Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: ESPC Announcements

  • fACT Sheet: The True Impact of Immigration on Housing and Employment

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    Introduction 

    In the past few months, more and more attention has been given to immigration and its purported effects on local economies. In September of 2022, 5% of Canadians rated immigration as one of the top 3 issues facing Canada, in September of 2024, 21% did, a four-fold increase (Angus Reid Institute, 2024a). As this issue has gained more prominence in the public eye, misinformation has flourished, with immigrants being blamed for many social and economic issues. The purpose of this fACT sheet is to dispel a lot of the misinformation surrounding immigration to Canada and its effects on jobs, employment, and housing.

    Immigrants are an essential part of Edmonton’s fabric. According to the 2021 Census of Canada, almost one-third (32.6%) of people living in the city of Edmonton were immigrants (Statistics Canada, 2023a). Aside from Indigenous Peoples, everyone living in Canada is a descendant of immigrants. Conversations surrounding immigration often boil down to an “us” versus “them” mentality – “they” are coming into “our” country and destroying “our” labour and housing markets. We need to recognize that immigrants are not outsiders, but part of what makes our communities vibrant. As this fACT sheet will illustrate, many of these issues are really the fault of government policy and systemic inequities.

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  • Blog post: International Literacy Day (ILD) 2024

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    Written by Abhinav Sharma, ESPC Volunteer

    On September 8th we celebrate International Literacy Day. Literacy is a vital tool for personal and societal empowerment, so on this day, it is important that we reflect on the evolving nature of literacy in today’s rapidly changing world. The practical uses of literacy in an increasingly digitized and networked society, as well as the crucial role that research has played in forming our knowledge of literacy is notable. This year’s ILD theme -“Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” is highlighted as it emphasizes the ways in which multilingual education may help to create more inclusive and thriving communities around the world by fostering respect for one another and bridging cultural gaps (UNESCO,2024).

    The role of research in shaping our understanding of literacy

    Research significantly influences our practical understanding of literacy by providing evidence-based insights that help assess effectiveness of literacy skills in real-world contexts. A simplistic definition would state to be literate as ‘the ability to read and write’ (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). However, this definition seems very shallow as contemporary research has broadened this understanding. It now includes a variety of competencies essential for functioning effectively in today’s society, such as digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy and cultural literacy (Beecher, 2023).

     Real-world applications of expanded literacy definitions

    In today’s society it is also important to look at expanded literary definitions that apply to a range of scenarios. Research has shown that literacy involves more than finding meaning to text. Modern challenges expect a literate person to possess and intentionally apply a wide range of skills and competencies (Beecher, 2023). This includes but is not limited to, comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate across various platforms. For instance, studies on digital literacy have demonstrated that students must be proficient in navigating online information, evaluating sources, and creating digital content (Beecher, 2023). Similarly, health literacy can help us prevent health problems, and managing health problems when they arise (C.D.C., 2023)

    Research also demonstrates how literacy is understood in the workplace environment. Employers seek employees who can understand technical documents, communicate effectively in professional settings, and build collaborative relationships. Research has also highlighted the role of cultural and contextual factors in literacy practices. Community literacy programs often incorporate local languages, oral traditions and have been successful in improving literacy rates among Indigenous and minority populations, as a noteworthy example (Beecher, 2023).

    Lastly, research also points to the importance of literacy in understanding financial matters. Lacking financial literacy can lead to difficulty in accessing the financial resources needed to meet one’s basic life needs (Government of Canada, 2023).

    Currently, about one in three Edmontonians struggle with reading and writing and report challenges in filling out application forms or using math (Edmonton Journal, n.d.). This is a concerning figure as the role of literacy as a medium to access social services or to give back to society cannot be overemphasized. Vulnerable individuals and community members may continue to fall through the cracks if they do not know how to read a prescription, how to take the transit system, how to be more financially aware or how to develop skills to adapt to workplace requirements (Edmonton Journal, n.d.). It is imperative that research continues to assess the evolving meaning of literacy in our dynamic societies.

     Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace

    “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” the subject of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s) International Literacy Day 2024, offers a pertinent and contemporary focus, especially in a world where linguistic diversity is both a resource and a challenge (UNESCO,2024). Being multilingual gives you access to a wider range of cultures, viewpoints, and ways of thinking. Multilingualism plays a pivotal role in easing global mobility, particularly for individuals seeking opportunities beyond their birth countries. As economic disparities and limited career prospects push people to migrate for better lives, proficiency in multiple languages becomes a key asset. It allows individuals to navigate new cultural landscapes, access job markets, and integrate more seamlessly into foreign societies. By empowering individuals to engage with diverse communities, multilingualism contributes to building a world where people can thrive together, irrespective of their origins, bringing us closer to the vision of a truly inclusive global society.

    As we celebrate International Literacy Day this year it is the hope that this post will stimulate greater thinking and address some of the challenges that lie in the path of multilingualism (Smith, 2024). These include overcoming cultural biases, rehauling education curriculums and investing in staff training to manage wide-ranging literacy needs. Additionally, we must give thought to millions of people living in vulnerable communities across the world who face various challenges and may also struggle reaching basic literacy proficiency (UNESCO,2024).

     

     References

    1. UNESCO. (n.d.). International Literacy Day. UNESCO.org. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/literacy

    2. Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Literate definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literate#h1

    3. Beecher, C. (2023, July 19). Chapter 1. what is literacy? Multiple Perspectives on Literacy. Methods of Teaching Early Literacy. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/teachingearlyliteracy/chapter/what-is-literacy-multiple-perspectives-on-literacy/

    4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 19). Understanding health literacy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/understanding.html

    5. Canada, F. C. A. of. (2023, November 22). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/review-financial-literacy-research.html

    6. Edmonton Journal. (n.d.). Pals has been changing lives through literacy since 1979 | Edmonton Journal. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/health/pals-has-been-changing-lives-through-literacy-since-1979

    7. Smith, K. (2024, September 3). International Literacy Day 2024: Why Multilingual Education Matters. YWCA Northwestern Illinois. https://www.ywcanwil.org/international-literacy-day-2024-why-multilingual-education-matters/

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    1. Media Release: Poverty in Edmonton a persistent challenge to living a dignified life for too many according to new Edmonton Social Planning Council report

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      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

      September 6, 2024.

      EDMONTON – A new report from Edmonton Social Planning Council, A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton, shows that poverty remains a persistent social problem that continues to be a barrier to living a dignified life for too many Edmontonians. 

      While extreme poverty, such as persons experiencing homelessness, gets a lot of attention, this report also seeks to shed light on others also feeling the pressures that poverty brings. This includes the “working poor,” those at risk of slipping into poverty, and those experiencing certain indicators of poverty while still technically living above the poverty line. 

      “All Edmontonians deserve to live a dignified life meeting their basic needs and participating in our communities,” says Sydney Sheloff, Strategic Research Coordinator with the Edmonton Social Planning Council and the primary author of the report. “However, the rising cost of living, proliferation of low paying and unstable jobs, and limited government support constrains people’s choices and ability to get ahead. A robust course correction is needed from all levels of government to renew our efforts in tackle this crisis that poverty has on our communities.” 

      A Profile of Poverty in Edmonton seeks to paint a picture of what a dignified life in Edmonton looks like and what is needed to live this life. Data on various indicators such as housing, food security, recreation, mental health, employment, income levels, and others are offered throughout the report. The numbers are brought to life through a variety of “scenarios,” showing hypothetical people going through very real struggles and the tough choices they need to make in order to make ends meet and live a dignified life. 

      The report offers recommendations on what governments can do to curb the rising cost of living, achieve meaningful employment, increase access to education, childcare, and others. 

      Read the full report on our website.

      Media Contact:  

      Sydney Sheloff, Strategic Research Coordinator
      Edmonton Social Planning Council
      Sydneys@edmontonsocialplanning.ca  

       

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    2. A profile of poverty in Edmonton: September 2024

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      Introduction

      This report presents a snapshot of what poverty looks like in Edmonton in 2024. When thinking about poverty, our minds tend to jump to the most extreme cases – such as those experiencing homelessness. This report aims to shed light on those living in the “middle” – the working poor, those on the cusp of poverty, and those experiencing certain indicators of poverty while still living above the poverty line. Too often, these populations are ignored, and as such their situation remains hidden and largely unaddressed.

      A rising cost of living; proliferation of low paying, unstable jobs; limited government support; and lack of access to quality education and childcare constrain people’s choices and create the conditions that trap people in poverty. Today, too many Edmontonians struggle to meet their basic needs and are forced to make tough decisions to get by each month. In this social and economic environment, it is increasingly difficult to access the things one needs to “get ahead.” Poverty is more than a simple lack of material resources, living in poverty limits one’s ability to participate in their community and live a dignified life.

      The neighbour who works full-time yet still pays over 30% of their income on rent, the friend who wants to go back to school to get a better job but does not have the time or the money, or the sibling who stays home because they cannot access childcare may not be the first people to jump into one’s mind when picturing “poverty,” but they are nonetheless deeply impacted by it. This report aims to unpack some of the nuances surrounding poverty in Edmonton and illustrate how poverty impacts people’s lives in complicated and interconnected ways.

      This project seeks to answer the following questions:

      1. What does a dignified life look like in Edmonton? We aim to identify the things that give our lives meaning and are integral to well-being. This includes relationships and belonging, mental health, and sense of meaning.
      2. What does it cost to have this life? This section will dive into cost of living indicators including housing, energy, healthy and culturally relevant food, transportation, health, recreation, clothing, and personal care.
      3. What is needed to afford this life? This section will investigate indicators such as employment rates, quality of employment, incomes, and government supports, and whether or not these are sufficient to cover one’s basic needs.
      4. What supports this life? This section investigates the larger systems that can enhance or impede the ability to get a good job, afford one’s needs, and live a dignified life. This includes access to education and childcare.

      Throughout this report, the answers to these questions will be illustrated through “scenarios” we have created to bring these numbers to life. The people and families highlighted may be made up, but they represent the real struggles Edmonton families are going through.

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    3. Blog post: International Overdose Awareness Day – No one left behind

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

      Written by Ugoeze Uchegbu-Okoroh, ESPC Volunteer

      Often, there is a disconnect in how we perceive cases of overdose making it seem like a “them” problem and never a “me” problem. What we fail to realize is that we should approach this subject with humility because it indeed concerns us either as affected individuals, close allies, or as members of the society. Consider this hypothetical situation: X, a loving father suffers a workplace injury. The pain is so agonizing that it requires treatment with opioids. X finds himself taking more than he expected to manage the pain. The rest of the story is unfortunately a common reality for so many people. X becomes reliant on opioids to manage the pain, and once he is recovered, he struggles to stop taking them as now his body has become addicted. The psychological impact on a friend or family member whose loved one is struggling with addiction is devastating. Such situations are not occasions to cast blame, guilt, or even wallow in shame, but acknowledging that we cannot always anticipate all the possible ways an addiction can form is the first step. Once someone develops an addiction to opioids, their risk of overdose increases. Overdoses are not only limited to those with addictions, sometimes they happen in regular procedures.

      On May 10, 2022, Maria Querales underwent a dental procedure in Texas. She was left with severe brain damage after the anesthesiologist administered too much Fentanyl (Farberov, S. 2021). No one is immune to the risk of overdose. It is not an accurate judge of morality or character; there is a story behind every case. Even the best of us can be affected by an intended or unforeseen overdose. At this point, how a person got there is inconsequential, but rather, recognizing the need for an intervention is what is required to save a life. Importantly, shifting from a mindset of reactiveness to proactiveness could help in curbing overdose incidents.

      International Overdose Awareness Day is commemorated yearly on August 31st. It is the largest campaign to end overdose, raise awareness, and acknowledge the grief of families of people who have died or suffered permanent injury as a result. In reality, this is a daily struggle. In 2023, there was an average of 22 deaths per day in Canada, with the majority of opioid-related deaths occurring in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario (Government of Canada, 2023). During this same year, the rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 persons in Alberta reached the highest number since 2016 at 44.1%. This does not include unknown deaths or causes of deaths still being determined (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, 2024). Overdose could occur from non-pharmaceutical opioids such as heroin. Other causes include alcohol, sedatives, or even a combination of both. While overdose can be fatal or non-fatal, one thing is sure – it destroys lives.

      The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction has direct supervision over the overdose crisis in Alberta. To support its Alberta Recovery Model, they recently built a world class recovery centre and opened its doors to persons seeking recovery. This is in addition to providing narcotic transition services, and maintaining a 24-hr addiction helpline, amongst others. One cannot underestimate the role of laws and government policies in the prevention and management of the overdose crisis. In Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection in the following instances for people who experience or witness overdose and call for help:

      •  where there are charges for possession of a controlled substance (i.e. drugs)
      • breaches of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances (i.e. drugs)

      In most cases, this Act applies to anyone that has to seek emergency support during an overdose crisis including the person experiencing the overdose, with the rationale behind it to always prioritize saving lives. In Alberta, while the Alberta Recovery Model which provides long-term treatment to Albertans struggling with addiction, focuses on holistic recovery ensuring smooth reintegration into the society is laudable, there is still need for policy revision. Formerly, effective in controlling overdose was the use of supervised consumption sites which are controlled sites approved by federal and provincial governments, where individuals can practice safe drug use, access clean supplies to limit the spread of infectious diseases, get in touch with addiction and recovery services, and engage with trained staff.  This policy albeit successful, was limited by the Alberta-led UCP Government, thus, reducing the capacity, locations and services of the supervised consumption site. Following the freeze on funding of supervised consumption sites in 2019, the government released a report on the socio-economic impacts of these sites on communities in Alberta citing public safety issues, social disorder, increased crime rate amongst others. Interestingly, this report also stated that no deaths were recorded among people who used drugs at the supervised consumption sites (Government of Alberta, 2020). Dr James D. Livingston criticized this report, noting the reliance on inadequate assessment of public perception of crime, lack of peer review research evidence linking supervised consumption sites to the increased rate of crime, as well as the reliance on police service call data which was misrepresented as crime data and did not take into consideration that service calls included unfounded allegations, uninvestigated incidents, and non-criminal matters (Livingston, 2021). Apart from these, the existing safe consumption sites only include safe spaces for those who inject, and not for those who inhale. It has been suggested that the addition of inhalation sites will drastically reduce the cases of overdose, especially in those that have the fear of needles (Bellefontaine, M. 2024).

      The grief, struggles, and pains of family members, friends and allies is a core component of this discussion. While a solid support system is vital in combatting overdose crisis, caregivers are encouraged to lean to support groups and therapy to give them the strength they need to be there for their loved ones. The stigma and shame surrounding drug and substance abuse makes it difficult for individuals to acknowledge their challenges and seek help. Family members and loved ones of people who have died are affected too, as they are indirectly shamed into mourning in silence for fear of being judged. Another major factor to consider is the role of the media. Where news about abuse, overdose or addiction is reported to perpetuate stereotypes, uphold a culture of shame, or apportion guilt, this could deter people from seeking help. Additionally, we must exercise caution to keep issues of overdose and crime distinct. While both may occasionally intersect, it is important to maintain that overdose is a public health crisis and not a crime.

      The need to create and sustain awareness is an ongoing duty. The goal is to prevent it from happening to the next person. It is important to continue to reiterate that the problem is the addiction and not the individual. Remember that it is almost impossible for a person to overcome addiction on their own or prevent overdosing, but we can all help. This is a collective call for “no one to be left behind” because every life matters and every moment counts. If you or anyone is seeking help, you can call the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322. In addition, here are two helpful resources for you:

      How to reduce risk and prevent opioid overdose:

      https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/dsa/Page12491.aspx

      Get Naloxone:

      https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/dsa/Page15586.aspx

       

      References 

      1. Farberov, S. (2021, January). Dental patient left brain-damaged after anesthesiologist allegedly suffering ‘cognitive issues’ overdosed her on fentanyl: lawsuit

      https://nypost.com/2024/01/16/news/dental-patient-left-brain-damaged-after-fentanyl-overdose/

      2. Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada.

      https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/

      3. Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System (Updated August 2024).

      https://healthanalytics.alberta.ca/SASVisualAnalytics/?reportUri=%2Freports%2Freports%2F1bbb695d-14b1-4346-b66e-d401a40f53e6&sectionIndex=0&sso_guest=true&reportViewOnly=true&reportContextBar=false&sas-welcome=false

      4. Impacts: A socio-economic review of supervised consumption sites in Alberta.

      https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/dfd35cf7-9955-4d6b-a9c6-60d353ea87c3/resource/11815009-5243-4fe4-8884-11ffa1123631/download/health-socio-economic-review-supervised-consumption-sites.pdf

      5. Livingston, J. D. (2021). Supervised consumption sites and crime: Scrutinizing the methodological weaknesses and aberrant results of a government report in Alberta, Canada.Harm Reduction Journal18(1)

      https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-020-00456-2

      6. Bellefontaine, M. (2024, June). Inhalation rooms in safe consumption sites could save lives, Alberta advocates say. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/inhalation-rooms-in-alberta-supervised-consumption-sites-could-save-lives-advocates-say-1.7231769

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      1. Blog post: World Seniors Citizens Day

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        Written by Susanne Urbina, ESPC Capacity Support Assistant

        A village without the elderly is like a well without water. — African proverb (Moorhouse, 2020)

        Our societies have been enriched by a group of people who, since 1991, have been recognized every August 21st on World Seniors Citizens Day. This day was originally founded in 1988 by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who proclaimed “senior citizens’ have achieved a lot throughout their lives, and we owe our gratitude” (International Days, 2023, para. 1, 2).

        While in most societies, our seniors are appreciated for their achievements and contributions, there are some cultures where elders are most revered. In Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, wisdom and experience are highly valued. Asian countries believe that the aging population have a great deal to offer and deserve respect (Moorhouse, 2020). An elderly rights law in China, mandates that they visit their aging parents often, otherwise they face potential punishment that ranges from fines to jail time (Martinez-Carter, 2015). Values influenced by Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, puts a principle upon the eldest son to be the caretaker for his aging parents, often by living with them. “Research conducted in 2001 across mainland Japan shows that more than half the population of Japanese people over the age of 60 lived with their children — a figure three to 10 times greater than what was found in Western countries” (Moorhouse, 2020).

        France adopted an order in 2004, like the Elderly Rights Law, that young people need to visit their aging parents (Martinez-Carter, 2015).

        Dan Buettner is the author of the Blue Zones Solution which explores the lifestyles of the world’s longest-living populations, and in a 2009 TED Talk called “How to Live to 100+”, he said “…the older you get, the more [social] equity you have. The more wisdom you’re celebrated for,”. He also shares “The Grandmother Effect” which promotes ageing parents, children and grandchildren to live under one roof, maintaining that they have lower rates of mortality and rates of disease. This model is seen across many Mediterranean and Latin countries and is mutually beneficial for these multiple generations living together. This is because in this scenario, adult children can go to work knowing that the care of their children is provided by the grandparents. There is so much value in the continued sense of connection and purposefulness a senior citizen would feel with this responsibility (Moorhouse, 2020).

        In African countries, Australia and other Indigenous cultures around the world, Elders hold a great deal of power. They may be served first at mealtimes, or act as judges in the community, but are always considered the knowledge-keepers, who have the distinction to pass culture down to the younger generations (Moorhouse, 2020).

        “Elders are a very special group in society,” says the scientist, David Suzuki. “We’ve got something no other group in society has. We have lived an entire life. We have made mistakes. We have celebrated successes. Suffered under failures. We’ve learned a hell of a lot in a lifetime. Now we’ve got something to troll through and look for those nuggets of information to pass on to the coming generation” (Moorhouse, 2020).

        In the non-traditional cultures of the West, young adults are more valued than older adults. The long-established Protestant work ethic compares youth with their ability to work to the elderly’s ability which diminishes in old age (Weintrob 2022). Our geriatric population is therefore separated from the acquaintances cultivated through their work-life creating a void for connection. As one’s health deteriorates, they are often placed into retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, to be cared for by strangers. This situation further separates them from family and lifelong friends, severing even more integral relationships (Martinez-Carter, 2015).

        The global trend in our aging population predicts a huge increase in the older adult population with a projection of people aged 65 years or older worldwide to be 1.6 billion in 2050, up from the 761 million in 2021, driven mainly by people taking better care of their health and living longer (United Nations, n.d., para. 1, 3).

        When an aging society is judged by its abilities instead of the contributions they’ve made and their vast knowledge, we risk isolating them, robbing them of the respect they deserve. “We should embrace an older generation, build on their strengths, and continue to develop our world to be more understanding and inclusive” (Weintrob, 2022).

         

        References

        International Days. (2023). World Senior Citizens Day. https://www.internationaldays.co/event?recordId=rec7sSffl92o3b7Hw

        Pam Moorhouse. (February 23, 2020). “The Cultures where Elders are Revered”. Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cultures-where-elders-revered-pam-moorhouse/

        Karina Martinez-Carter. (2015). “How the elderly are treated around the world”. The Week.   https://theweek.com/articles/462230/how-elderly-are-treated-around-world

        United Nations. (n.d.). “World Social Report 2023: Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World”. https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/01/WSR_2023_Chapter_Key_Messages.pdf

        Grace Weintrob. (January 28, 2022). “Aging around the world”. Colorado State University. https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/01/28/aging-around-the-world/#:~:text=Western%20cultures%20have%20traditionally%20been,pedestal%20of%20wisdom%20and%20respect

         

         

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