Tillsonburg council updated on age-friendly strategy

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Some interesting facts on seniors in Tillsonburg were revealed during a presentation on Oxford County’s Age-Friendly Strategy at the Sept. 28 council meeting.

Presenters Diana Handsaeme, Director of Home Support Services, Tillsonburg and District Multi-Service Centre; Meagan Lichti, Chair, Age-Friendly Committee; and Karen Devolin, Age-Friendly Committee member presented to Tillsonburg council as part of rolling out the strategy into the community.

Oxford has an aging population, with the rate of adults 65-plus continuing to grow, reaching 20 per cent of the population in 2021. Tillsonburg had the highest share of seniors, with 29 per cent of its population aged 65 or older. The study also found that seniors represent a larger share of the population in the low-income bracket, increasing from 18 per cent in 2016 to 25 per cent in 2021.

The 75-plus age category had the highest emergency room visit rates due to falls in the province in 2024.

A needs assessment study by the committee found several barriers, including:

• Transportation was a significant barrier

• Health care was listed, with wait times and limited home care

• Affordable housing scarce

Amongst the 18 recommendations from the study were:

• Explore transportation options, including increasing information

• Increase awareness of local services

• Explore ways to expand cognitive health and memory clinics

• Share the needs assessment to increase awareness

• Work on social inclusion and reducing ageism

• Increase awareness of the health risks of social isolation

Coun. Kelly Spencer said during the pandemic there was an increase in isolation-induced dementia in seniors. She asked if online spaces devoted to the issue are helping to negate this.

Lichti said the Alzheimer’s Society is still seeing an increase in dementia and the need for its services.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said she heard a presentation at county council from South-West Public Health on aging and noted that the number of seniors living in poverty in Tillsonburg was astounding. She also said many people used to small-town living aren't used to using public transit, and suggested outreach to seniors and perhaps launching a bus buddy program.

Council accepted the presentation as information.