While some might say Sicamous is already senior-friendly, Jeanne Rokosh is looking for ways to do better.
Rokosh is spearheading a local initiative that, when complete, will see Sicamous certified by the B.C. government as an age-friendly community.
“I think, in the grand scheme of things, we’re already doing a lot of the things that a town might have to, to be designated as age-friendly,” says Rokosh. “But we’re looking at it and going, perhaps can we be a little more age-friendly?”
The Age-Friendly Communities initiative began with the World Health Organization as a means of preparing and providing for generations that are living longer, healthier lives. For example, in B.C. it is estimated that by 2031, approximately 1.5 million people – one-quarter of the province’s population, will be over age 65.
An age-friendly community is one that has undergone a self-examination to determine its preparedness for this aging population, addressing areas such as transportation, housing, social opportunities, community support, health services and more.
“This is one of the ways we can do that… we have to start thinking about the fact that our seniors population is increasing and we have to have resources and supports for them,” said Rokosh.
A local advisory committee has been established and a survey was released this week allowing Sicamous’ senior population to help shape the community’s future. Rokosh says survey input will not only show where improvement is needed, but also help to establish a benchmark from which future outcomes can be monitored to assure Sicamous continues to be age-friendly.
The survey can be completed online at www.sicamousagefriendly.com, and Rokosh says hard copies will be distributed throughout the community as well.
“In order to not overwhelm people or have people feeling like, oh, here we go again, we’re really conscious of the survey being really user-friendly, quick, not complicated and having some level of accountability in it,” said Rokosh.
Another benefit of age-friendly cerfitication, Rokosh adds, is that it will provide another impetus for people to want to move and live in Sicamous.