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By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: The number of seniors in B.C. increases by 54 per cent; what does that mean for Kamloops residents?

May 4, 2022 | 3:20 PM

According to a recent study, the number of seniors over the age of 80 in British Columbia has increased by 54 per cent over the past decade. Experts have predicted that these figures will continue to rise as people live longer. One of the biggest reasons for this increase is that the baby boomer generation is generally healthier than the generation before. The prevalence of serious diseases including hypertension, heart disease and arthritis is far lower than it used to be, and this is mostly due to following a healthy lifestyle. While this is good news, it means that there needs to be considerable planning by residents of BC to make sure they have adequate income for financing senior care and also are able to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Accessible houses

Ninety-four per cent of seniors in BC between the ages of 65 and 84 live in their own homes within the community, rather than in care institutions. Maintaining independence and quality of life is extremely important. This means that many existing homeowners are choosing to adapt their living space to meet their physical needs as they get older. Creating accessible outdoor spaces is important, too, so seniors can continue to use their backyards and parking facilities. Installing wide pathways and areas of hard standing make it easier for wheelchair users and people living with mobility issues. Making home adaptations is allowing more Kamloops residents to stay in their homes for longer; only 23 per cent of seniors in BC move into care institutions and assisted living facilities. Most private housing developers in the Kamloops area are also now building specifically with the senior population in mind, so that homes are suitable for the older generation.

Budgeting for later life

It is estimated that if you want to live a similar lifestyle when you are retired as you do when you’re working, you will need 70 to 80 per cent of your current salary. The average Canadian has $61,200 in retirement income including pensions and salaries. If you are paying for care at home however, the income you have can quickly dwindle. This is why it is important for Kamloops residents to make adequate provisions for their retirement. The British Columbia website provides detailed information regarding financial planning for retirement to help. There are also details about income and benefits that you can get from government programs.

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Kamloops senior services

The latest census information from Statistics Canada has highlighted to the City of Kamloops the increasing need for senior programs and facilities in the area. Many of the programs are community based, and it is important for the residents of Kamloops to be involved in supporting in each other. Already there are senior services run by charities and voluntary organizations to help, including Snow Angels — an army of 300 volunteers that help seniors remove snow in the winter months from their pathways and driveways. Interior Community Services also runs a yard waste program. With the prospect of an aging population, it has never been more important for Kamloops residents to work together to help each other.

The average age in BC is going up and this will have an effect on seniors living in the area. With forward planning and community support, the older Kamloops generation can continue to have a good quality of life.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.