Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
Let’s Tackle Myths about Ageing in 2026
The BC Seniors Advocate is calling on British Columbians to challenge persistent myths about ageing and confront ageism in 2026. Despite some recent progress, many stereotypes about ageing continue to affect the lives of older adults. Learn about common myths and the facts that disprove them.
Reach Out to Seniors – Small Gestures Can Make a Big Difference
Last month BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt encouraged people in B.C. to reach out to the seniors in their lives to help reduce loneliness and isolation that many older adults experience during the holiday season. Let’s continue these connections throughout the year to ensure seniors feel valued, supported and included in their communities.
January Message from the Seniors Advocate
As the new year begins, the Seniors Advocate reflects on priorities for 2026, including new initiatives, key reports and continued engagement with seniors and communities throughout the province.
Current Issues and Resources
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
This month is an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, reduce stigma, and better understand the supports available for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Find local programs and services in B.C. that can help navigate memory loss and related challenges.
National Institute on Ageing Provincial Vaccine One-Pagers
The National Institute on Ageing has released new Provincial and Territorial Vaccine One-Pagers for Adults 65+ to simplify information about vaccinations offered in each province. These one-page resources outline which vaccines are nationally recommended, which are publicly covered in each province and where to get trusted answers to vaccine-related questions.
Free CRA Webinar: National Benefits and Credits for Seniors
Are you 65+? Join the Canada Revenue Agency for a free online webinar on February 4, 2026, to learn about federal benefits and tax credits that may be available to you, including how to apply and where to get help. This session is designed to help seniors better understand the supports they may be eligible for.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
| December 19, 2025 | Province provides second report on community-based primary care services |
| December 18, 2025 | Minister’s statement on mental-health supports during holiday season |
| December 18, 2025 | Making homes available for people with speculation and vacancy tax |
| December 16, 2025 | Strengthening government’s response to emergencies |
| December 15, 2025 | More than 100 new homes for families, seniors open in Vancouver |
| December 11, 2025 | Provincial health officer’s statement on getting immunized before holiday season |
| December 10, 2025 | Delta residents gain better after-hours care with new primary care clinic opening |
| December 3, 2025 | Province takes action to reduce administration, prioritize front-line health care |
| December 1, 2025 | B.C. builds on efforts to support care-home workers, strengthen seniors’ care |
National News
Recent Announcements from the Federal Government Impacting Seniors
| December 19, 2025 | Federal government invests in rebuilding Elders Lodge in Lytton |
Recent Research
New landscape of the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
(Lancet)
Alzheimer’s disease involves a drastic departure from the cognitive, functional, and behavioural trajectory of normal ageing, and is both a dreaded and highly prevalent cause of disability to individuals, and a leading source of health and social care expenditure for society. Before the advent of biomarkers, post-mortem examination was the only method available to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Who is willing to take transit in the future? Older adults’ perceived challenges and barriers to using public transit across Canada
(Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice) )
Offering public transit services that meet the needs of older adults can contribute to their independence and well-being. Based on the Aging in Place survey conducted in March 2023, this research explores the barriers preventing older Canadians (65 and older) from using public transit in their area of residence.
The impact of cold weather on older people and the vital role of community nurses
(British Journal of Community Nursing)
Over the past 160 years, the UK has experienced significant winter mortality among older people. A quarter of a million older people have died from cold-related illnesses over the past decade, with one older person dying every seven minutes. Misconceptions about winter deaths must be addressed. Evidence shows that winter deaths are avoidable. These deaths are not because of hypothermia and are unlikely to decline with climate change in the future.
Outreach by the OSA
If you would like to invite BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt to speak to your organization or attend an event, please email info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate operates a toll-free information and referral phone line staffed by seniors’ services specialists who can help put seniors and family caregivers in touch with services and navigate issues and concerns. Call 1-877-952-3181 (toll free) or 250-952-3181 (Victoria).