Welcome to Silver Linings, which is an exciting new bi-weekly column focusing on issues for seniors in the community and those who are aging in place.
Communication is key and that is why The Question has started this regular feature.
As the Senior Needs Action Planner (SNAP) for Whistler Community Services Society, it is critical for my position to provide people with information about what senior activities are happening in the community.
My role as SNAP coordinator is to support and enhance the quality of life for Whistler senior residents by developing and delivering opportunities for social interaction and fostering partnerships with other community and health resources. I also act as an advocate and information provider to local and provincial government, service groups and health care providers for seniors needs within Whistler.
One of the first projects that I helped create is an inclusive resource guide for seniors called Access Whistler. This is the third year that Access Whistler is being produced by The Question. The resource guide came out of a partnership between the Mature Action Committee (MAC) and Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), with a Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) grant that provided funding for the guide as well as hosting a community presentation by SPARC BC on aging in place.
Both of these initiatives were extremely important as a way to give those over 50 a voice, as this is a quickly growing demographic.
As Whistler grows with retirees settling here it is time that our community considers the next logical steps to enable all locals to ‘age in place.’ While the majority of Whistler seniors can be found leading active and healthy lives, many also have needs that must be met to enable them to continue enjoying the local lifestyle.
Access Whistler provides insight into the lives of those who have chosen to stay in Whistler as they age. This guide also provides resource listings of what services one can access in our community. Knowledge is power and this allows individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.
This year’s edition will be available at the Seniors Expo and Flu Clinic on Oct. 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Social Services Centre (1519 Spring Creek Drive).
WCSS, MAC and VCH are looking forward to hosting the Third Annual Seniors Expo Fair, which gives seniors the chance to interact with service providers in our community, and a venue for seniors to receive their flu shot from VCH Public Health.
As the Senior Needs Action Planner (SNAP) I am happy to provide a space for Whistler seniors to explore the resources available to them and a chance to connect to others in our community.
For more information, please contact Melissa Deller at snap@mywcss.org or 604-902-0865.
Did You Know… Access Whistler is a great resource for everyone to have on hand with up to date information about resources in our community.
