B.C.’s Seniors Advocate is returning to the North Shore.
Older adults, caregivers, support workers, and those interested in learning more about what’s being done to address issues affecting seniors across the province are invited to hear Isobel Mackenzie speak Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre in North Vancouver.
Mackenzie’s presentation, organized by the Municipal Pension Retirees’ Association, will address information for seniors on housing, health care, transportation, income supports, and personal supports, according to Annwen Loverin, executive director at Silver Harbour.
“She typically refers back to some of her more recent research, which in 2019 has included an update to what she calls Monitoring Seniors Services – an update on how seniors services are being provided across the province,” said Loverin. “She also more recently this summer has put out a review on home support – I would imagine that that would be a focus for her.”
Mackenzie, who was appointed as B.C.’s first Seniors Advocate in 2014, has more than 20 years’ experience working with seniors in various roles.
“I think it is important for people in the community, including seniors, to understand the larger issues that are present for all seniors throughout the province,” said Loverin. “By working together on this larger provincial level we’re able to find the best, most promising solutions that can work in a local community.”
Categorizing much of the Seniors Advocate’s role as one of listening and learning, Loverin noted a sizeable question-and-answer period would also be part of Mackenzie’s presentation in order for local older adults to be able to express the issues that are important to them on the North Shore.
“I think it’s very important for people to be able to annunciate what is special about their community, both in terms of assets and challenges,” said Loverin.
Anyone in the community, especially seniors, volunteers, or those who work with older adults, is invited to the Seniors Advocate’s presentation.
Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre is located at 144 East 22nd St. Mackenzie is scheduled to speak at 1:30 p.m.
