What does life in Greater Victoria look like for todayB次元官网网址檚 seniors?

B次元官网网址淭odayB次元官网网址檚 55+ individual is a very different senior than were our parents and grandparents,B次元官网网址� says Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher for Greater Victoria. B次元官网网址淗ealthier lifestyles, medical care, education and nutrition are some contributing factors, and the results of these shifts are transforming the way we and communities adapt to our senior population. I encourage you to explore and learn more.

Black Press Media is pleased to explore the vital, yet diverse, issues affecting virtually every Greater Victoria family in one way or another in , published by the Victoria B次元官网网址 and Monday Magazine.

Find stories exploring such varied topics as age-friendly communities, cannabis use among seniors and building community connections, in addition to resources for needs ranging from mental health and housing to senior activity groups and tips for aging in place.

Here on Vancouver Island, 24 per cent of the population is 65+, the largest percentage in BC. And that doesnB次元官网网址檛 show any indication of slowing down. In fact, by 2036, CanadaB次元官网网址檚 seniors aged 80+ are expected to more than double to 3.3 million.

While many local seniors face challenges such as access to affordable housing and isolation, especially as we navigate the unprecedented waters of COVID-19, thereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of good news, too. An amazing 93 per cent of BC seniors live independently, including 72 per cent of those who are 85+, and 78 per cent maintain an active driverB次元官网网址檚 license.

The publication would not be possible without the support of Community Partners, the United Way of Greater Victoria and The Office of the Seniors Advocate of British Columbia, in addition to Island Health and supporting businesses.

B次元官网网址淲e offer our sincere thanks to the local businesses and agencies who participated in the project, helping us explore these diverse challenges and successes affecting local seniors,B次元官网网址� says Monday Magazine publisher Ruby Della Siega.

A history of building community connections

For the past two years, Black Press Media has launched an initiative examining contemporary community issues such as the , understanding , and , a local guide to emergency preparedness.

Raising these often sensitive and always important topics for public conversation is part of our teamB次元官网网址檚 goal to contribute to the community where we work, live and raise our families.

This team of journalists, videographers and designers present the subjects in a comprehensive multi-media campaign which includes a dedicated resource guide (like the one you are reading right now, either in print or online), an in-depth journalism series and related videos on Black Press digital platforms.

In fact, our Victoria Black Press Media team was awarded the prestigious 2019 Jack Webster Foundation journalism award for the Opioid Overdose Prevention initiative, in the Science and Health category.

To read the teamB次元官网网址檚 latest initiative .