Fadoq Région de Lanaudière, Joliette, QC

Looking at aging as an opportunity for Quebec’s society to benefit from the knowledge, the experience and the wisdom coming from elders, is imperative. We also have to consider that guaranteeing their quality of life is an investment for present but also for future generations. Health Seniors have special needs that are unique to aging and its consequences. Aging is not a disease; it is a stage of life from which no one escapes. Seniors must have access to proper treatments, ranging from specialized to general, short or long term, establishing priority to home care and resources for caregivers. Well-being As a wealthy society, we cannot let aging become synonymous of impoverishment, homelessness, malnutrition, isolation or loneliness. Ensuring that everyone over 50 has adequate housing, feeds properly, dresses properly, is well entertained means positive repercussions for the entire society. Security At a certain age, strength and confidence might lessen; vulnerability opens the door to all kinds of mistreatments whether it’s abuse, intimidation or fraud. As a society that promotes equality and solidarity, Quebec has the duty to ensure the safety of individuals that are unable to do so. Belonging Seniors spent a lifetime perfecting their experience, enhancing their knowledge or validating their intuitions. We, as a society have to benefit and learn from them. Collectively we have to grow by listening to our elders, asking them to comment on current issues, giving them a more active role, including them in our decision processes. Basically, we have to guarantee them an active role in society as they are full-fledged citizens.