The Editor,
I would like to congratulate the three MLAs that were elected to represent Richmond the Legislature on May 14.
It was disappointing that during the election the majority of the other candidates were so ill-informed on the issues facing the older adult population in Richmond.
We have a very unique community of elders in Richmond who are facing some significant challenges.
For instance, almost 60 per cent of them immigrated to Canada and a large portion of those speak little or no English, which in itself causes a huge barrier for them to get information and access programs and services they need as they age.
Compounding this is the fact that with today's technology, most information is web-based. For example, there are a couple of very good videos on YouTube explaining the DriveABLE testing process, but how many who are 80 or older, which is the demographic that is mainly being referred for this test, have computers let alone know how to use You Tube?
The last B.C. Liberal government has produced some very helpful resources publications in English, Chinese, Punjabi and some other languages for our older population on government services and programs, but the target population isn't getting connected to these.
It would be very helpful if the new Liberal government would work with the older adult population in the province to find better ways to connect the information with the intended users.
Providing seniors with information in a senior friendly way will help to keep them healthy and happy longer with less stress on health care dollars.
I hope that Linda Reid, John Yap and Teresa Wat will take issues like these impacting on our older adults to the Legislature in Victoria.
Louise Young Richmond
