Golden years not so golden for some

Older residents have a lot on their minds. They tell me that often their golden years are not what they expected. I'm hearing more often from seniors worried about a variety of issues that impact on them and the people they love and care for or about.
Their personal concerns are significant - inadequate income, poor health, long hours of care to family members and friends, lack of transportation, delays in getting necessary services, relationship problems, scams, physical and emotional abuse, lack of appropriate accommodations, fear of losing driving privileges, loss of family and friends, and so on.
Many seniors struggle with daily existence, especially money and health issues. As one senior explained, "If I had enough money, I wouldn't worry so much about the others; I could change the little world around me." But most seniors are dealing with the reality that they live on what they have saved or earn through pensions and even that's being threatened.
And the number of seniors is growing in our province, so these issues are not going away. Currently Nova Scotia is the second oldest population across Canada. By 2026 we will double the number of seniors to a full quarter of our projected population. It's past time to coordinate and improve the supports necessary to ensure that older residents prosper in all aspects of their lives.
So, I want to hear from you. How can governments, agencies, community groups, and families better help older residents now and plan for their future needs?
I have heard from seniors and service-providers already. You are asking the provincial government to act upon the 15 years of consultations, reports and strategies that well-document the challenges facing Nova Scotian seniors and their families.
I've heard demands for a report card from government departments, re: their action on the recommendations from the Positive Aging Strategy.
Others push a strong case for core funding for seniors' service centres so they can maintain and even expand their programs to meet increased needs.
Seniors centres struggle to maintain current services such as meals on wheels, medical transportation, foot care and health clinics, shared meals, recreational activities, home helpers, etc.
I've also received very positive comments about my caucus' proposals with respect to health care and seniors' care.
This is the time to take action and invest in our best ideas and solutions to better serve our older family members.
To discuss this and other issues, contact Marilyn at 463-6673, marilynmoremla@ns.aliantzinc.ca, or visit www.marilynmore.ca.