A walk down memory lane with a purpose

 We need to find ways to make our voices heard, here are some more ideas.

Stay informed about proposed legislation related to senior rights and ageism. Support bills and initiatives that aim to address these issues and urge your elected officials to support them as well. Share information about relevant legislation with your networks to raise awareness and build broader support. Pick up the phone and write to your mayors, MLAs, and MPs. Let them know about the challenges we face in our communities and the support we require. In the community I live, the number of individuals over 50 accounts for 38% of the population, with 16% being over 65. Shockingly, there are 40,000 seniors over 65, outnumbering the 32,000 students attending school. We can be ignored only if our politicians don’t want to be re-elected.

Engage with younger generations to foster understanding and solidarity. Encourage open discussions about ageism, its impact on seniors, and the importance of respecting and valuing older adults. By promoting intergenerational dialogue, we can challenge stereotypes and work towards a more inclusive society.

Seniors over 65 in BC who are not in long-term care or assisted living are required to pay for the NACI-recommended Fluzone High Dose Influenza Vaccine, costing approximately $75 to $90. Meanwhile, provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon Territory provide this vaccine for free. The federal government covers the cost for those in long-term care and assisted living. Why are seniors in BC not receiving the recommended Fluzone High Dose Influenza Vaccine? Instead, they are offered a trivalent Fluad vaccine not recommended by NACI. We must prioritize the health of seniors, keeping them out of hospitals by taking proactive measures.

The high cost of vaccines poses another challenge. Many vulnerable seniors cannot afford the Shingles vaccine (priced at $300) or the Pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 20 (costing approximately $150) to prevent pneumonia. Given that 74% of seniors already have pre-existing chronic conditions that lower their immunity, preventive action by the Ministry of Health would significantly reduce hospital admissions.

Remember when we discussed getting "badass" again? Well, now is the time to act. Reach out to your MLAs and contact your mayors, expressing your concerns and needs. Use this link to identify your MLA: ((leg.bc.ca)). If we don't raise our voices and address our concerns, no one else will. An election is approaching in BC, scheduled on or before October 19, 2024. Parties and candidates will be formulating their platforms and seeking our votes. As seniors, we possess the power to drive change. This is our call to action!

Consider utilizing media platforms to share your perspectives and advocate against ageism. Write op-eds, create blog posts, or contribute articles to local newspapers or online publications. Use storytelling as a powerful tool to raise awareness and challenge negative narratives surrounding aging.

By taking these actions, seniors can make a significant impact in raising awareness about ageism, improving their treatment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and influencing policy decisions. Together, we can work towards a society that values and respects people of all ages, ensuring that seniors receive the support and dignity they deserve.

Let's make a difference and demand the attention, support, and resources we deserve. Together, we can create a better future for all seniors in our communities.