Let’s celebrate BC Seniors’ Week 2025!

BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt’s Statement on BC Seniors’ Week

“June 1-7 is BC Seniors’ Week and a time to celebrate, recognize and honour older
people in our province.

“There is good news for British Columbians! The number of seniors is increasing. Today, one in
five people are over 65, and in the next decade, this will grow to one in four people. People are
also living longer with 12% of seniors age 85+ today. Within the next 10 years, 18% of people
will be over 85 years old.

“The saying ‘when you’ve met one 80 year-old, you’ve met one 80 year-old’ rings truer today
than ever before. Seniors have extremely diverse interests and experiences. I’ve met older
people who are running marathons, contributing in the workplace, and are working more in
volunteer roles than they ever did before they turned 65.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing the stories and words of wisdom seniors have shared with our office that
will be posted on our Facebook and X channels during BC Seniors’ Week. I’m glad so many older
people have taken the opportunity to show their achievements and allow others to learn from
their life experiences.

“However, we must not forget the seniors in B.C. who are struggling to make ends meet, find a
suitable home or long-term care bed, access reliable, affordable public transportation, or can’t
find adequate supports to live independently at home. The median income of a senior in B.C. is
$33,300.

“I’m hopeful the provincial government will follow through on my recommendation to create a
cross-ministry seniors’ strategy and action plan so we can ensure services are coordinated and
meeting the needs of older people – a demographic that is rapidly increasing.

“Seniors have helped shape our province and are a vital part of our society. Let’s honour and
acknowledge the immense contributions of seniors in B.C. – present, past and future. Take the
time to reach out, listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and acknowledge their
profound value in our lives.

“Ageing is something to embrace, because if we are lucky enough to live a long life, we too will
become a senior one day!”

Dan Levitt
BC Seniors Advocate