“B.C. seniors – happy, healthy, engaged.”
This was the theme of the keynote address delivered by. Isobel Mackenzie, Seniors Advocate for British Columbia, to the more than 100 seniors who attended the Seniors Health and Wellness Fair held in Agassiz on Oct.18.
To support her position, Mackenzie referred to statistics indicating that many B.C. seniors are living longer, practising habits that promote a healthier life, living on their own terms and on their own dime.
They are able to get around because the majority of them still maintain active driver’s licences while being engaged in the community and workplace.
Technological improvements, understanding the need for physical activity, and an increased understanding of polypharmacy, should create an even better future for seniors.
However, health-promoting factors such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and weight management continue to be a problem for some seniors who need to improve their health outcomes.
Additional topics related to senior health and wellness were presented by speakers from the Alzheimer’s Society, ICBC, and Dr. James Milne – a newly-arrived doctor at the Agassiz Community Health Centre.
One of the matters he addressed was the need for seniors to have a plan for future healthcare treatment.
Copies of “My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment” –available from the Provincial Government, was one recommended resource.
Other print resources were made available by multiple community participants.
The Agassiz-Harrison Healthy Communities Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the many organizations and individuals who so generously contributed their time and effort to support this community’s seniors.
Additional appreciation goes out to the owners of Cheam Village who made available their facility and staff to host the day’s event. To the District of Kent Deputy Mayor, Susan Spaeti and Harrison Mayor, Leo Facio — thank you for your opening remarks.
Glenda Standeven, a bone cancer survivor and amputee, concluded the day’s event with an inspirational message:
When faced with adversity, she realized that she had a choice. She could live with bitterness and regret or choose to smile as each hardship became a lesson in appreciation – a fitting message of optimism at the end of a successful day.