Recent research from the University of Tübingen in Germany argues that the pervasive view that aging leads to cognitive decline is actually a myth.

Michael Ramscar and his colleagues present evidence suggesting that changes in cognitive performance as we age is due to the increasing amount of information that is stored in our brains, which makes processing longer. Slower cognitive performance is due to the increased knowledge older adults have, not any inherent decline in cognitive functioning.

There are however, other variables that will impact learning and cognition as we age. For example, being in less stimulating environments, especially after retirement, and the onset of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s will quickly impair cognitive functioning.

The authors hope that this research dispels fears that an aging population will be a heavy burden on society. Rather we should focus on enriching environments and combating diseases that may otherwise hinder the cognitive potential of older adults.

GUEST POST by David Wu

We always welcome your comments and feedback below.

The December 19th Globe and Mail (2013) reported that Premier Christy Clark has announced that Metro Vancouver voters will be offered a multiple-choice decision on public transit when they head to the municipal elections next fall. 

B.C. Minister of Transportation, Todd Stone said he will be active in trying to help score a victory for transit funding. “It is imperative to get this right, to win this referendum.”

Donato Pagani said, “we have to make sure that this referendum passes. Too much is at stake. A functioning transportation system 
is vital for our personal lives, for our businesses, and for our whole region. High congestion on many roads and a public transit system that is already reaching 
its capacity indicate that we need 
additional revenue – especially with Metro Vancouver’s increasing population”.

GetOnBoard BC has launched a broad-based coalition of almost 30 organizations to support the goal of a positive outcome for the referendum. The coalition supports expansion of current public transit 
systems throughout Metro Vancouver, including the establishment of new rapid transit lines and many more buses.

For further information about GetOnBoard 
BC, visit www.getonboardbc.ca. Be sure to follow GetOnBoard BC on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

Meanwhile, BEST (Better Environmentally 
Sound Transportation) continues to be involved with Moving in a Liveable Region, which is a great source for information on transportation in Metro Vancouver including quizzes, surveys and the results of recent citizen summits. Visit them at www.movinginalivableregion.ca.

To tell them what you think, email 
transitreferendum@best.bc.ca. Expect to hear much more from BEST on this important issue in the coming months.

On the 19th of December, I called Lee Haber, Campaign Director for GetOnBoard BC to ask him how the Seniors 
Hub could get involved to help ensure a sustainable transportation future for everyone in our South Vancouver neighbourhood and in our region. He suggested that one of our Senior Hub Transportation Committee members could sit on their Advisory Committee. We are putting that recommendation to the committee.

Contact Lee Haber at 778-877-8033 for more information on how to get on board.

We always welcome your comments and feedback below.

There will be a meeting today, 3 pm at Killarney Community Centre to formally announce the following initiative:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Office of the Mayor
January 19, 2014

Mayor to bring motion to build new Killarney Seniors Centre

Vancouver - Mayor Gregor Robertson will introduce a motion at this week's Council meeting to expedite construction of a new Killarney seniors centre with surplus funds from the City's operating budget, following through on the City of Vancouver's longstanding commitment to investing in better community services for seniors in Southeast Vancouver.

"With the Federal Government having joined the City and the Province in committing funds to this long-awaited community space, it's time to get shovels in the ground on a new Killarney seniors centre," said the Mayor. "The City of Vancouver's strong budget position allows us to invest in key priorities for the community. Surplus funds from Vancouver's operating budget should be used to ensure that this important new resource for Southeast Vancouver seniors is built as soon as possible, building on the $2.5 million investment committed by the City in 2011."

Two weeks ago the Federal Government announced $2.5 million in funding support for the project, following a commitment of $1.3 million from the Province last year and the initial funding commitment from the City of Vancouver in 2011. The City-owned land and operating space for the centre was also committed in 2011 by the Park Board.

The Mayor's motion recommends the use of surplus funds from the City's operating budget to resolve the remaining funding gap on the estimated $7.5 million project. The motion will be put on notice at City Council on Tuesday and seconded by Councillor Raymond Louie.

Southeast Vancouver is home to approximately one third of all Vancouver seniors and is currently the only quadrant of the city without a dedicated seniors centre.

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We always welcome your comments and feedback below.

How Much 
Will We Need 
to Retire 
Comfortably?

For those of us older 55+ who have thought about retiring and have found that our savings have not merited much of anything due to low interest rates, this information from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada may be of interest to you.

It is overwhelming to discover how much we need to save in order to retire comfortably. 

For many of us, it seems like we will have to work forever if we hope to continue to live in Vancouver.

For those of you who own homes, you have 
ready assets that can be used to apply to your housing and savings. If you are not in this category, here are some factors that can affect how much we will need for our retirement:

• Your retirement goals
  
• Current spending versus expected spending
  
• When we want to retire versus our life expectancy
  
• How much we will get from Canada’s public 
  
• pension program?
  
• The impact of inflation
  

Please do not delay. When online, visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website, Saving for Retirement section to find out more about these factors, so it will not be a shock when you retire. 

If you need further support and information, please make an appointment with Margaret Kocuiba, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House Information and Referral Councillor (I&R) at 604-324-6212.

We always welcome your comments and feedback below... 

Good News!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2013
Vancouver, BC

Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, today announced that the...

"Harper Government will invest in a new centre for seniors at the Killarney Community Centre..."  continued below...

"For fifteen years, community members have tirelessly advocated for a Seniors Centre in South
Vancouver. Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to announce a federal investment of $2.5 million for the Killarney Seniors Centre," said MP Young. "Seniors, who have given so much to our country, deserve a top-notch facility. Located in the heart of our diverse community, this Seniors Centre will improve the quality of life for seniors from all backgrounds, and provide an accessible space for recreation and socialization."

I, The Government of Canada will contribute up to one-half of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $2.5 million towards this project through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component. 

This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.

Since 2011, MP Wai Young has worked to engage stakeholders and advocate for the Killarney Seniors Centre in both Ottawa and Victoria, as well as in our community.

"I want to thank the thousands of constituents who signed petitions, participated in roundtables and meetings with me, and made their voices heard," commented MP Young. "Now, with both the federal and provincial governments delivering their funding, it is up to the City to deliver on their commitment to
build this centre."

The Government of Canada is focused on building a strong economy for families and communities.

Today's investment into the Killarney Seniors Centre will help to build a stronger community here in
Vancouver South.

Media regarding this recent announcement:

• Vancouver Courier, January 7, 2014
• Vancouver Courier, January 9, 2014

Some background on this ongoing project:

South Vancouver is home to a rapidly growing population of over 25,000 seniors (65 years of age and older), one-third of the seniors' population in Vancouver.

There are currently nine seniors' centres in Vancouver, but none of them are located in the Southeast quadrant of the city.

The City of Vancouver committed $2.5 million, and the Government of BC committed $1.3 million towards this project. The Government of Canada will contribute $2.5 million.

The completed expansion to the Killarney Community Centre will be a 10,000-square-foot facility, and will provide services, programs, and activities for older adults of diverse cultures.

To keep in touch and/or to volunteer towards the building of a new Seniors Centre to be built in Southeast Vancouver, contact Lorna Gibbs at the Southeast Vancouver Seniors Arts & Cultural Society (SVSACS) at www.svsacs.org.

We always welcome your comments and feedback below.

Navigating Your Way Through the Health Care System

There are a number of things that health care providers ask when a patient is in hospital and when they are being prepared to go home. If you are not asked about the following things, bring them up with your care providers:

• Ask for a translator if you need one. They are available at all local hospitals.

• Tell health care professionals what it will be like for you when you get home. They need to know things like: do you have someone to help you with food preparation? With grocery shopping? With housecleaning? With getting to doctor’s appointments?

• Write down any questions you have so that you can ask them when the doctor, nurses, or other health care providers are with you. 

• Ask for printed materials in your preferred language.

There a number of other things that patients and families found helpful:

• Nurses who work for BC Nurseline can answer many questions, such as: if your incision is ok, or how to deal with pain. 

• Preparing before going to the hospital: arranging for your pick-up;  help with buying groceries and getting meals ready; and making their home comfortable for the patient while they get better, (for example, some families set up a bed on the main floor).

* People told us what they did for healing, such as diet/food you are accustomed to eating; gradual return to exercise (e.g. long walks); taking traditional / healing medicines.

Health and Seniors Information Line:  1-800-465-4911. A “one stop” location to obtain information on both health and non-health related federal and provincial government programs and services for British Columbia seniors. The Line also provides B.C. residents with information about health services, the health care system and interpretation of a wide variety of health media releases, legislation, policies, programs and services. The line is accessible 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Translation services are available in 130 languages. BC 

Nurseline - Please also see HealthLink BC  Anywhere in BC: 811.

Speak to a nurse: Call 8-1-1 to ask a registered nurse your health questions, any hour of the day or night. Nurses are available 24/7 to help you with non-emergency health concerns, to discuss symptoms and procedures and recommend whether you should see a professional. 

Speak to a Pharmacist:  Call 8-1-1 to ask medication questions. Pharmacists are on call at 8-1-1 when your community pharmacist may be unavailable, every night from 5 pm to 9 am. For nutrition advice, call 811 and we’ll connect your with a dietitian. Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request.

Canadian Diabetes Association:
1-800-BANTING (1-800-226-8464). Chinese Information Line (Cantonese and Mandarin): 1-888-666-8586. The Canadian Diabetes Association provides people affected by diabetes – those living with the condition, their family, friends, caregivers, colleagues, employers and others – with information on the prevention and management of diabetes and referral to various community resources.

Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC:  
1-888-473-4636 Vancouver: 604-736-4404 Community based organization dedicated to the prevention and relief of heart disease and stroke in B.C. and the Yukon. Provides information on research and support groups. 

Medical Services Plan Subscriber Information:  1-800-663-7100 Vancouver: 604-683-7151. Automated service providing enrollment and premium information and answers to frequently asked questions. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mental Health Information Line:  Vancouver: 604-669-7600.  Provides taped information on provincial mental health programs as well as symptoms, causes, treatment, support groups and publications relating to a number of mental illnesses. This is a 24 hour line. 

PharmaCare (including the Fair PharmaCare Plan):  Vancouver: 604-683-7151. General PharmaCare enquiries: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fair PharmaCare plan registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you use online registration or access the automated phone registration using the numbers.

Poison Control Centre:  1-800-567-8911 Vancouver Emergency: 604-682-5050 Vancouver Non-Emergency: 604-682-2344.  Provides information on poisons and treatment.

Do you have any other Health Care Resources for Seniors not listed here? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.