Change starts here.
Change starts here.
Paddy and Henry formed a friendship over a billiard table at the Vancouver Second Mile Society in the Downtown Eastside. In his 80s, Paddy comes to this seniors’ centre almost daily to eat and play pool.
The Vancouver Second Mile Society helps low-income seniors in the downtown core combat isolation by providing a place to socialize and develop friendships. The fact that Paddy enjoys eating at the society is an example of what Executive Director Steve Chan considers a means to an end since meals are a way for seniors to sit down, talk and connect while meeting their nutritional needs.
United Way of the Lower Mainland is helping seniors to stay active and engaged in their community. Read Paddy's full story.
Almost one in five seniors lives below the poverty line.
30% of seniors live alone.
The number of homeless seniors in Metro Vancouver increased 259% in just six years.
In ten years, seniors will outnumber children in most Lower Mainland communities.
What does this mean?
When seniors suffer from isolation, poverty, and homelessness, we all lose. By helping seniors now, to stay active and live independently, we can help reduce future health care costs and enable governments to redirect those dollars to more preventative programs. Perhaps most importantly - we all benefit from the rich experience and wisdom seniors can provide.
Between 2007 and 2027, as baby boomers continue to age, the number of seniors age 65 and up will more than double. This dramatic increase in the number of older adults in our communities raises significant issues for each of us - as relatives, caregivers, neighbours and citizens.
United Way’s goal: To ensure seniors have the opportunity to remain independent and contributing to their community.
In 2009, research funded by United Way revealed an alarming shortage of programs and services for seniors, particularly in suburban areas. By 2027, the senior population in Vancouver is expected to decrease by 53% as seniors move to the suburbs - yet 45% of services for seniors are located in Vancouver.
Right now, neither services for seniors nor seniors’ organizations can cope with current demands for programs and services, let alone meet the growing needs. Through research, planning and action, United Way is bringing together community leaders, service providers and seniors themselves to strengthen our unique capacity to ensure seniors remain independent and connected to our community.
Our work is guided by our community impact model. It is the four strategies of engaging communities, strengthening non-profits, focusing on root causes, and influencing the decision-making environment that allow us to reach our goal.
We are committed to tracking and evaluating how your dollar makes a difference in the lives of people and our communities. Demonstrating the impact of your gift also enables United Way to continue to make wise and prudent investment choices to ensure the greatest return for our community and your generous investment.
Read more about how United Way is helping seniors.
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