Piano teacher Susan Evans
This week, thank a senior for all that they’ve
done
June 2 to June 8 is seniors week in Canada. Throughout this week we should reflect on how the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of seniors have shaped Canada into what it is today. With the increase in the senior population in Canada, we should be creating a country which values their continuing contributions. Working to make Canada (and our own community) more age-friendly is an essential part of our changing demographics.
There is no doubt that the seniors population (those 65 and older) in Canada is growing at an unprecedented rate. In 2037, the seniors population is expected to number 10.4 million, or 1 in 4 people older than of 65 years.
British Columbia is home to about 678,000 people 65 and over By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 984,000, and by 2036 there will be nearly 1.5 million seniors in B.C.
As the population of seniors grows, we should recognize the profound impact they have had on our world and the countless ways they continue to make our world a better place.
Seniors contribute to the economy in so many ways from paying taxes, consuming goods and services, working (yes, some seniors are still working, some because they want to and others because of need), transferring wealth, and volunteering countless hours
One of the biggest cohorts of volunteers is made up of seniors. They volunteer countless unpaid hours, often doing the work of many staff in organizations such as libraries, senior centres, schools, museums and arts venues. Without their contributions, many community services would struggle to function.
Seniors are also the biggest group of unpaid care givers. It is estimated that replacing care from unpaid caregivers would cost the federal government an approximate $35 billion annually
Historically, seniors have contributed to the overall fabric of Canadian society in the way of civic duty, creation and fostering of values, building of community and preserving our rich history. They built the infrastructure that many of us rely on today. They were behind advances in medicine, technology, and social reforms. They were behind advances like the development of life-saving vaccines and the establishment of social safety nets. They fought for our
Continued on page B5
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One stop provides seniors with all the info they need
SHOBANA SHANMUGASAMY
Contributing writer
If you have any questions at all about anything related to seniors life on the North Shore, there’s one spot to go to get you pointed in the right direction.
Seniors One Stop (SoS), run by North Shore Community Resources, is a “first line” contact where seniors can call or walk in with any questions or concerns to be directed to the appropriate resources or programs. Those suggested answers might come from within NSCR, which has been around for almost 50 years, or externally.
“We work to support seniors and caregivers to age with dignity and independence, with overall wellness,” said Anne-Marie Jamin, manager of community engagement and seniors programs at NSCR.
SoS has been around for more than 30 years and is primarily staffed by volunteers, mostly seniors themselves. Using SoS, seniors can ask about a wide range of topics, including financial programs that can benefit them, transportation options, affordable and healthy meal options, and specific concerns related to their day-to-day lives.
“SoS enables seniors to call to get somebody to help them navigate and find help where they are at,” said Kathy Jarvis, co-ordinator of NSCR’s SoS and Seniors Community Connector Program.
“While the more straightforward information needs of seniors can be addressed
by SoS volunteers, in the last few years we have seen a growing need for personalized, one-on-one, ongoing support to address more complex needs and barriers to getting those needs met,” said Jarvis, addling that as an extension of SoS to address this, NSCR offers a Social Prescribing Program, matching seniors with community connectors who provide support, advocacy, coaching, resource referrals and compassionate encouragement to enhance health in
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“The needs have become so great in present times, and people were having a hard time navigating the support that was available in the community, so we had to make this organic expansion to the services offered,” said Jarvis.
Today, Jarvis noted, six distinct programs for seniors and community engagement are offered, including caregiver support, Better at Home, SoS, Social Prescribing, Volunteer
North Shore, and community income tax programs. The NSCR team can also provide legal services, as well as child and family support to deliver comprehensive care that meets a wide range of community needs.
Jarvis clarified that SoS is not the only access point to the plethora of services offered to seniors.
“Seniors One Stop is not the only way,” she said, adding that seniors can directly approach the specific programs or they can come through the SoS line.
“SoS works in and around and within and is indeed a wrap-around support for seniors, caregivers and parents who have to balance needs of their children and elderly parents to come in and just see the breadth of available support across the lifespan,” said Jarvis, adding that the aim for the future is continue to grow the SoS program so they can reach even more seniors, including those who may not be fluent in English.
“We are very keen to expand not only to meet people where they’re at and serve them holistically, but also to provide our support in their language,” she said.
To access Seniors One Stop, call 604-982-3302 or email nscr@nscr.ca For more information visit seniors.nscr.ca/ seniors-one-stop
Shobana Shanmugasamy is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at shobanas@student.ubc.ca.
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The Seniors One Stop program run by North Shore Community Resources is a place for seniors to go to get answers or get connected with resources related to a wide variety of topics and issues. NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE2-8
Continued from page B3 country, educated our young, and created institutions such as libraries, schools and libraries.
As we celebrate their contributions, it is vital that we be aware that not everything is rosy for all seniors We as a community have a responsibility to assist seniors as they face issues such as increasing elder abuse, housing and food insecurity, increasing health and wellness concerns, loneliness, isolation, poverty and more.
Organizations that work with seniors are aware of the issues facing seniors and they work tirelessly to mitigate these through their various programs and services But as the Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP) says, more needs to be done at the government level.
“Federal and provincial governments need to hear from Canadians on policies and legislation that sooner or later affect us all,” CARP noted on their website.
Seniors contribute to our community in so many ways. If there is a senior in your life, maybe reach out to them – say thanks for all that you have done for all of us.
by North Van’s Capilano Community Services MARIANNE SMEE
Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 54 years and has worked for and with seniors for 27 of those years Ideas for future columns are welcome.
Email lions_view@telus.net
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“Webelieve care should feel likecomfort,not compromise. That’s whywebring expert, personalized support righttoyourdoor—tailoredtoyourneeds, your language, andyourlife.”saysthe Founder &CEO Mina Tabei. Ourgoal is to enhancequalityoflife,not just meet medical needs.”
Thecompany’s personalized approachfocuses on providing thebest care possible by matching clientswith caregiversthatcomefromthe samecultural backgrounds so they canspeak thesamelanguageand cook themeals clients wouldenjoy! Careplans aretailored to individual needs and delivered by atrained team of caregivers, consisting of HealthCareAidesand Nurses and managed
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This commitment to providing highly personalized, quality and more affordable privatecare, hasn’t gone unnoticed. Earlier this year,the Founder &CEO Mina Tabei was named arecipientofthe “40Under 40” Awardby Business inVancouver,anhonourthatrecognizes BC’s brightest business leadersand entrepreneurs fortheir outstanding contributions and thesignificant impact they arehaving in their industries and communities.
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NorthVan piano teacher accepted to Oxford and Cambridge musicprograms
ABBYLUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com
Local Journalism InitiativeReporter
Alifelongloveofmusic is reaching acrescendo for a passionate piano teacher at the age 79.
For more than 25 years, Susan Evans has been teaching littleones piano inNorth Vancouver’sLynn Valley.
Last year,the piano teacher returned to school to get a master’sdegree in music theoryatthe University of British Columbia.
As she wraps up, the aspirationsfor Evans don’t stop there asshe’sbeen acceptedtomaster’sofphilosophy of music programs at UniversityofOxford and CambridgeUniversity for the fall. Studying music at one of those premier universities in the U.K. has been alifelong dream of hers.
“Just being accepted is abig thingall by itself. Even if I don’t manage to get to go, it pleases me hugely that they want me to go,” Evans said.
Music has alwayssurrounded Evans. Hermother played the pianoand sang to Evans in theirhome in Wales. Herfather was also musically gifted, playingpiano andclarinetinajazz band. By the time shewas five, Evans asked her parents for
piano lessons.
As Evansgrewworked on mastering her craft, spending hours gliding her fingersover the white keys.Inhigh school,
Susan Evans has been teaching piano to students on the NorthShore fordecades. ABBYLUCIANO /NSN
Famil yO wn ed
CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE2-8
she continued honing her skills while also learning to play the cello and joining the choir
Her cello skills eventually led her to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. She then went on to study cello, piano and composition at the Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England.
“There was a lot of music going on all the time,” she said.
But then Evans decided to change career direction to work in film, another passion of hers. She went on to complete a masters degree in film and television production in London, later becoming one of the film editors on Led Zeppelin’s award-winning 1976 concert movie, The Song Remains the Same
She then took on a new career challenge, becoming a freelance writer in Tokyo, Japan, writing restaurant and theatre reviews, cultural and local-interest features for an English-language weekly publication after backpacking through Asia.
In 1981, Evans and her family moved to the Vancouver area, eventually settling in North Van.
Evans returned as a student 15 years
later, starting at Capilano University’s music program then transferring over to UBC completing a bachelor’s in music after putting her career on pause to raise her family
After finishing school, she began teaching students in her home near Princess Park. As she started to gain attention for her lessons, she was able to secure her own commercial space for a studio in Lynn Valley, teaching dozens of children for more than two decades.
“I love teaching on the North Shore,” Evans said. “It’s just been wonderful because the families there have been so supportive. I just felt so valued, and I enjoy teaching, it’s my favourite activity. That’s why I’ve been doing it for so long.”
She has fond memories of teaching students, watching them go on to pursue careers in music or otherwise around the world.
Now living in Vancouver, the piano teacher took a small hiatus during the COVID19 pandemic and rented a home in Nova Scotia, allowing a colleague to take over her teaching business. But now the piano teacher Continued from page B6
Continued on page B8
Celebrating Seniors
ForNorthShore families,LynnValleyCareCentremakes
Just ayearago,Maryam*,a79-year-old North Vancouverresident, wasuneasyabout making themove to along-term care home. Sheneeded help with her medications and someday-to-daytasks, butshe feared losing her independence.
Herfamily worried that afacility wouldn’t be able to offer thepersonalized care that they could. Wouldher food preferences be cateredto? Hercomplex health needs met? Herbelovedhobbies and activesocial lifemaintained? It wasimportantthatMaryamstayin hercommunity, surrounded by friends in anurturing environment.
When Maryam and her family toured Lynn ValleyCare Centre,theyknewthey’dfoundthe rightfit. Theprivate suites were spaciousand bright,withbeautiful dining roomsand reading nooks throughoutthe facility, and residents busy socializing in commonareas andoutdoor gardens.
Maryam’s family lovedthatLynnValleyCareCentre wasjusta short driveaway, in theheart of theNorth Shore. Plus,the family-owned senior homeseemed to understand theimportanceofwarm, personalized care ButtoMaryam, it wasmorethan that.This didn’t feel likeastepback, butrather astepforward.
Forover60years, Lynn ValleyCareCentrehas delivered thehighest standardofcarefor families likeMaryam’s –and yours. We believe eachday is an opportunityto enjoylifewithasense of purpose. OurRestorative Care approachmaximizes residents’independence, with daily recreational and therapeutic activities to engagethe body and mind, and help maintain social interactions.
Today, Maryam calls Lynn ValleyCareCentrehome. Sheenjoys daily exercise programs likechair yoga, joins newfriends forafternoon tea, sings along at ourmusic concerts, and nevermisses ascreening of Casablanca… or achancetowin at Bingo!
Maryam’s family has peaceofmind knowing that Lynn ValleyCareCentreoffers collaborative,comprehensive care tailored to their mom’sspecific needs and lifestyle. Heronsiteteam includes round-the-clocknurses, care aides, physical and recreational therapists, chefs, dietitians, and more – perfectfor when she has a midnightcraving, amedical concern, or simplywants a friend to sit with and admirethose NorthShoreviews
Thedecision to move your lovedone into long-term care canbedifficult, butyou cankeep them close to homeatone of BC’s premier care facilities. Experience thedifferenceofworld-class care rooted in your communityvalues. At Lynn ValleyCareCentre, you’re family from thestart…Justask Maryam Privaterooms &suites available —Bookyourtourtoday! info@lynnvalleycare.com 604-988-4181 www.lynnvalleycare.com
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Silver Harbour Seniors’ ActivityCentre
It’s SeniorsWeek and formorethan50 yearsSilver HarbourSeniors’Activity Centre hasbeen offeringagatheringplace forlocal seniors. We currently offer more than 75 programs and services, including physical fitness, visual andperforming arts,games, informative seminarsand much more.Wealsoprovide anumberof importantservicessuchasdelicious lowcost meals, alegal clinic,and information aboutothersseniors services.
We hopeyou’llcheckout ourwebsite at www.silverharbourcentre.comand call us at 604-980-2474 formoreinformation. SeniorsWeek is an opportunityto acknowledgeand celebratethe integral part seniorsplayincommunitiesacross British Columbia.Weare celebrating seniorsthisweekand hope youare too! SilverHarbourSeniors’ Activity Centre 144 East 22nd Street,North Vancouver 604.980.2474 |silverharbourcentre.com
CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE2-8
Continued from page B7
teaches again at the Lynn Valley studio once a week.
Attending Oxford or Cambridge to study music theory has always been a goal of hers, and she applied on a whim just to see if she would be accepted.
“When I was at school, I really wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge and my marks weren’t good enough. It’s a lifelong dream to go, and to be able to go is kind of fulfilling something I’ve wished [for] my whole life,” she said.
“If I don’t go now, it’s going to be too late. I’ve been wanting to do that for ages, and this is my very last chance to do it,” Evans added.
Evans said she wants to complete a master’s in philosophy in music theory from either university, with a particular focus in mid-20th century French composers, a topic that isn’t widely available here.
“I wanted to specialize in music theory. I’ve been teaching piano for a long time, and I really enjoy music theory, and I’m very curious about where music comes from, how does it work, what’s the structure of musical pieces and all that,” she said.
As Evans ponders her decision, a big factor is money, she said. Her husband, Barry Rueger, set up a GoFundMe in May to try and help raise funds for her tuition.
“The challenge for us is to cover the costs,” the post reads. “Although we own a small home in Nova Scotia, and have pensions and savings, the reality is that as an international student Susan will be charged more than £ 40,000 in registration fees for each year. That is, simply, just beyond our reach.”
Evans said she might sell a piano she has in Nova Scotia or her car in Vancouver to make up some of the tuition money But even if Evans doesn’t go, she is thrilled to be accepted to both institutions.
“My main goal is that I’m really curious. There are things I don’t know and I want to learn more about the structure of music, the centre of music, the core of music,” she said. “This is such an opportunity, it seems too big to miss.”
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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Meal program provides access to affordable, nutritious food
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chefs and volunteers at a North Vancouver seniors centre are helping older adults get easier access to affordable and nutritious food.
The food services program at Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre offers low-cost, full course lunch meals to older folks Monday to Friday and has been running since their doors opened more than 50 years ago.
Annwen Loverin, executive director of the centre, said the decades-long program was created to provide cheap, tasty food to seniors who may not be able to access it otherwise.
“There are a lot of reasons why older adults might not be eating well,” Loverin said. “That could be physical difficulties standing and preparing food, it could be other health conditions that make
it difficult to eat well and then finances play a big role in how well people can eat.”
The Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre offers more than 70 programs, activities and services for adults aged 55 and older Their programs range from educational and physical to creative and social.
For the food program, seniors are served a full meal of an entree, salad, soup and dessert for $14, or just the entree for $10. Meals offered vary from shepherd’s pie and lasagna to lamb shank and salmon with tiger prawns. There are also less expensive options, Loverin said, with items like soup and crackers for $3 or a sandwich for $5.
The centre serves roughly 350 lunches and 380 drinks and snacks every week. According to Silver Harbour’s website, each year there are approximately 37,000
Continued on page B11
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Continued from page B10
visits for meals, amounting to about one quarter of all annual visits to the centre.
In astudy released earlier this year,researchers from theUniversity of Waterloo found thatone-thirdofadults aged 55 or older arenutritionally at risk, a number that concernsLoverin.
“Weare veryconcernedabout the numberand proportion of seniors who are at nutritional risk,which is aprecursor to malnutrition,” she said. “Whenseniors have accesstohealthy,affordable andaccessible
food in asocial environment …they can maintainand improve their physical and mental health and well-being, and thereforeexperience agood quality of life.”
Food programoffers seniors achance to socialize, executive director says
Another vitalaspect of the program to one’shealth is socializing with others, Loverin said
The food services program is offered in away that builds connections with other people, whether that
Continuedonpage B12
What is aCommunity Response Network(CRN)?
ACommunity Response Network(CRN) is adiverse groupofconcerned individuals, serviceproviders, businesses, andorganizationsworking together to preventand respondtoadult abuse, neglect, andselfneglect. CRNs promotea CoordinatedCommunity Response,recognizing that legal toolsalone arenot enough—community collaboration is essential to truly support vulnerableadults.
Across British Columbia,CRNsare formingnetworks that bringtogetherlocal agencies,businesses, health authorities,and government bodies.These networks work to increasecoordinationofservices, support preventionefforts, andensurecommunitiesrespond effectivelytoabuse andneglect.
CRNs offer astructurewhere allmembers collaborate as equals,sharing responsibilityand decision-making. Together,they:
•Coordinate andsupportcommunity activities
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What AreCRNsDoing in BC?
CRNs areactively reaching outtocommunities, buildingstronglocal networks to help adults at risk.
Throughsharedlearningand collaboration, CRNs strengthen community safety andwellbeing
What AreCRN MembersLearning?
Throughthisprocess,members areembracing community developmentvalueslikeinclusion, shared power, andmeaningfulparticipation. They’veshared insights such as:
•“Legislation alone doesn’t keep people safe communitiesdo.”
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•“Creatingpower equity is notjustan ideal—it’s the goal.”
LearnMore
Visitwww.BCCRN.caorcallLorna at 604-315-2084.
CELEBRATESENIORSWEEKJUNE2-8
be existing friends or making new ones, eating together in one place, she said.
“We all know that social isolation is very unhealthy, including for seniors, and so that’s why we try to keep social connection at the core of everything we do,” Loverin said.
In a report, the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health said as many as 41 per cent of Canadians aged 50 and older are at risk of social isolation, and up to 58 per cent in the age group have experienced loneliness
Hugh Mitchell has been using the food services at Silver Harbour for the past two and a half years, joining the program to have that social connection in the community
“There are a lot of people like myself who are living on their own, and the worst thing that people that are living on their own can do is to stay at home and not get out,” said Mitchell, an 86-year-old North Vancouver resident.
“It’s not just the fact that you’re getting nourishment, but it’s also because you’re socializing,” he added. “You’re sitting down with different people and you’re learning about things that you maybe hadn’t thought about for years.”
Mitchell said he finds it challenging to make food at home for just himself, creating a lot of leftovers he can’t always finish. If people cannot finish their food while dining at Silver Harbour, they can take leftovers back home, reducing waste.
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But now, Mitchell has continued to spread the word about the food program, like how he heard about Silver Harbour
“I recommend it highly to people,” he said. “It’s very good to be able to interact with people and it’s very positive. I think it’s things like [this] that keeps people like me going.”
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative. Continued from page B11
Celebrating Seniors
Discover SeniorsLiving,Wellness& Care Options
Navigating B.C.’s seniorsliving, wellness, and care options canbe time-consuming and confusing—butitdoesn’t have to be Route65.ca is afree, B.C.-based resource createdbyBCCareProviders Association to helpthe public exploreand access seniorslivingand care services with greatereaseand confidence. TheRoute65.ca platformfeaturesa provincial directoryofB.C.’sleading independentliving, assisted living, longterm care,and homecareoptions.Users cansearch by location, servicetype, or specificneeds,and connect directly with providersacrossthe continuum of care
Inadditiontoits directory, Route65.ca also offers comprehensiveresources to support informed decision-making. Explore FAQs,a glossary of commonterms,and community-based resourcesthatoffer further guidance on accessing services You’llalsofind agrowing networkof Assurity® Approved home care and independent livingoperators on Route65. ca.Assurity® indicatesaprovider’s demonstrated commitmenttohigh industryqualitystandards throughBC Care ProvidersAssociation’s Assurity® qualityassuranceprogram VisitRoute65.ca to learnmore.
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Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre executive director Annwen Loverin serves some lunch to regular patron Hugh Mitchell.
PAUL MCGRATH / NSN