We see and hear everywhere that we are more connected to our iPhones or iPads...our technology! Our youth can just be in front of their computers for hours. We have busy lives and do not reach out to family and friends like we used to. Society is creating isolation issues especially with our seniors.
Connecting Communities is about us reaching out to others. Talking and visiting with neighbours, friends and connecting with our youth and seniors.
Connecting with our natural environment to appreciate what we have. When you see a lonely senior walking on the street say “Hi”. We all need to connect with our greater community ... more.
I watched and learned how the loss of your spouse and friend of over 56 years can make you withdraw and not take care of yourself. My father went through this when my mother passed away 1.5 years ago. My father would chastise me before the death and say call us or visit us, they leave in Central Saanich. My sister called them every day. My calls and visits were sporadic and I would say you call me. My father would say ”You are busy we don’t want to bother you.”.
Today, every day, my Dad calls me at 8 am. We joke about things, he keeps me updated on his monitoring of blood pressure and sugar counts. I try to visit once a week .. sometimes if I get a cold, no visit. He goes to the pool and hot tub at Commonwealth Place four times a week. He has met some friends.
Connecting Communities is a theme I would like to address in Saanich. Having round table discussions with seniors, youth, business people or environmental groups. I believe these discussions can lead to a better understanding what’s happening on the ground.
I also want to establish a youth mentoring program. A couple of students have come to me asking about doing this. They would like to mentor with me, as a local Municipal politician, to see what the job entails. They want to create more awareness at school around Municipal election and being an elected Councillor. Plus they would like to become a Municipal Councillor or Mayor. This is exciting as they recognize that Municipal government is the closest order of government to the people.
I also want to monitor a pilot project Saanich will be launching at the end of October called NEAT (Neighbours Engaging in Activities Together) which is to reach out to isolated seniors. I am co-chair with the Public Health Agency of Canada of the Age-Friendly Communities Reference Group. Senior social isolation is an emerging issue across Canada and any program that might work here might work elsewhere.
Remember, Connecting Communities is about community building.