Older and Wiser
Older and Wiser Column
For a number of years now our Society has written and published a column for seniors in the North Shore News. The column, titled ’’Older and Wiser,’ is published bi-weekly, on Wednesdays in the Seniors Section of the Paper. The column is intended to promote discussion on seniors’ issues, reflect the views of the Lionsview Seniors Planning Society and to influence policy and decision makers. We welcome suggestions from our members for ideas on future columns.
Margaret Coates is the Coordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 52 years and has worked with and for seniors for 28 of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome. Call (604) 985-3852 or Email us at lions_view@telus.net
To view a PDF version the Older and Wiser Column, please click on the titles below.
2025 Alzheimer’s Awareness Month recognizes the dementia journey
Test your knowledge with our annual seniors quiz
2024
National Day of Climate Action 2024
Social Support Found in Sharing a Meal
Celebrate Seniors Week by honouring their many contributions
How to know when to get help for hearing loss
A moment to respect local caregivers
How to avoid falling for scams
2023
Take these steps to prepare for winter
Unaffordable housing puts seniors at risk of homelessness
Federal Dental Health Plan is Good News
We need to ramp up volunteering efforts
Healthcare and the ageing population
Calls for a better long-term care system
Test your knowledge with this seniors’ quiz
2022
Be emergency prepared in every season
Seniors can take these steps to reduce holiday stress
Seniors should take these steps to protect against scams
Seniors should start preparing for winter now
Ageism can do real harm to seniors
Back-to-school can also apply to seniors
Latest census reveals good and bad news about our aging population
Steps seniors can take to beat the heat
Dispelling myths is a great way to celebrate seniors
Family caregivers need our full support
Volunteering is a great way for seniors to stay active
National dental care plan great news for Canadian seniors
Dense bones are essential for healthy aging
Here’s how you can keep your heart healthy
Seniors must prioritize their mental health
Take this quiz to test your knowledge of issues affecting seniors
2021
Take care of others, and yourself, this holiday season
Simple steps will help seniors prevent falls
When should seniors stop driving
Natural disasters disproportionately impact seniors
Getting vaccinated is only part of the plan to stay healthy this winter
September is a great starting point for new adventures
It’s essential for seniors to stay active, but that’s complicated by a heat wave
Seniors have faced a lot this past year
When it comes to vaccines, let’s stick to the program
There’s still a benefit to volunteering, even during COVID
It’s essential to take good care of our feet
Pandemic has made life for Alzheimer’s patients more challenging
New year’s resolutions that are actually doable
2020
Supporting our seniors is challenging right now. It’s also crucial.
Be proactive in managing these cold winter months
Caregivers are carrying an extra burden these days
Scams targeting seniors compounded during pandemic
Pandemic changes how we look at aging
It’s especially important to keep up with activities this fall
Seniors possess the coping skills to deal with pandemic stress
Seniors should enjoy the summer sun safely
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights an important year-round issue
Now more than ever, let’s celebrate our seniors
Keep moving through the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 takes its toll on mental health of seniors
North Shore organizations stepping up to help seniors during COVID-19
We all need to go the extra mile when it comes to social distancing
Keeping track of medications important for overall health
Oral care important when it comes to overall health
Let’s resolve to make manageable new year’s resolutions
Here’s a pop quiz about seniors open to all ages
2019
Make the holidays a little easier for seniors in need
New technology can benefit our aging population
Don’t get sick stressing over flu season
Seniors and poverty is an overlooked issue on the North Shore
Myths about older adults are destructive, says seniors advocate
Day of Older Persons offers a chance for reflection
There are many options when it comes to biking
Fight isolation by staying engaged
Smart ways to boost brain health
Here comes the sun-sense advice column
Knowing the symptoms of a stroke could save a life
Creative solutions needed when it comes to housing seniors
Issues raised during B.C. Seniors Week should be a year-round focus
Accessibility essential for age-friendly communities
Let’s talk about all these scam calls
Don’t up the odds when it comes to falling down
Volunteering won’t make you money but it could profit your health
Daylight time a chance to reflect on poor sleeping habits
Proper health gets to the heart of the issue
Seniors should get moving when it comes to transit issues
Alzheimer Awareness Month aims to change attitudes
Good Care Centres Offer Welcome Respite
2018
Don’t let the winter months leave you feeling
The holidays are joyous … and stressful
Many organizations depend on charity and goodwill during holidays
Seniors contribute to fabric of Canada
Driving is important regardless of age
Active minds lead to active seniors
Healthy eating promotes overall well-being
Stay connected with summer activities
Have fun in the sun, just not a ton
On Multiculturalism Day, let’s celebrate immigrant seniors
There are resources out there for seniors facing abuse
Transit key for North Shore seniors on the move
Caregiver Expo shares tips and tools with those who provide support
I want to live in a dementia friendly community
Volunteering benefits seniors in a big way
Try Exercising Your Mind with this Seniors Quiz
Latest budget will increase services to seniors across BC
Easy tips for seeking seniors resources
Seniors Should Embrace Technology
Support for Seniors Should be Improved
2017
Be Kind to Yourself During the Holidays
Oral Health Critical for Seniors Well-being
Community-based Seniors Services are Vital
A flu shot can help you enjoy the season
Mental health issues a concern for seniors too
It’s important to get up and move around
Extreme heat may pose health risks to seniors;
Resources aim to raise awareness about abuse
Services help support caregivers
Seniors advocate speaks at North Vancouver presentation
Regular exercise essential for healthy aging
Volunteering a valued activity for many seniors
Many resources available for seniors
Healthy eating important part of aging
Perpetuating myths about seniors adds to ageism
Seniors transportation a topic for discussion
Housing issues not just for the young
Setting achievable goals the first step toward success
2016
Funding challenges similar for seniors Down Under
Robots will be key to future of elder care
Local seniors programs meet needs
Helpful information widely available
Seniors isolation causes communities to suffer
Dealing with cognitive decline
Seniors health expo to explore dementia care
Scammers aren’t always from faraway lands
Debt levels rising among those aged 65+
New columnist makes her introduction
Long-running columnist bids fond farewell
Test your knowledge of issues of aging
The pros and cons of property tax deferral
More awareness needed of useful local resources
Columnist sees clearly after long last
Making the Internet affordable to all
New group helps seniors get off drug train
New tools help seniors age well
Resolving to make positive change in 2016
2015
Screening tests unfair to older drivers
Federal election’s impact on local seniors
Planning for an aging demographic
Mobile polls an unused option for seniors
Lowdown on access, eligibility and cost
Lessons learned around the world
Quiz brings cold, hard truths to light
To defer or not to defer_ that is the question
Quelling the bashing of seniors
Counting down 2014’s top stories
2014
Wall Street Journal dispels aging myths
Many retirees end up back in workforce
Banks should take lead in stopping scams
Panel offers insight into estate planning
Local experts call for RRIF reform
Many unprepared for caregiving
Ensure your meds are right for you
Annual quiz elicits reader response
Lots to learn from Ontario’s pension plan
Popular seniors quiz back for 2014
Will Canadians outlive their money
Be prepared when choosing to unretire
Thin versus fat debate rages on
“Big babies” – not always a bad thing
Continue to discuss end of life care plan
Stop and ask yourself these six questions today
Canada’s inquest system lacks teeth
Residential care a caring decision
Take action rather than live in fear
To save or spend, that is the question
Taking stock of 2013’s gains and losses
Do your due diligence before donating
2013
Aging population raises concerns
Tech reliance a sign of the times
Stand up for Canadian veterans
Rule No. 1- Start with what you’ve got
Report_ Seniors going on spending sprees
Living will in debate – Seniors – North Shore News
The-time-is-right-for-a-talk-about-euthanasia
Important to use it or lose it
NS News columnist puts readers to the test
Consider BC seniors in natural disaster planning
Local advocates tackle issue of elder abuse
Recent AGM address raises a few eyebrows
New snapshot report a wake up call for action
Tax planning key to high retirement returns
Seniors action tables gear up for 2013
New snapshot report a wake up call for action
New BC legislation receives mixed review
Fun in the sun yields host of cold hard facts
Better late than never Looking back on 2012
Consider your savings options for the future
2012
Follow the money when making donations
Driver rules should be based on ability not age
Looking back A 2011 year in review
Make the most out of this phase of life
New advocates office to be a busy one
Public health gap must be closed
Report suggests sweeping changes
Savary Island cottage closing trip a success
Surveys tangible results satisfy queries
Taxi program phase out requires second look
Taxi Saver advocates crash AGM
Age warfare debate only starting to heat up
BC makes bold move regarding flu shots
Canadians to wait longer to collect OAS
Don’t believe everything you read this year
Dont discriminate against aging drivers
2011
Columnist takes a playful approach
Flu shots an important annual tradition
Follow the money when making donations
Health care top of mind for Canadians
Health care tops Santa wish list
Lionsview founders impact still felt today
NV seniors population to double by year 2027