July 2024 Message from Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt

Last month I had the privilege of celebrating my first BC Seniors’ Week as the Seniors Advocate. I attended several amazing events in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Northern B.C. and was heartened to see the ways that people came together to honour the seniors who are the backbone of their communities.

I was also pleased to issue my first report in June. The findings of ‘Ageing Matters: Listening to B.C. Seniors’ are based on the many issues raised to me by seniors in my first tour around the province. Thank you to every senior, caregiver and service provider who took the time to meet with me and share their concerns and experiences. I encourage you to read the report, which is available on the Office of the Seniors Advocate website.

Since then, my office has been working on a report on tenancy rights and cost protection for seniors residing in independent living retirement homes. Please keep an eye on our social media channels and website to learn more about the report and its official release date if this is of interest to you

As we move into the warmer months of the year, I would also like to encourage B.C. seniors to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Despite unpredictable weather events in some areas, our province remains a beautiful place to spend time outside with friends and family. Whether it’s a picnic, a pickleball game, or a visit to a provincial park, find an outdoor activity that appeals to you.

That said, it’s important to remind seniors and their loved ones to be prepared in case of summer weather events like heatwaves and wildfires. Seniors can be more at risk of heat and smoke related health issues and need to be especially careful in these situations.

I recommend taking the time to make a plan with friends and family that includes knowing the hazards, identifying safe places to go in the event of an emergency, transportation options, as well as where to find reliable information about weather conditions and alerts.

On a closing note, in my first few months with the OSA I’ve learned what a critical role our information and referral service plays in tracking trends and systemic issues for seniors. For those of you who don’t know, my office operates a toll-free information and referral phone line staffed by seniors’ services specialists who can help put seniors and family caregivers with issues in touch with people, programs and supports offered locally, provincially and federally.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and safe summer season.

Sincerely,

Dan Levitt
BC Seniors Advocate