Municipal elections are but a distant memory (or nightmare) for candidates, citizens and journalists.
It was a hard-fought campaign that centred around housing affordability – as it should have been.
But now that the swearing-in ceremony is done and all the campaign signs have been removed, we’re reflecting on some of the issues that didn’t get discussed much on the campaign trail.
One thing that candidates didn’t get asked much was what would they do to promote a dementia and elder-friendly city?
Amidst all the clamour about affordable housing, lower taxes and more transparency, little has been said about Burnaby’s changing demographic and the need to provide senior-friendly streets, housing and recreation for those who lack mobility, a drivers’ license, financial resources and good health to take advantage of things already in place.
What’s more, the province needs a Silver Alert system to quickly alert authorities, neighbourhoods and emergency responders in the event someone with dementia goes missing. Local politicians could and should be advocating for this. Provincial politicians should also be discussing this as our population ages and more stress is put on health services.
Don’t forget, you will be an elder someday. Don’t you want your city to accommodate you?
