Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence. Although the risk factors increase with age, falls are not an inevitable part of aging.
Find resources and learn how to prevent falls as you age on the Falls Prevention for Seniors web page.
By learning how to take your medications safely, you can make sure they work properly and avoid negative interactions.
Health Canada is responsible for ensuring access to safe and effective drugs and health products.
Flu vaccines are provided at a wide variety of locations across the province, including public health clinics, physician’s offices and pharmacies. Find up to date information on available flu clinics.
Lifeline provides you and your loved ones with the reassurance that help is only a push of a button away. There is a cost for activation and monitoring. Learn more about this personal emergency response service.
The BC Elders' Guide acknowledges and respects the traditional ways of Elders, and the immense cultural value they provide.
The BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association offers services for people experiencing depression or other mental health conditions. For information on local branches and programs, please visit the CMHA BC website.
In South Island, Island Community Mental Health offers a variety of programs and opportunities for adults and seniors experiencing a mental illness designed to promote recovery and well-being.
Find Island Health's Mental Health and Substance Use services.
Are you looking for community programs in your area? A list of recreation and community centres provides resources that support independence and active living.
Getting around in your community is important for maintaining your independence.
The following resources are available to help seniors stay mobile in the community.
Safe driving is important for everyone. But as we age, experience can’t always make up for the physical changes age brings. Visit the BCAA Older Drivers web page for more information.
Find accessible transit services for yourself, caregivers and family members.
Learn more about fares, bus schedules, maps and accessible BC Transit services in your area.
The Taxi Saver Program provides a 50% subsidy towards the cost of taxi rides. A handyPASS is required to use this program.
Parking permits are for persons with disabilities who are unable to walk more than 100 metres safely. You need to send in an application form and pay a processing fee.
BC Self-Management programs are for individuals living with a chronic condition and their families. The learning happens in a group format, by trained peer leaders, for six weeks, and are provided for free in communities throughout BC. Participants learn strategies to better manage living with a chronic condition and live a healthy life.
The Patient Voices Network is a community of BC patients, families, caregivers and others who wish to use their experiences to positively influence the healthcare system – provide resources, webinars, links and more.
The HealthLink BC website offers medically-approved information on health topics, symptoms, medications, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You may also call 8-1-1 from anywhere in British Columbia to speak with a nurse any time of the day or night. On weekdays, you can speak to a dietitian and at night they have pharmacists available to answer your medication questions.
The Yakimovich Wellness Centre offers a variety of health education programs open to adults who want to learn about their health and find community resources focusing on healthy aging.
The Alzheimer Society of BC website lists programs, services, and events listed in your area.
The Arthritis Society provides ambulatory services and programs, inpatient rehabilitation services and educational resources.
The BC Lung Association website provides information on lung diseases, smoking cessation programs, air quality, and various other education and support groups.
The Canadian Diabetes Association helps people with diabetes live healthy lives while working to find a cure. The Victoria Medical Supply Store offers supplies needed to manage living well with diabetes.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation website has a menu of options from health information, funded research, news and health e-tools (which will help you conduct a self-assessment of your risk factors).
The BC Cancer Agency provides health information and lists resources for patients and the public.
The Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson's Centre is a vibrant and welcoming non-profit society whose purpose is to strengthen the abilities of their clients, families and communities to manage their physical, psychological and social effects of Parkinson's and epilepsy.
The Seniors' Health Promotion Directorate provides information about government programs and services for older adults. Find information on health care, finances, benefits, housing, transportation and more.
The BC Housing website lists housing options available to seniors, community connections, eligibility and how to apply.
COSCO provides free health promotion workshops, resources, events and contact information.
CNIB advocates for blind or partially sighted Canadians, provides personalized rehabilitation support, and works with communities to create a barrier-free society.
The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre offers counseling and support services to people dealing with a hearing loss.
Resources that connect seniors with recreation centres, seniors centres and community associations across the Island Health region.
Select a region below to find available services.
Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA)
1-800-549-9799
ALCOA strives to promote a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.
Physical Activity Line
778-835-3195
British Columbia's primary physical activity counseling service and your resource for practical and trusted physical activity and healthy living information.
Includes Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Denman and Hornby Islands, Campbell River, Quadra and Cortes Islands, Gold River, Tahsis and Sayward.
Comox Community Centre
250-339-2255
Comox Valley Senior Peer Counseling - Seniors Supporting Seniors
250-871-5940
Includes Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose, Bowser, Coombs and Errington, Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino.
Parksville Seniors' Activity and Drop-In Centre
250-586-5999
Qualicum Beach Seniors Activity Center Association
250-752-0420
Ucluelet/Tofino Westcoast Community Resource Society
250-726-2343
Drop-in hours or by appointment in Ucluelet or Tofino, surrounding communities by appointment.
Includes Nanaimo, Lantzville, Gabriola Island and Cedar.
Includes Duncan, North Cowichan, Mill Bay, Chemainus, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, and Thetis and Kuper Islands.
Cowichan Valley Seniors Organization
250-746-4433
Crofton Seniors Centre
250-246-2455
Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre Society
250-246-2111
Includes the Saanich Peninsula, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Greater Victoria, and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Greater Victoria Recreation Centres
Recreation centres have programs across the age spectrum and some subsidized programs. Learn more about the LIFE (Leisure Involvement for Everyone) program.
Saltspring Community Services
250-537-9971
Seniors Serving Seniors
250-413-3211
Silver Threads
Saanich: 250-382-3151
Victoria: 250-388-4268
Offers a variety of social, fitness and support programs for Seniors at their Victoria and Saanich locations.
