The only reason this is last on the list is because we went alphabetically. It’s time to treat all our seniors with the respect they deserve, and have earned.
Treatment of Seniors
Many of the issues facing Canadian seniors are similar to issues facing everyone else:
- Housing;
- Employment and financial concerns; and
- Health Care
These issues can be difficult enough to deal with for someone in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, but for many people these issues become much more difficult to deal with as they age.
There are some resources available for seniors in Canada, but many of them simply don’t go far enough.
Discrimination and abuse
Many seniors also face discrimination simply because they are older, and are often neglected or even abused by those closest to them. Sadly, this discrimination and abuse are common enough in Canada and elsewhere that there are terms for them: ageism, and elder abuse.
Governments at all levels have started to, at the very least, pay lip service to some of these issues. The pessimists (and maybe even some of the optimists) might say that governments are motivated to act only because, after all, seniors are good voters.
Maybe. And if that is the reason, good for seniors. At least they know the truth that only governments can force the changes we want and need.
Much more to do
Whatever the reason for the apparent government interest in the welfare of Canadian seniors, things are not anywhere near where they should be. The tragedy in our long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic is evidence enough of that.
Now it is up to Canadians to ensure our governments follow through and enhance the safety and security of all Canadians, especially those who might have a more difficult time fighting for themselves simply because they are older.
So, what can we do?
Take Action
We can start by expecting more. Once we have made that shift in our thinking, and we realize that we deserve more, then we can get together and demand more.
Connect with other Canadians, and demand more from your elected officials, who are the only ones with the power to force the changes we want.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to tell the elected officials what you want. It is their responsibility to make it happen. Assuming, of course, they want to get re-elected.