Seniors throughout Alberta were in the spotlight during the annual Seniors’ Week from June 1-7.
Communities and organizations hosted special events to celebrate and commend seniors and golden-agers for their contributions to society over the decades.
So, what qualifies a person as a senior or a senior citizen? Historically, a person is considered a senior at 65 years of age when they qualify for an old-age pension and other financial benefits.
However, it has become a bit of a “grey” area so to speak – and a play on words!
Many businesses offer seniors’ discounts for people at a younger age – some at 60 years of age.
And then there’s the organization called the Alberta 55 Plus Games.
As people born in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s live longer, the seniors’ demographic in Canada is a growing age group. Seniors in this day and age can be considered for that title anywhere from 55 years of age to 105 – and older.
Seniors have contributed much to help shape communities into what they have become today.
Seniors’ Week has been designated the first full week on June since 1986 to celebrate and recognize the contributions seniors make to enhance the quality of life.
Many seniors are mentors and role models for younger generations. They deserve endless thanks from citizens for their determination and perseverance by serving from the bottom of their hearts.
Thank seniors for all they have done and – and continue to do – to make community life enjoyable for people of all ages.
Even in their younger and working years before becoming seniors, they have served in local organizations, local governments and authorities and in a variety of volunteer service. With more time on their hands after they retire from the working world, many seniors continue to volunteer and serve in leadership roles in the community. Some use their experience from their career and passion for their community and run for elected office in local, provincial or federal government.
While many seniors remain active in life and in the community, still others face various challenges of health and aging.
Thank goodness for seniors lodges and care facilities! Those shut-in seniors appreciate visitors and especially enjoy times with younger children.
Lodges host many events throughout the year and visitors are welcome.
Take time to visit seniors and make their lives more enjoyable.
Aging in community – more commonly known as aging in place – focuses on having the health and social supports needed to live safely in their home or community as long as seniors wish or able.
Seniors want and deserve greater control over their independence, quality of life and dignity.
Richard Froese