SAC members with Mayor Gregor Roberston, after the Proclamation was read
The City of Vancouver Seniors’ Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that June 2-8, 2013 is Seniors’ Week across British Columbia. Seniors’ Week celebrates older adults and their many contributions to the community.
On Tuesday, SAC members joined Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson as he read the Proclamation for Seniors’ Week in Council chambers (video):
WHEREAS BC Seniors’ Week is celebrated on June 2-8, 2013;
AND WHEREAS Seniors are our parents, our grandparents, our uncles and aunts, our siblings, our spouses and partners, our teachers, our volunteers, our mentors, our neighbours, our friends, and our co-workers;
AND WHEREAS Seniors in Vancouver continue to play an important role in the daily lives of all citizens;
Proclamation
AND WHEREAS The work and contributions of seniors are part of the legacy to Vancouver;
AND WHEREAS BC Seniors’ Week focuses on celebrating and recognizing the valuable contributions made by seniors to the betterment of our communities, families, and workplaces:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of Vancouver, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the week of June 2nd-8th, 2013, as “Seniors’ Week” in the City of Vancouver.
After the Proclamation was read, Chris Morrissey, SAC Chair, said a few words about older adults in Vancouver. She underscored the fact that many older adults no longer identify with the word seniors and prefer older adults:
SAC chair, Chris Morrissey (left) and Communications & Outreach chair, Eddy Elmer, holding the Proclamation
“When people hear ‘seniors,’ all kinds of things come into mind—myths about how seniors are a drain on society, how many of our healthcare dollars they use, and how we spend a disproportionate amount of resources on them.
“Yet what we know is that it’s only in the last six months of [any] person’s life—not just a senior’s—that they rely heavily on the healthcare system and healthcare dollars.”
Ms. Morrissey asked us to think more carefully about our preconceived notions of aging and to remember that “many older adults are extremely active and continue to contribute to the fabric of society.” BC Seniors’ Week is the time to recognize their contribution to Vancouver.
During Seniors’ Week, various events will be held throughout the city. The flagship event will be the Health and Wellness Fair at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre on Tuesday, June 4, from 11am-3pm. At 12:30, Deputy Mayor George Affleck will read the Proclamation again. SAC members will be in attendance and will be happy to talk about our role in the community. The wellness fair is free and people of all ages are welcome to attend. There will be refreshments and door prizes – We hope you will join us!
Seniors’ Week Events
- Sunday: Centenarian Shuffle Nordic Walking session. Stanley Park. 9am-1pm. Register online.
- Monday: Scooter Rodeo at Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street. 11am-2pm. $5/ticket. Register: 604.718.8200
- Tuesday: Health and Wellness Fair. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. 11am-3pm. Free. (Organizations wishing to host a booth should email diana.vanderveen@vancouver.ca)
- Wednesday: Linking Seniors’ Services, an exhibition of organizations serving older adults in Vancouver. Keynote speech by Dr. Gloria Gutman on community development and health promotion. Presentations by community centres on various senior-led programs (e.g. Man Talk Project, Seniors’ Hub, Multicultural Seniors Program). Presentation by Vancouver Coastal Health on home is best philosophy. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. 10am-3:30pm. Free.
- Thursday: Screening of Young@Heart (2007). West End Seniors’ Network, Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street. 2pm. Free. People are invited to bring old photos and talents to share with others.
- Friday: Sock Hop, Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street. 12:30pm-3:30pm. $5/ticket. Register: 604.718.8200
- Friday: Tea Dance. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. $8/person. 1-3:30pm.
