The Province has provided $50,000 to the Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations of B.C. (COSCO) to support its conference this fall on healthy aging for seniors, Health Minister Terry Lake announced today.

“With the assistance of partners like COSCO, the Province is working to help make sure that B.C. seniors have supports to increase their safety and security, maintain their independence, and enhance their social lives,” said Lake. “This funding will help connect seniors and organizations from across the province in supporting B.C. seniors in aging well.”

Aging Well – A Quest for all Generations is scheduled for Sept. 25-26, 2016, in Richmond. Approximately 400 seniors and representatives from organizations throughout the province will gather to discuss issues around aging well in British Columbia. The conference will include workshops on seniors and homelessness, care and support of seniors, the development of a national seniors health strategy and transportation issues.  

“I look forward to attending this conference and meeting with seniors to hear their thoughts and ideas on healthy aging and how they can stay connected to their community,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas. “Seniors contribute in many ways to our society and we need to make sure they continue to play a meaningful and active role.”

“COSCO does very important work and this kind of support is very important to ensure this work continues. I will be attending this conference and look forward to hearing feedback from seniors from across B.C.,” said B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie.

Founded in 1950, COSCO is an umbrella organization made up of over 85 organizations representing 100,000 B.C. seniors. Its mission is to promote the wellbeing of B.C. seniors.

“We are grateful that the provincial government has provided this funding for our conference which focuses on helping seniors age well,” said Lorraine Logan, COSCO president. “The forum will be an excellent opportunity to share ideas on ways for seniors to contribute to their communities while living longer and fuller lives.”

The Province supports seniors to be active and engaged through a number of resources including the Aging Well website, designed for British Columbians in their 50s and early 60s to plan for a healthy future. The site includes videos, articles and quizzes about preparing for the years ahead, covering health and wellness, finance, transportation, housing and social connections.

Learn more:

For more information on the Council of Seniors’ Organizations of BC, please visit: http://www.coscobc.org/

To learn more about aging well, visit; www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/aging-well

For information on programs and services for older adults, their family members and caregivers, please view the B.C. Seniors’ Guide here: www.SeniorsBC.ca