There are almost 1 million seniors living in

British Columbia. Soon, 1 in 5 people will be

older than 65. 

 

Now, more than ever before, we need to ask: what makes a neighbourhood a good place to grow old and what makes a neighbourhood a good place to be active – physically and socially?

 

For seniors, maintaining health and mobility through physical and social activities are effective approaches to attenuate the escalating risks of falls, frailty and chronic conditions. Becoming or staying active can retain health, preserve independence and prevent admission to higher levels of care later in life. 

 

Targeted investments in health promotion and prevention can positively shift health care costs related to our aging population.

 

What challenges may arise if there is no investment in upstream solutions to promote and sustain the health of seniors? The projected escalation of health care costs for 1 million seniors over the next two decades would be simply unaffordable.

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