United Way's Seniors Forum presented by ICBC

Experts presented new findings on vulnerable seniors in our region at a forum attended by about 300 people in Burnaby on November 16.

A report by United Way of the Lower Mainland identifies concentrated populations of vulnerable seniors in acute need throughout the region.

For example, in 2006, Richmond had the highest incidence of senior-led family renters in the region (18.9%) spending 50% or more of household income on housing costs; in 2006, Langley City had the highest incidence of low-income among female seniors of communities in the region (35.4%).

The report calls for action on research, services and policy changes to improve seniors’ quality of life throughout the Lower Mainland.

A major demographic shift is under way. About 44 per cent of people in British Columbia are now either boomers or their parents. The oldest baby boomers turn 65 this year. By 2036, Metro Vancouver’s 65-plus population is expected to more than double - with one in four people qualifying as a senior. To that end, over the next three years United Way of the Lower Mainland will more than double its annual investment on behalf of vulnerable seniors in the region to $7 million.

To view a report by The Province on The Seniors Forum please Click here

Resources & presentations from the Forum

• 2011 Seniors Forum Summary Report, Click here

• 2011 United Way Seniors Vulnerability Community Profiles and Discussion Papers, Click here

• United Way Seniors Vulnerability Report, Click here

• Dr. Beverley Pitman - "United Way's Seniors Priority Area - An Overview," Click here
  

• Scott Graham - "Seniors Demographic Overview and Low-Income Seniors," Click here

• Denise Cloutier-Fisher - "Seniors' Isolation," Click here

• Lorraine Copas - "Seniors' Housing," Click here

• Dr. Jean-François Kozak - "Seniors' Health," Click here
  

• Dr. Maureen Ashe - "Seniors' Mobility," Click here

• Andrea Procyk - "Seniors' Transportation," Click here

• Ros Guggi, Deputy Editor, The Province - Click here

• Marcy Cohen, "Aging with Dignity," - Click here

 

• Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC), "Economic Security," - Click here