By Charlene Tebbutt

Local seniors look at ways to improve quality of life for older adults

Aug 10, 2018 | 12:00 PM

Seniors in Prince Albert gathered this week to talk about ways to improve the lives of older adults as part of ongoing work toward a new senior strategy for Saskatchewan.

About 50 people attended the discussion at Plaza 88 in downtown Prince Albert Thursday. The event, hosted by the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism together with the Prince Albert Seniors Advocacy Centre, included discussions around transportation, healthcare, housing, and social isolation. Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism President Randy Dove said there isn’t currently a strategy in place in the province, and the organizations are hoping to work toward a new model that advocates on behalf of older residents.

“It’s a growing segment of the population,” Dove told paNOW. “If the census statistics hold, there will be 400,000 people over 55 years of age in the province by 2038, so that’s a large component of the Saskatchewan population that seems underserved.”

Dove said discussions will take place in more communities through the fall, with comments and ideas going into a report to government next year.

Eleanor George attended the event Thursday and said it’s important to talk about issues affecting seniors in the community. George said older people have to let governments and community representatives know what needs to be done to improve the quality of life for older adults, including when it comes to finances, transportation, and health.

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“They have to listen to us,” she said.

John Fryters, with the Prince Albert Seniors Advocacy Centre, said other countries already have plans in place for older residents.   

“There are other jurisdictions around the world that are way ahead of what we do,” Fryters said. “I really believe that we can learn from other countries.”

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt