Seniors speak out at public consultations
Kristine Berey
From Sept-Îles to Nunavik, seniors want the right to participate in social and economic life to the full extent of their capacities; to be recognized for their contribution to society; and to grow old with dignity and in security.
“Every retired person is affected by the rise in the cost of living, ” said Sheila Goldbloom, retired McGill social work professor. She has toured the 17 regions in Quebec since August 26, holding consultations, headed by Marguerite Blais, Quebec Minister for Families and Seniors, and co-chaired by Dr. R éjean Hébert, Dean of Medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke.
The aim of the commission is to understand the current needs of seniors and recommend ways the provincial government can better serve this growing population. “This consultation is really pushing for strategic planning for the future and helping to do something immediately, ” Goldbloom said. Last year, the number of Quebecers over 65 was more than one million.
“There is a revolution in aging,” Goldbloom said. “We, the elderly, are pioneers. There has never been a society with this many people this age. ”
Many of the 3,400 who participated in the talks said it was necessary to recognize the complex seniors ’ issues because they span 30 years and therefore do not form a homogenous group. Those who are active and in good health have a lot to contribute; they want help to remain autonomous.
According to the Conseil des Ainés, the highest proportion of volunteers in Quebec is found in the 60-69 age group. Many spend their own money helping others. As caregivers to family members, they need support. A 2007 HSBC Bank study revealed that the tax contribution made by seniors stood at $2.2 billion, while their volunteer work was estimated at $3.1 billion. Nearly one third of individuals over 70 offered their grandchildren financial support. “If older volunteers were to strike, it would be like a strike by Hydro Quebec,” Marguerite Blais said during the recent hearings in Montreal.
When seniors lose autonomy, they face health challenges and, at times, isolation and diminished income. They need safe living conditions, where long term care facilities are held accountable. The English Speaking Catholic Council emphasized the need for home care workers and hospital staff to speak in English to frail Anglophone seniors.
Also discussed was the need to maintain a continuum of care so that spouses, including gay seniors, are not separated at the end of their lives. The need to harmonize services at all government levels and to make them easily accessible was also emphasized. “The time for a broad-stroke approach to seniors has passed,” said Bernie Weinstein of the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors. “It doesn’t make sense.”
An extra half day of consultations for Anglophones will take place November 16 on the West Island.
Info: 1-866-255-9109 for time and location.
The Senior Times will explore the main themes of the consultations in a series of upcoming articles.
