International Day of Older Persons:

The General Assembly of the United Nations designated Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. The day was observed for the first time throughout the world in 1991. By selecting a special day for seniors, the Assembly gave recognition to the contributions of seniors and drew attention to a demographic phenomenon known as the greying of the population.

B.C.’s growing seniors’ population:

B.C. has one of the fastest-growing seniors’ populations in Canada. The province is currently home to about 600,000 seniors. Twenty years from now that number will almost double to over 1.16 million. By 2031, one in four British Columbians will be a senior.

Open houses across British Columbia:

Close to 100 seniors’ residences are participating in B.C.’s first-ever Open Doors event by holding open houses on October 1. A complete list of participating residences is available on the Open Doors website at www.opendoorscanada.org.

B.C. Open Doors partners:

Open Doors in B.C. was made possible through a unique partnership between public and private organizations involved in the provision of seniors’ housing and care.

In addition to the Ministry of Health, other partners include:

BC Retirement Communities Association

The BCRCA represents owners and operators of over 78 premier retirement and assisted living residences throughout B.C. They provide advocacy, leadership and networking for their members. They are committed to innovation, resident choice, and excellence.

BC Care Providers Association

Formed in 1977, the BC Care Providers Association members include non-profit and private care facilities as well as home support agencies that represent more than 10,000 beds and more than 10,000 home care clients in B.C.

BC Housing
BC Housing is the provincial crown agency that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need- including low-income seniors. Through programs like Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) and Independent Living BC (ILBC), they work with private, non-profit, and government partners to expand the range of housing choices for B.C. seniors.

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Media contact:	Susan Thom BC Housing 604 230-1301 (cell)	Carol Omstead BC Retirement Communities Association 778 998-3711
	Kate Hildebrandt BC Care Providers Association 604 736-4233 ext. 228 778 848-4404 (cell)
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.