ISSUES

Communications/Education

• More reaching out to the community is needed by Society;
• More contact with kids by Society and by seniors;
• Generation gap exists and is a problem;
• Abuse and seniors’ issues need to be a subject in the NWT schools curriculum;
• NWT population needs to be educated about seniors’ issues;
• Languages are being lost and communication with some seniors is a serious problem; and
• Literacy for seniors is an issue.

Health

• Lack of escorts is a problem;
• Tobacco addictions is still a problem for some seniors;
• Drug addictions is a problem for some seniors;
• Gambling is a problem for some seniors;
• Lack of quality and quantity of homecare is a problem for many seniors;
• Not enough research into the NWT problem of dementia; and
• Alzheimer's / Dementia Care need to be expanded in each region.

Safety

• Effects of crime against seniors is a problem;
• Abuse of older adults is still an issue;
• Youth’s drug addictions and problems with alcohol presents many problems for seniors;
• Family violence is an issue; and
• Feeling safe in their homes and communities is a constant concern for many NWT seniors.

Partnerships

• Government has to be more accountable for effectiveness of its senior’s programs and services; and
• Governments programs and services have to be more flexible and user friendly for seniors.

Resources

• Seniors have to become more proactive and supportive of individuals, and communities;
• Seniors can mentor youth;
• “All or nothing subsidies” must be rethought by government (people can be just under an income threshold and receive a $25,000 subsidy, while others can be $1 over the thresholds and receive nothing - this is not a fair system)”;
• Cost of living increases aren’t reflected in benefits for seniors; and
• Seniors on fixed incomes are falling behind as economic booms increase costs for everything but make it very difficult for those on fixed incomes like seniors who are not getting enough in the cost of living increases.

Housing

• Housing availability is a big problem for seniors; and
• There is inconsistency in the housing standards between communities for seniors.