Focus Group Sessions Overview

17 Focus group sessions were held in 15 locations across the Province in the month of October.
Total attendance by the public was 609 for an average of 35.8 per session.
35 accredited media personnel and 15 media students attended.
The three key topic areas discussed were Impacts of the Aging Population, Supportive Communities and Healthy Aging.
The overall tone of the sessions was positive with participants striving to look into the future.
There was overlapping discussion in the three topic areas.

The following are some common themes, which emerged:

Education came up consistently in all 3 discussion areas.

Individuals taking responsibility for learning; government providing funding, communities providing programs.
Education is necessary for healthcare providers (professionals and care i.e. homecare).
Educate youth in schools about aging and valuing seniors.
Seniors should be used as an educational resource in schools.
Educate public about the implications of an aging population.

Impact of Aging

People are looking for "long-range planning" by government that is innovative and flexible.
There need to be increased and integrated approaches to planning, encouraging partnerships between government and citizens as well as inter-governmental co-operation.
Recreational opportunities need to be expanded for seniors.
Support programs need to be in place for the "needy".
There were numerous comments about individuals taking personal responsibility for the impacts of the aging population, by becoming knowledgeable and learning about the problems of aging; setting up personal savings plans; and taking measures to be healthy (education about wellness).
There needs to be an increase in the variety and choices for housing options.
Government needs to be responsible for assuring funding is in place for senior’s programs to support independent living and to ensure healthcare is publicly maintained.
Seniors must be an integral part of all decision-making bodies.
Communication: the people said they want to be listened to and want feedback from the government. They want all levels of government, and departments to work cooperatively.

Supportive Communities

Housing and transportation: common-threads are innovativeness and accessibility.
One rural community said that transportation to hospital and for surgeries in urban centres needs to be addressed.
Theme for transportation responsibility: government assists and local communities/organizations provide programming. Private sector needs to be involved.
Housing: responsibility rests with government to provide funding and for setting standards and regulations. Desire to see private sector involved but monitored. More lodge-type facilities with supportive services that are located close to amenities.
Need more facilities, with universal standards, and facilities that provide assisted living so that couples are not separated.
Support services: "snow and mow", important to keeping seniors in the community. Stressed that in their community in their home is where they want to be.
Developing inter-generational activities with youth and seniors.
Safety and security was not mentioned often but when discussed it was in terms of safety in the home (abuse, crime) and within the community infrastructure (sidewalks, curbs, policing).
Mixed comments on family involvement in caregiving, from the need for more to concerns about burn out.

Healthy Aging

Good accessible public healthcare needs to be in place.
Individuals need to practice better personal healthcare including being more active, eating better and self education about healthy living.
Continued involvement in the community and recognition of volunteers.
A positive attitude about seniors and their value needs to be developed in society.
Not worrying about finances.