Older adults in the valley will not want to miss out on the opportunity to meet B.C.'s new Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt,who will be at the Cowichan library branch in Duncan on Feb. 5 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Levitt, who has tirelessly championed the rights of seniors for 30 years at the provincial, national and international levels, works out of Victoria with his staff to assist seniors across the province.
"We are thrilled to be hosting Dan on Feb. 5 and offer an important learning opportunity for our growing aging population in the Cowichan Valley," said adult services librarian Dalia Levy. "This event is essential for building awareness of the many services and supports that Dan’s office provides and learn about issues most affecting seniors in the province. It’s also important for Dan to hear from local older adults and gain insights and learn about local issues and experiences."
Levitt became the new seniors advocate in March 2024. He will share information and answer questions around the topics of elder abuse prevention, scams, fraud, and resources, funding initiatives and affordable housing advocacy, long term care facility capacity improvements, as well as support for seniors on low incomes.
"This program is about the library being an open space for connection and learning during a difficult time for many seniors struggling with cost of living," said Levy. "Your library is here to help however we can whether it’s providing free wireless access 24/7 or offering highly relevant presentations, our mission is to provide empowering barrier-free access that lifts our communities up."
Levitt is inspired by the aging of his grandparents and great-grandparents, and is now supporting his parents, who are living life to the fullest in their mid-80s. Prior to his appointment as B.C.’s Seniors Advocate, Levitt held leadership positions in both senior-living and long-term care homes for more than 10 years in the Lower Mainland where he helped shape a dementia-friendly future for seniors and their loved ones. A few other highlights of his resume include being an adjunct professor of gerontology at both Simon Fraser University and a former sessional instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. On the global stage he recently served as a member of the board of directors of the Global Ageing Network and the International Federation on Ageing.
The special presentation has limited seating, so those interested will want to arrive early.
"Every day at the library I see how deeply affected seniors are because of inflation and the need for more health care providers for example and hope this presentation can provide a venue to address concerns and find ways to cope with the many challenges seniors face today," said Levy.
