False economic thinking

 According to a report by the Senior Advocate of the one million seniors in BC, half live on $31,000 or less per year or between $1,700 to $2,500 per month. As we age, our ability to earn extra money through work declines. Pensions may not be indexed, with little flexibility for income growth. Unexpected health care or housing expenses may amount to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars leaving our lowest-income seniors living in poorly heated and maintained properties, without phone or internet, and further having to choose between buying proper food or needed medications, or in some cases, incontinence supplies. Living in these conditions leads to social isolation and a downward spiral of poor health, thereby creating further demands on our health care system.

I met a 94-year-old the other day and I asked him about his story. He told me of his time in the mines, his 8 books he has written and the fact he gave up his licence abut 20 years ago. He now relies on his E-Bike and his wife to drive him around. As we reach the age of 75 years, older adults gradually start giving up our drivers’ licenses and thus need alternative methods to visit health care and other business and services in our communities.

In British Columbia we had the privilege this year of celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the BC Old Age Pensioners Organization and the 75th Anniversary of the BC Government Retired Employees Association, reflecting the long and storied history of the advocacy by seniors groups for incomes sufficient to support a dignified retirement. At present we understand 250,000 Canadian seniors have greatly reduced incomes due to bankruptcies of companies such as Nortel and Sears and therefore increase the costs of other government programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement. By protecting pensions from bankruptcy, the government will save money.