Activities of the Office of the Seniors Advocate
Let’s Celebrate B.C. Seniors’ Week 2025!
June 1-7 is B.C. Seniors’ Week and a time to celebrate, recognize and honour older people in our province. Read BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt’s statement.
Spotlight On B.C. Seniors
Every senior has a story worth sharing! Join us in celebrating B.C. Seniors’ Week by participating in our #SpotlightOnSeniors social media campaign. We’re inviting seniors to share their achievements, life lessons and insights by submitting a photo and a story.
Budget 2026 Consultation
The BC Seniors Advocate is scheduled to appear before the BC Legislature’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services to share the office’s priorities for Budget 2026 as part of their annual consultation process. He advocated for increased affordability and availability of public home support services and government funding for the shingles vaccine for older adults, two actions that would improve health, wellness and cost of living for B.C. seniors.
Current Issues and Resources
Honouring Intergenerational Connections
Intergenerational Day on June 1 celebrates meaningful connections between generations, emphasizing the value of inclusion and community support. These cross-generational relationships also play a key role in breaking down age-related stereotypes, encouraging respect, empathy, and increase understanding between younger and older generations.
Property Tax Deferment Program
Are you a senior homeowner struggling with the rising cost of living and facing a large property tax bill? BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt is encouraging senior homeowners to consider applying for the BC Property Tax Deferment Program. Eligible B.C. homeowners 55+ could save up to $500 or more each month by deferring their taxes, money that could be spent on maintenance, utilities or other household expenses.
World Elder Abuse and Awareness Day Event
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, CNPEA, CanAge, and the Elder Abuse Network are co-hosting an online event in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 11, 2025. This annual gathering will bring together leading experts, advocates, and community voices to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect, combat ageism, and promote healthy ageing. Be sure to register now, as spaces are limited.
Seniors and Caregivers Needed for Study on Remote Monitoring
The Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North at the University of Northern British Columbia is seeking older adults (65+) and their caregivers for a one-year study exploring the use of remote monitoring technology to support older adults living in the community. Participant pairs will work with the research team to select a remote monitoring system that suits their needs. Technology will be provided at no cost, and participants will complete brief check-ins and surveys throughout the year. After completing all study activities, participant pairs will receive a $200 honorarium. For more information email ctaabcp3@unbc.ca or call 250-960-6143.
Provincial News
Recent Announcements from the B.C. Government Impacting Seniors
Recent Research
Identifying Needs and Support Services for Family Caregivers of Older Community-Based Family Members: Mixed-Method Research Findings
(Journal of Applied Gerontology)
A recent Canadian study conducted in Alberta identified family caregiver support needs and essential support services when caring for older community-based family members requiring assistance with activities of daily living. Weekly interviews of 150 volunteer caregivers over 6 months identified 11 support needs and five essential support services. Scoping literature reviews of the 11 needs found they had all been identified before. Program logic investigations of the five support services identified a patchwork of temporarily available support services in existence across the province.
Elderly care facility location in the face of the climate crisis: A case study in Canada
(International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction) )
Climate crisis poses a dual threat to the environment and human health, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. This study aims to establish a network of elderly care facilities designed to respond to climate-induced disasters, an essential element in creating resilient cities that address the challenges of elderly care within the context of the climate crisis. awareness.
Loneliness, ageism, and mental health: The buffering role of resilience in seniors
(International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology)
Ageism and loneliness are two relevant public health phenomena because of their negative impact on the senior’s mental health. With the increase in average life expectancy, these tend to co-occur, which may increase the psychological distress of seniors. Resilience has been shown to be an important protective factor for seniors’ mental health, although its potential buffering role on public health risk factors with cumulative impact on mental health, such as loneliness and ageism, requires more study.
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 has an information and referral line that is available 24 hours a day, every day. Our senior service specialists will work with you during our office hours to provide resources and help resolve issues. Staff at BC211 will assist after hours.