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Ageing Matters: Listening to B.C. Seniors

The ‘Ageing Matters’ report reaffirms B.C. seniors on fixed incomes are disproportionately impacted by the high cost of living and unable to absorb increased costs for housing, food, medical equipment, mobility aids and other necessities for healthy ageing.

The report is based on the issues raised to new Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt during his ‘listening tour’ in April 2024, travelling throughout the province to meet with seniors in both rural and urban communities and hear about their concerns. He also met with local seniors’ service providers, volunteers and other stakeholders to learn about the gaps, barriers and suggestions for improvement as well as what is working well for older people.

The report makes five recommendations:

  1. Provide immediate financial relief for low-income senior renters by redesigning the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program so that seniors’ rents are 30% of their income and rent ceilings are adjusted to reflect the current reality of the rental market.
  2. Increase the amount of BC Seniors Supplement and index the supplement to inflation consistent with other government income supports for seniors like CPP, OAS and GIS.
  3. Eliminate the daily rate charge for home support that places a financial barrier for seniors to get the help they need to live independently in their home for as long as possible.
  4. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends people over 50 years old receive the shingles vaccine. The Province should provide a shingles vaccine program at no cost to B.C. seniors.
  5. Develop and implement a cross-government strategy and action plan for seniors with key
    targets and performance measures with annual public reporting on performance.

Read the Report
Read the News Release
Read the Slide Deck
View the Livestream Presentation