By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Local advocate calls for more attention on National Seniors Day

Sep 30, 2017 | 12:56 PM

NANAIMO — “Every day should be seniors day.”

Nanaimo seniors advocate Kim Slater said he appreciated that today is Seniors Day, but said more could be done to help recognize the elderly.

“These are the folks who are our parents, grandparents and spouses, the people who built this province. Wouldn’t it be great if they could feel that community support and respect every day?”

The number of seniors in the mid-island area is quickly expanding and now outnumber youth in smaller communities such as Parksville.

Slater said he’s seen many positives as the community realizes how challenging seniors care is, since more and more people find themselves caring for or living with the elderly.

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“I think more and more we’re starting to see the community recognize it’s a challenge they all have to work together to meet. I think there’s more and more people getting engaged.”

To handle the aging population, Slater also said he’s seen medical staff rise to the challenge.

“I’ve been in awe of the what frontline workers have done in residential care. People who genuinely care and wish they had the time to do more. They’re still slogging away and I admire those people so much for what they’re doing.”

With more seniors, Slater said the loneliness, which can seriously impact the health of an elderly person, is being staved off as the community grows.

He said everyone on Seniors Day should make sure to call their grandparents or elderly friends.

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