News

Sandra Massey, Research Program Coordinator,

I recently attended the Seniors Matter Provincial Forum and Discussion hosted by the Saskatoon Council on Aging, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association, Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists and FACE Saskatoon (Families Advocating for Compassionate Environments). In addition to the political candidates (only two accepted the invitation) there was a panel of three knowledgeable and articulate individuals with prepared questions. 

However, it was the questions from the audience that I found most compelling because they were less practiced and came more from the heart. When the floor was open for the audience to ask questions, the first to stand up commented “I am appalled at the responses we have heard this afternoon” or something close to that. He definitely used the word appalled! It became evident that the majority of those in the audience leaned to the left of the political spectrum.

As an observation of the afternoon overall, most of the questions related to physical, tangible challenges such as transportation, health care services, and financial issues and most of the answers related to costs; the amount of money dedicated to solving the problem which never seems to be enough. Questions around the emotional aspects of aging such as: the inevitable loss of independence; isolation and depression were raised but received little more than recognition that such issues are complex and need to be taken into consideration. When the question about First Nations seniors was poised, again the response was ambiguous, a general acknowledgement that such concerns are important but no sense of how to address them. Moreover, when asked directly if either candidate could speak to one new / innovative idea they had to address any of the issues raised throughout the afternoon, both candidates seemed to be lost for words.

Clearly we need to think differently about the issues and challenges of an aging population if we are to find solutions. To encourage and support active, healthy aging in place we need to question our assumptions about aging and work together to create the future we want. Unfortunately it seems that leadership in this regard will not be forthcoming from elected officials who just tow the party line. I would suggest that non-profit community organizations that work the front lines are in the best position to develop and deliver solutions; working collaboratively and across disciplines to meet the growing demand for their services. With any luck government will follow or at least, get out of the way.