Welcome to the Spring Edition of Community Matters.

The goal of Community Matters is to keep our community informed about the issues that impact those who live here. This publication provides readers with the knowledge to connect the dots between social issues, research, and policy. We feature contributions from local agencies, ESPC staff, and volunteer writers or professionals who lend their expertise and voices to inform our readers.

Each edition highlights a specific social issue or topic, exploring its intersectional nature and its impact on equality. Articles are written by individuals with specialized knowledge, research skills, or lived experience, using evidence to provide clear insights into the issues affecting individuals and families.

For our March 2025 issue, we are focusing on the various aspects of aging, particularly the experiences of seniors and older adults. Topics include aging in an Indigenous context, seniors’ income benefits, mental health care for seniors, transit accessibility, elder abuse, intergenerational connection and learning, long-term care alternatives, and issues in continuing care. While we define seniors as individuals aged 65 and older, the information shared here is also relevant to older adults, family members, and anyone interested in issues and information related to aging and our senior community members.

The articles in this issue reflect the expertise of our organization’s staff, as well as contributions from other organizations and volunteers who have generously dedicated their time and knowledge to research and communicate these important topics. Our goal is for you, the reader, to walk away with a clearer understanding of the issues at hand and the steps you can take toward becoming more informed.

We hope this edition provides valuable insights and contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding seniors and aging in our community.

Janell Uden,
Research Services and Capacity Building Coordinator
Edmonton Social Planning Council