Recently I have been reflecting on the many contributions that seniors have made across Canada and in our own backyard. To my mind we need to celebrate the contributions of these older people continuously.
On Nov. 11, Remembrance Day, we recognized our Canadian veterans and their families. As the world shifts and changes its priorities (not always for the better I fear) I urge you to remember those who fought for our hard-won freedoms.
“Veterans want Canadians to understand the price of freedom,” a message on the Canadian Government website states. “They are passing the torch to the people of Canada, so the memory of their sacrifices will continue, and the values they fought for will live on in all of us.”
Despite the recognition of veterans and their sacrifices in the war efforts, it appears at times that the other contributions of seniors have been overlooked or undervalued. People sometimes forget that seniors contributed to building this country and community.
Older people contributed to the economic growth of their communities through their paid work, taxes, and their contributions to culture and setting Canadian values. They created systems and organizations such as universities, hospitals, business, and schools which help all Canadians live better lives.
These examples clearly point out that seniors contribute to the fabric of our community.
As well, seniors are not always recognized for the contributions they are continuing to make to society, often because of ageist attitudes and myths about older people. These myths often overlook the reality that older people make major contributors to our community, both historically and in the present.
For instance, one prevailing myth is that seniors are not productive in society, that they contribute nothing to the economy. Though seniors may not all be in the paid workforce, they lend their support to the community by volunteering countless hours. In fact, seniors contribute the most volunteer hours in Canada as a group. It has been well established that as unpaid caregivers to friends and family, they save the economy thousands of health care dollars.
Seniors also pay taxes and are consumers of goods and services.
Older people contribute in many ways to their immediate community as well. They volunteer, donate to worthy causes, and support programs and services in organizations as eager participants. They are civic minded, often becoming leaders in their communities.
These older people are often honoured at parties, teas, parades, in newsletters or in other special ways. For instance, in a small ceremony at Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre, 50 seniors were celebrated for their contributions to the centre and their community. All of them were showcased in a book called 50 Amazing Lives. In the opening remarks it says that their stories represent a “journey through the lives of 50 remarkable individuals who have found community, connection and purpose within our walls.” You can view this book on their website at silverharbourcentre.com/news-events/, or if you’re in the neighbourhood drop in for a look.
Whether a veteran, “volunteer extraordinaire,” a worker or a participant in community, older people are keen to contribute to their communities and should be recognized for their efforts. If you have a senior in your life, say thanks.
Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She is a long-time resident of the North Shore and has worked for and with seniors for twenty-nine of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome. Email [email protected].
