Wednesday, February 3, 1999 ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF OLDER CITIZENS The world’s population is aging rapidly — during the next several decades, the propor- tion of older persons (defined: as 60 and over by the United Nations). will increase’ from one in 14 to one in four. In rec-: ognizing this, the United Na- tions has declared 1999 the In- - ternational Year of Older. Per- sons (IYOP). This interna- tional initiative provides Cana- - dian communities with a good opportunity to review and im- prove the physical and social services they offer their con- stituents. The goal is simple, to create an environmentin which older citizens can remain indepen- dent, contributing members of society. Often, simple changes can make.a big difference in ©. the lives of seniors and their. - families, friends and. social net : yoks this. growing population Pr mation of a committee, tyy _ . representatives, service. agen: cies (home ..care. providers, aes meals-on- wheels etc.) , ‘police, ‘firefighters, the business com- © munity, professional associa- Senior: friendly. ce as iy “identify facilities and services _ oriented to older people,. and ~ assess how. well they: meet the | “needs and ‘characteristics ‘of. - Cally: made: up of seniors and. us community groups, municipal tions. . Once a committee has been. formed, a- plan- is usually” drafted which. includes things like: the degree to which a facility or. service is or. is not senior: friendly; e Assessment: ‘oiitling ef: which facilities. and. services - will be reviewed, who will con- » duct reviews and when. 2 Award Program: Public _ appreciation of service and fa-: ‘cilities that meet (or Seed - your criteria. -@ Advice: tips and ideas on - how those who didn’t meet cr S teria can improve. _ : Examples of questions that companies. and. communities tions and educational institu: ; ut act Ea f t en Best erie ie ttle OPTICAL - “2451 Beacon Ave,, Sidney, G56:5626 | iceman mmreconey mmmmnnereted ane ere Ae a tH ot pe ron rn gr me ae svar wememanunerermin Lied ry Lense » Rodenistoe * Review criteria: what your 2 ‘group will be using to measure ea tM KORDUNER) | should’ ask. themselves. in- clude: © Taxis: do taxi companies encourage their drivers to help seniors -to: and: from. their doors, assist with groceries? e Municipalities: Are ramps and. automatic doors clearly _marked in public buildings? Are public areas well lit at “hight? Do police. officers receive . training in elder abuse? e Are bank employees : trained to deal with the special --needs of older-clients, and to: recognize’. when... someone “might be taking financial ad-.. vantage of them? ~ Regardless of what kind of ‘project you’ initiate, the changes that result from it will i; pay dividends for: many years : ena A custom- “isignea program to meet your health and fitness needs. Each session is monitored by your certified personal trainer. a Weight Koom Consublitiion Want to start a weight training program but not’ sure where to start? Book a © . _consultation with a certified trainer to design a Program | that will meet your needs. "S etl ot TO. gour reeset: to come. The first. Baby Boomers will start. entering into retirement next decade and by the year 2041 seniors will account for almost one quarter of the Canadian popu- lation. It makes good sense for communities to start planning - for this reality right now. The Canada Coordinating Committee. for: the Interna- tional Year of Older Persons has prepared a Community Kit ‘to help communities organize and promote events and activi- ties. For a free copy of the kit, visit. the IYOP Web - site http://iyop-aipa.ic.gc.ca, or. » Health Canada’s Division of: “and Seniors at Aging . http:/; /www. he-sc.gc. ca/ SE niors.aine. “from News Canada | adage : book 626- 2 Cé Hl Benin ora _-Panerama \. elsure, Centre, be ee A WE Re PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW 13 ~ SIDNEY DENTURE SERVICES LTD. : - DENTURISTS - B. L. Ricard R.D. E.M. Clausen R. D.. “Prompt Professional Denture Service.” DENTURES CONSTRUCTED © RELINES - SAME DAY! © REPAIRS IN A HURRY! 4 “Hospital and Home Calls” 2494 Beacon Ave.; Sidney, B.C. 656-3523 YOUR "y STOP” LAUNDRY SERVICE - -e Commercial « Pick- Up & Delivery + Drop: ~off = * Finish & Folds Transfer _ 652- B66 ° ‘Home, apa ee Emergency. Calls . ~ pac ckage specials + ~ quality service - excellent selection | "of see eyewear ae specialized in & soft contact le OPTICAL PIONEER MALL, SAANICH TON 544-2016 - "Mon, - Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 630 pm 1 Sat, 10: 0am, = 5:00 pm.