Seniors issues

As requested, here is some space to discuss issues facing senior citizens in Toronto.

3 Responses to “Seniors issues”

  1. Ken Wood Says:
    November 22, 2009 at 6:32 pm | Reply

    1. Seniors for the most part are not computer literate and therefore are systemically excluded from these discussions. I think it will take face to face public meetings in senior’s residence complexes, outreach to seniors’ groups and ‘old style’ contact to overcome this. And a vudget to facilitate this.

    2. Seniors limitations are frequently not taken into account in city planning or activities and decisions. Example: We have countdown clocks at many intersections that expect you to cross within 16 seconds or less. At University and College, right in front of Queens’ Park and in the hub of centralized hospital services it is ironic and often cruel. Try crossing that area as fast as a senior could navigate, then think of those with walkers or other slow moving assistive devices.

    3. Another consideration is the lack of benches or rest areas on both our dwntown city streets and in the suburbs. Many TTC stops offer little or no protection from the elements as well.

    4. Since seniors are and will be for some time a significant proportion of our aging society, maybe it would be wise to form a seniors advisory council that could funnel, analyze and suggest improvements needed from a seniors’ perspective.

    • Mark Atyeo Says:
      November 24, 2009 at 3:01 pm | Reply

      Agreed that seniors issues are likely only going to gain ‘market share’ as time goes on and since proaction trumps reaction I like the idea of discussing issues that may only be on the horizon today.

      Since a good percentage of the electorate are not far from retirement years, I can see advisory councils established today (although I like the idea) gaining what may be a disproportionate amount of influence as the electorate ages.

  2. Ken Wood Says:
    November 22, 2009 at 10:43 pm | Reply

    Here is a timely news story: Hamilton Spectator Nov 21, 2009, “Walking in elderly’s shoes”. http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/676917
    Has a video too.

    “Latex wrinkles, grey wig, simulated cataracts, plugged ears, weights attached to a leg to hinder movement: 30-something Spectator reporter Carmelina Prete added 40 years to her appearance and abilities to find out how elderly-friendly the city is….
    Her feature begins in Weekend Reader. The needs of the elderly — and how our communities are designed for them — will continue to be a growing concern. Seniors will represent a quarter of the Canadian population by 2036″

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