By Spencer Sterritt

Nanaimo area seniors bucking trends as population exceeds number of children

May 4, 2017 | 11:03 AM

NANAIMO — Newest 2016 Census data highlighting the growing number of seniors in the area wasn’t a surprise to many, but how seniors are handling their own age is.

John Horn, social planner with the City of Nanaimo, said they had anticipated a downsizing phenomenon as seniors sold their homes and moved into smaller apartments and condos before eventually arriving in a care home.

But it rarely happens.

“People are staying in their single family homes much longer, choosing not to downsize and then finally showing up in assisted living facilities when they can no longer maintain their independence.”

Horn said the shift means the City and the various sectors involved in seniors’ care, such as Island Health, have to now focus more on keeping the elderly independent in their homes and out of expensive assisted living facilities.

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It’s a pressing concern since there are more and more seniors in the Nanaimo area.

The census data showed seniors outnumber children in Parksville and Qualicum Beach and the numbers are close in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island.

Neither Horn nor Parksville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre president Liz Hintz said they were surprised by the census numbers.

Hintz said the lack of affordable housing is why seniors aren’t downsizing as anticipated.

“We’re getting into a real crunch for when seniors have to downsize. They can’t stay in their homes, they’re too large but there’s no places they can rent that they can afford.”

She said a new facility on Corfield St. in Parksville should help alleviate some pressure, but it will be an overwhelming and continuing issue for the communities.

spencer.sterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit