Save our Northern Seniors member urges better care for seniors during B.C. Seniors Week 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — One member of Save our Northern Seniors (SONS) is speaking out about the issues seniors in northeast B.C. are facing, as the province recognizes B.C. Seniors Week. 

Gail Weber, a 60-year Fort St. John resident and member of the Save Our Northern Seniors (SONS), explained how the organization advocates for seniors.

“Save Our Northern Seniors looks at the whole picture of seniors in the north,” she said. “What we advocate for is better housing, we’ve advocated for better transportation, for better home care, more services to people that are still in their homes.”

Weber explained one of the biggest issues facing seniors in northeast B.C.

“I think probably other than the housing,…… because of our long winters, I would say one of the biggest issues that face seniors is the loneliness.” 

Weber said she wants to see the province better support seniors.

“Improve the housing conditions. We need intermediate care drastically,” she said. “We have people living in their homes that should not be living in their homes. We need intermediate care facilities. We need assisted living.”

“We need more care home facilities, we need to care for our seniors more,” said Weber. 

Weber encourages community members to interact with seniors. 

“Get out and get involved with your seniors, and as seniors, get involved with each other,” she said. “As I [said], one of the biggest issues with seniors is loneliness.”

“Just get a group together to play cards once a week, once a month, Weber said. “Just get together and help alleviate those long winters and the loneliness that comes along with usually living alone.”

“Many seniors have lost their partners, so it’s a lonely life; it’s up to you to fill that void.” 

According to a June 1st release from the Office of the Seniors Advocate, the theme of this year’s B.C. Seniors Week is ‘Experience Matters,’ which highlights the value of a lifetime full of knowledge, perspectives and resilience. 

“Seniors continue to make meaningful contributions through their work, volunteerism, caregiving and leadership,” the release said. 

On October 11th, 2002, a proclamation was made by the Government of British Columbia, recognizing the first week of June as ‘Seniors Week.’

“I think it’s great to have a seniors week,” Weber said. “I think society [would] be amazed at how many seniors volunteer their time for different issues.”

“I think having a seniors week enlightens the seniors as to what’s available for them to help their way of life,” she said. 

The Office of the Seniors Advocate is inviting seniors to share their thoughts and wisdom on its Facebook page. 

“These discussions are an opportunity to highlight the diversity of older adults and encourage intergenerational dialogue,” said Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate. “Selected posts will be highlighted throughout the week.”

According to Levitt, older people provide important perspectives and insight into our lives. 

“Allowing others to benefit from seniors’ experiences, especially younger people, strengthens connections between generations and helps challenge assumptions about ageing,” he said. 

Levitt said many seniors are facing issues such as the rising cost of living, difficulty accessing health and community supports and housing instability. 

Energeticcity.ca reached out to the Ministry of Health for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.