Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about an issue that affects everyone, either now or later. That is about aging in place, how our community responds to our seniors and elders with the passage of time. Aging in place is a concept that has a broad meaning. There is a tendency to think that it simply means putting in handrails or stair lifts or an alarm system, doing some home renovations so it is a little easier for seniors to get around. That way, they can stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older and their needs change.
Modification and modernization of the home is certainly an important part of aging in place. Ramps, lifts, handrails are important renovations to help seniors live more safely and comfortably. But the concept of aging in place is much broader than just renovations, Mr. Speaker. It doesn't only happen in the home; it happens throughout the community. It is about how we respond to the needs of seniors and elders on many different levels. It is how we make a place for them in the daily life of our family and community. It involves how we configure public transportation services and direct transportation resources. It involves enhancing and improving accessibility to public spaces and buildings. It involves public services and recognition of specific needs for elders. It involves creative entrepreneurship, creating business services and retail opportunities designed to suit the needs of seniors. It is about health, exercise and nutrition, and the services we put in place in support of these. It is about medical services and how we tailor our health system to elders' needs. It is about communications, family and social networks, finding or creating communities of common interest and activities. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, it is about safety and security for elders, providing resources to identify and avoid fraud and elder abuse.
We must honour our elders and seniors, Mr. Speaker. It is an important part of our identity. But to make a policy of aging in place a reality, we must evaluate and commit to some very concrete, practical solutions to some of the problems and challenges faced by our seniors in our communities. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
