Participation rates at Coquitlam’s two seniors’ recreation centres are not keeping pace with those at other civic facilities.
And that may be because local seniors are using more than just Dogwood and Glen Pine pavilions, raising the question of whether those facilities for people 50 years of age and up are “meeting the needs of many older adults,” according to a city staff report.
Older adults are increasingly turning to the city’s other rec facilities, with the 50-plus crowd making up more than half of all users, the document noted.
Mary Morrison-Clark, manager of community recreation and culture, said it could be time to re-examine how the city offers specific services to the older demographic and possibly consider name changes to Dogwood and Glen Pine.
“We heard from people loud and clear that many of them didn’t know what a pavilion was,” she said. “We also heard that those that use the pavilions value them very much… We want to maintain the specialness of the place.”
The balance is outlined in the city’s draft seniors strategy, which will guide the municipality as it prepares programs and services for an aging population.
Morrison-Clark said baby boomers’ approach to aging has been different from those of past generations and there are large variations in activity levels among older adults. It is also difficult to label a population that ranges in age from 50 years old to over 100, she added.
“It seems like nobody likes to be called a senior,” she said.
But through listening to members and reaching out to the 50-plus demographic, she said the city can do a lot to encourage participation and increase social engagement among older adults.
“We don’t program in isolation,” said Morrison-Clark. “It isn’t a cafeteria approach… we really do listen to what people want and reach out.”
Access is another issue addressed in the city’s draft seniors services strategy. The report to council stated that lack of reliable transportation for seniors who do not drive or have mobility issues can make using the facilities difficult.
Morrison-Clark said that as part of the strategy, staff would look at the need for some kind of shuttle service or transportation that would improve access to services for seniors.
She added that a dedicated bus system has operated in Delta, where her mother lives, with some success.
“She has been able to volunteer because she can get there,” Morrison-Clark said. “It gives her that extra independence.”
Other possibilities, such as carpooling, which was suggested by council, could also improve accessibility, she added.
Staff is currently looking for feedback on its draft seniors strategy and will be presenting it to the council advisory committees and the pavilion advisory boards in the coming weeks. Morrison-Clark said the city is incorporating new census data into the report before it goes to council later this year for final approval.
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