  October CommemorationsInternational Day of Older PersonsOn the 14th of December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Across the world, life expectancy reached 73.5 years in 2025, an increase of 8.6 years since 1995. The number of persons aged 80 years or over is growing even faster and is projected to surpass the number of infants by the mid-2030s and reach 265 million. Currently, the number of people aged 60 years or over has more than doubled, from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. By 2080, persons aged 65 or older will outnumber children under 18. For more information visit the United Nations's page on International Day of Older Persons. National Seniors DayIn Canada October 1 is an occasion to celebrate older adults across the country—whether a parent, a co-worker, a neighbour or a friend. The Government of Canada is proud to acknowledge the contributions that older adults in Canada have made and continue to make to our families, communities and society. This year is particularly significant as Canada celebrates the 15th anniversary of National Seniors Day, concurrent with the 60th anniversary of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), essential to Canada's retirement income system that helps provide financial security to Canadians. For more information visit the Government of Canada's page on National Seniors Day.  Cyber Security Awareness MonthOctober is also Cyber Security Awareness Month. It is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to help the public learn more about the importance of cyber security. In Canada, the campaign helps people stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices. This year’s theme is Your best defence is you. What is Get Cyber Safe?Get Cyber Safe is a national public awareness campaign created to inform Canadians about cyber security. It provides the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online. In a world increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats can look more real than ever. Phishing emails and AI-generated scams can make it harder to know what is real and what is not. But staying safe online doesn't have to be complicated. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, the federal government is helping Canadians build simple cyber security habits that can make a big difference. These include checking suspicious messages, turning on multi-factor authentication and using strong passwords. Throughout October, explore practical steps that Canadians can start using right away to better protect their accounts, devices and personal information. For more information visit Get Cyber Safe.  For other resources, consult:
Seniors First BC delivers free presentations (in-person & via Zoom) about Fraud & Scams, which introduce what frauds and scams are, common methods and schemes targeting Canadian seniors, safety strategies, and resources to consult if you or someone you know has been affected by frauds/scams. Here are some of our tips:
Make a Will WeekOctober 4 to 10, 2026 is Make a Will Week in British Columbia. Its purpose is to encourage the public to write their will or bring an existing will up-to-date. Making a Will is Now Even EasierAs of December 1, 2021, electronic wills have the same recognition as physical wills. Wills can now be signed and stored electronically. All unaltered electronic copies of an electronic will are considered an “original” for the purpose of submitting to the court, so you can save copies on multiple devices and/or online locations to make it easier for your executor to locate an original. You can also print an electronic will and keep it with your other important physical documents. A printout of an electronic will is considered the same as a photocopy of a physical will and can only be used if none of your electronic wills can be found. All formats of an electronic will are accepted by the courts, but if you choose to make an electronic will, you are strongly encouraged to save your will in PDF format. Saving your will in PDF format will make the probate process as easy as possible for your executor. For more information visit the Government of British Columbia's website on Make a Will Week.  Our Upcoming Presentations & EventsEVENTSCome by the Seniors First BC Resource tables and say hello!  Wilson Seniors Health & Wellness Fair, Port CoquitlamDate/Time: Wednesday, October 1st. 11:15 am–3:15 pm Location: Mabbett Hall, Port Coquitlam Community Centre, 2150 Wilson Avenue, Port Coquitlam Celebrate National Seniors Day with us – come visit the Seniors First BC information table while you explore the fair. Engage with community health experts and wellness specialists. Complimentary coffee, giveaways, interactive exhibits, and a chance to win exciting door prizes. This event is Free – No registration is required. For more info: info@wilsonseniors.ca  MOSAIC Multicultural Seniors' Day, New WestminsterDate/Time: Friday, October 2nd. 10:00 am–3:00 pm (Doors open at 9:15 am) Location: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster
"Keep Going, Keep Growing" – celebrating Seniors Day as well as MOSAIC's 50th Anniversary! Come visit the Seniors First BC information table while you enjoy this day of cultural diversity, friendship, well-being, and the many talents of seniors in the community. This event is FREE. For more information, call: (604) 671-7281 or email: seniors@mosaicbc.org  Thrive After 55 – Health and Wellness Expo, VancouverDate/Time: Wednesday, October 14th. 10:00 am–1:00 pm Location: Killarney Community Centre Gymnasium, 6260 Killarney St, Vancouver Discover helpful resources and connect with local organizations dedicated to support seniors in living active, healthy, and safe lives. Explore booths featuring wellness services, safety information, and programs designed to help you thrive after 55. This event is FREE PRESENTATIONSThe Importance of Staying Connected, South Granville Seniors Centre Date/Time: Tuesday, October 6th. 1:00 pm–2:15 pm Location: South Granville Seniors Centre, 1420 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
As part of South Granville Seniors Centre's focus on Mental Health Awareness, we are presenting on the topic "The Importance of Staying Connected: Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness". This interactive presentation introduces the importance of staying connected. It discusses issues of social isolation and loneliness including risk factors, the correlation between social isolation and decreased well-being, and how we can do our part to stay connected with loved ones in our lives. For more information, call: 604-732-0812  Elder Abuse Awareness Forum, hosted by the City of Surrey in partnership with Brella Community ServicesDate/Time: October 17th. 9:00 am–1:15 pm Location: Newton Seniors Centre (13775 70 Ave, Surrey, BC)
The forum offers an occasion to share knowledge, nurture social connections, and build awareness with educational information on elder abuse. There will be presentations on frauds and scams, understanding elder abuse, and financial abuse, a resources and information booth, and a celebration of the Faces of Surrey Seniors campaign, highlighting the contributions of seniors across Surrey. Come by the Seniors First BC resource table and say hello.
The forum is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration #00542195 Register by phone at 604-501-5100; online or in person at any Surrey Rec Centre. Advance Planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements and more), Cambie Community CentreDate/Time: Monday, October 19th. 1:00 pm–2:30 pm Location: Cambie Community Centre , 12800 Cambie Road, Richmond
Advance Planning can help ensure your wishes will be respected if you become incapable, and when you pass away. This presentation discusses Wills, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements and other advance planning tools, potential misuse of these tools and resources for further assistance.
Registration is required: Course ID 00534484
 Government Benefits for Older Adults, Sunset Community Centre, Seniors loungeDate/Time: Wednesday, October 21st. 1:00 pm–2:15 pm Location: Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main Street, Vancouver
This interactive presentation introduces the importance of staying connected. We discuss the issues of social isolation and loneliness including risk factors, the correlation between social isolation and impacts on our health and well-being, and suggestions for self-care and staying connected.
Registration is required. Register ID #638427 – Online or call: 604.718.6505 ex 1 2026 United Way Healthy Aging SummitDate/Time: October 26th–28th, various times Location: 7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
This year’s Summit theme, Rooted in Community: Growing the Future of Healthy Aging, invites guests to redefine aging. Seniors First BC will be hosting a resource table at the summit and Marie-Noel Campbell, Seniors First BC’s Executive Director and Staff Lawyer will participate as speaker in the session Aging in Place Starts with Housing: Building Community Solutions to Senior Homelessness, on Oct. 27th, 3:15 pm–4:30 pm.
To register and for more information visit their website. SPECIAL WORKSHOP SERIES Navigating Transitions: Healthy Aging, Wellness and Emotional Well-Being, North Shore Keep Well SocietyA special workshop series created by and for seniors to support healthy aging, independence, connection, and well-being. The free workshop series – will include light refreshments. Healthy Aging, Wellness and Emotional Well-Being Date/Time: Thursday, October1st. 12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Financial Awareness, Benefits & Income Supports Date/Time: Thursday, October 8th. 12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Protecting Your Wishes – Wills, Powers of Attorney & Advance Care Planning Date/Time: Thursday, October 15th. 12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Housing Options, Aging in Place and Care Pathways Date/Time: Thursday, October 22nd. 12:30 pm–2:30 pm For more information visit: North Shore Keep Well Society Please check the Seniors First BC’s website Events Listing page for updates on presentations and events. September RecapThe Future is Here ForumIn late September, Seniors First BC hosted a resource table at a special event, organized and hosted by the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society. The Future Is Here Forum, which took place at St.Clare of Assisi Church, in Coquitlam, was another amazing, inspiring in-person event, with great speakers and panelists present and a variety of exhibitors that focused their products and services on seniors. All in all a huge social event with friends and other seniors and senior caregivers in our community. Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, and support to older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being. Our services are delivered through our Seniors Abuse and Information Line, Victim Services, Elder Law Clinic, Advance Planning Clinics, Legal Advocacy Program, and Public Education and Outreach Program. Contact UsOur province-wide confidential Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe place for older adults and those who care about them to talk to a professional intake worker about issues that affect their well-being, receive information, or learn about our programs. Call 604-437-1940 or Toll-Free at 1-866-437-1940 weekdays 8am to 8pm. Language interpretation is available. For individuals who cannot call SAIL due to disability or accessibility reasons, email us at info@seniorsfirstbc.ca or use the contact form on our website. |
