COVID-19 has dramatically changed how seniors go about their daily lives. It’s also changing how United Way partner agencies and those delivering services to seniors work too. “As difficult as COVID-19 has been for all of us, we are witnessing the resilience of seniors and the creativity of the community-based seniors sector shine in so
What’s the secret of a long life? For 86-year-old Bernice, it is painting, crocheting and playing ukulele, while 93-year-old Janine credits eating properly – meat, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. And like 74% of seniors over 85 they are living in their own homes. Like a growing number of Richmond citizens, these women are at the
Over 350 advocates are set to descend in at the Provincial Summit on Aging November 6 to 8, hosted by Healthy Aging by United Way and the Community-Based Seniors’ Service Leadership Council. The second biennial summit will bring together leaders from local organizations, older adults, family and friend caregivers, academia and government. The diverse group
Active. Independent. Engaged. That’s how most of us want to live our lives, but for seniors with hearing loss it can be challenging. Anyone who has experienced a family member or friend with this impairment, especially in a social setting like a family gathering, knows just how isolating it can be. So, it’s no surprise
Senior loneliness and isolation are important issues affecting our community. Both threaten older adults’ independence, and can create health risks as significant as obesity, smoking or alcoholism. What may be surprising is that loneliness and isolation are not synonymous. “You can be surrounded by lots of people and still be lonely or you can be
As we age, one of the biggest threats to our independence is social isolation. And the need to keep seniors mentally engaged in their communities has never been greater. Kahir Lalji, the provincial program manager of Better at Home and United Way’s Active Aging grant, an organization dedicated to helping senior citizens with day-to-day
Recognizing the importance of community-based supports for seniors – and United Way’s leadership in this area – we are pleased to share the Government of Canada has announced a $50,000 investment in the Healthy Aging Initiative at the United Way British Columbia. The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister for Seniors, made the announcement February 13 at
For over 20 years, Linda Pringle has called a cozy Coquitlam neighbourhood, her home. “I love living here,” she says of Westwood Plateau, on the border of Burke Mountain. “You feel like you can get away from the city, even though you’re just five minutes up the street. We’re a friendly, multicultural community. Every day
It’s a fact: across Canada, individuals over the age of 85 now outnumber those under 15. And we’re living longer: there are now more than 8,000 centenarians in Canada. For British Columbians of all ages, these statistics serve as an important reminder that the overall wellness of our seniors must remain a top priority, especially
98% of seniors living in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley say their quality of life is “good” or “very good” – if they attend community-based programs. Seniors participating in these activities show a higher level of satisfaction with their quality of life and social interactions than those who do not, a new poll by
Gloria loves helping her neighbours in Burnaby – so much so, that in 2010, she was the recipient of the City of Burnaby’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ award. While she has spent a lifetime giving back to her community, she now finds herself on the receiving end. “I do have mobility problems now,” says
Last month, Tai, a housekeeper with United Way’s Better at Home in Ashcroft, BC, stepped out from her mobile home for a short trip to purchase groceries. What unfolded during next hour was a nightmare beyond her imagining. “When I left to return home I was told that the highway was already closed,” recounts Tai.
Family Caregiver Week in BC is being celebrated May 5–11, 2017. The week celebrates family caregivers and recognizes the essential role they play as part of the healthcare team. In British Columbia, over one million family and friend caregivers devote their time and energy to help someone else live a more comfortable, safe life. If
Active Aging BC and United Way British Columbia have partnered to keep older adults active as they age. Thirty “Seniors Active Aging” grants were distributed across BC in 27 communities. Programs range from connecting First Nations elders to community recreation in Prince George, to intercultural Tai Chi in Surrey, to chair yoga in Mission and