Let's not forget our Seniors!

It saddens me that we sometimes tend to forget one of our most valuable community resources – our seniors.

I received an email yesterday from a senior in Ward 1. His comments go directly to my election platform of supporting and promoting our families!

Many families have multi-generational households where the welfare of the young and the old are of equal concern. Our family units differ from household to household. Many are multi-generational. Our families are not just dealing with getting our kids to swimming lessons – but, also with our parents and community elders and their activities. Many of our seniors are still able to participate in recreation and social activities..

Let’s look at the world beyond Ajax for examples of how to treat our community elders! In some parts of Canada and Western Europe, local and national governments treat seniors with greater respect and appreciation for their contributions. They are not forgotten. They are a resource. They are our mentors and can offer much to the younger generations.

For example, seniors are provided subsidized housing, food allowances; free or very cheap public transportation and they have huge concessions and reductions on paying taxes after age 65. With an aging population, this is a huge challenge.

Obviously, the answer will not happen overnight. It will take years to meet such a challenge. BUT, there are things we can do at the local Ajax and Regional level to accommodate their needs in making retirement a little easier.

Simple things:  like extending bus services between St. Andrews Seniors Centre in Ward 3 to connect with the seniors living in Wards 1, 2 and 4.

We, as a community and a Region, have gone to great lengths to provide activities, which I understand are greatly appreciated by seniors who use the St. Andrews facilities.

We also have another un-tapped resource that we have already paid for! We need to start the communication process to use our schools as the local drop-in center for senior’s activities and as a ‘place to go’! We could have a "seniors spot" in every school! Most of us live 4-5 blocks away from our neighbourhood school or are we blind to this resource?

It is sad to hear that many seniors have no choice but to pay a $10 taxi charge to get home because they missed the last bus. They could walk home!