Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues
In order to address the challenges and opportunities presented by our growing seniors’ population, the Province of B.C. established a Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues in October 2005.
The Premier asked the 17-member council, chaired by Dr. Patricia Baird, to identify the best ways to support the participation, health and well-being of older people in B.C.
Aging Well in British Columbia Report
The council hosted meetings across B.C. to consult with seniors, community organizations, aging experts, academics, health care workers, and business leaders.
The council released its final report on December 1, 2006:
- Aging Well in British Columbia: Report Summary and Recommendations
- Aging Well in British Columbia (PDF, 2.7MB) - Full report
Government’s Response
Responding to the recommendations in the council’s report is an ongoing process. Thus far, the Province has:
- Developed Seniors in British Columbia: A Healthy Living Framework (PDF, 2.2MB) to guide government’s work to support healthy, active, independent aging in B.C.
- Established a Seniors’ Healthy Living Secretariat and a Minister of State for Seniors to lead the changes needed to adapt to an aging population, and to monitor and report on progress.
- Continued to work across government and with community partners to develop long-term strategies to address the council’s recommendations and ensure B.C. is well prepared for the future.
- Released Improving Care for B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan (PDF, 3.2MB), which commits to an improved system of seniors’ care, a renewed focus on addressing elder abuse and neglect, and the establishment of a Seniors’ Advocate in B.C.
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