Helping seniors navigate housing issues
When you think of senior citizens, a certain image comes to mind.
That image—whatever it might be—probably doesn’t capture the whole picture, according to Nicole Smith.
“The senior’s population is so diverse,” says Smith, the director of research and community engagement for the Sage Seniors Association. “Different first languages, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic diversity, you name it.”
The diversity of the senior community in Edmonton is why Sage, in cooperation with other seniors’ service organizations, has taken a “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to planning this year’s Seniors’ Housing Forum.
The forum, taking place on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00am–2:30pm at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre on 113 Street, will offer short lectures and discussions on the range of housing options available to seniors as well as best practices and tips for getting seniors housing right.
Topics covered will include independent living, financial literacy for seniors, landlord and tenant relations, condo rights, and life leases.
There will also be discussion of “aging in place” at the forum, which Smith describes as a growing trend made popular by Baby Boomers.
“Every time the Boomers move into a new phase of life, they change what that phase looks like,” she says. “Previous generations move into supported living, the lodge setting, old age homes. That doesn’t happen anymore. People are getting creative with how they live. There’s a push for intergenerational living. People want to stay in their homes.”
There will also be an exhibition with booths operated by 50 organizations serving seniors.
The annual forum has grown steadily in popularity in recent years, which Smith attributes to shifting demographics.
The event, Smith is quick to point out, is free and open to anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, fashion sense, taste in music, or any other human characteristic known or unknown. If you’re interested in learning about the housing choices available to seniors, you are welcome at the forum.
The Lions Centre has ample free parking and is wheelchair accessible with no stairs, Smith adds.
While previous forums have mostly been attended by seniors themselves, Smith stresses that it’s never too early to start learning about where you might spend your golden years.
“Seniors housing is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it,” she says. “Any time you move into a new experience, you have to start somewhere.”
“The more information you have, the earlier you have it, the more prepared you are, the better off you’re going to be in the long run. Everybody ages differently.”
Registration for the forum is recommended but not compulsory. To register, call 780-809-8604 or email EWeisbrot@mysage.ca.