By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
This year’s National Day for the Elderly, observed on Oct. 1, coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons. It is a day to raise awareness about the contributions of the elderly to society and the challenges they face. Provincially, organizations such as Intergénérations Québec and the Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées (AQDR) used the day to call for action and policy changes. Locally, Lennoxville and District Community Aid (LDCA) plays a pivotal role in supporting seniors, offering a range of services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents.
A snapshot of local elderly needs
Leigh Hortop, a representative from LDCA, spoke candidly about the many challenges and opportunities that seniors in the region face. “It’s a very big topic,” she said when asked about the well-being of seniors in Lennoxville. “You could think about the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.” Hortop’s insights into these categories reflect the comprehensive approach taken by LDCA in addressing the well-being of seniors in the community.
One of the most pressing issues for elderly residents, according to Hortop, is the need to meet basic physical needs, such as food security. Many seniors in the area struggle with mobility and a loss of autonomy, making it difficult to manage daily tasks like grocery shopping or attending medical appointments. “Access to food is a big one,” Hortop noted, explaining that LDCA offers services like Meals on Wheels and rides to the grocery store to ensure that seniors are able to access essential items.
Medical needs also present a significant challenge for seniors. As individuals age, they often encounter more frequent and complex health issues. LDCA offers transport services to medical appointments and even provides volunteers to accompany seniors, helping them navigate hospital environments. “We accompany them, wait with them, and help navigate the hospital,” Hortop explained, emphasizing the importance of ensuring medical needs are addressed.
