Every day at Sage, we hear from seniors who are in crisis and struggling to find the shrinking resources that are available to them. The truth is that not everyone is ageing well in community. And, the pandemic has made it even harder for those living in poverty, experiencing housing or food insecurity, without family or community supports, and those with the added barriers of language or mobility issues.

Most of us have experienced feelings of helplessness and vulnerability during the pandemic. But for those without the protective economic and social layers that keep most of us safe and comfortable, it has been searing.

Social isolation is a significant health risk for older adults, which is why creating opportunities for connections is a steadfast commitment for Sage.

One of Sage’s staff members shared a story about how small connections can be a lifeline for vulnerable seniors:

“A few years back, I met Mary*, an older woman living alone in northeast Edmonton. She was experiencing severe loneliness and a friend encouraged her to attend the Amazing Elders group to get out and meet others, which she finally did. When the pandemic restricted the group from gathering, I started taking Mary food hampers, as she was struggling financially. I also connected her to a social worker at Sage to help her get her taxes done so she could apply for more affordable housing. With some encouragement, Mary also became a pen-pal with a student in the community, a relationship she continues to this day.“

Because of connections made through community outreach and networked support, Mary is living her life rather than struggling to live. For many, a little help can make a big difference.

For those with more complex needs, such as getting out of an abusive situation, there is help too. And hope.

But COVID -19 restrictions and funding cuts have made reaching the hard-to-reach more challenging and urgent. Now more than ever, our community of support is essential.

You can help. Your donation to Sage’s Resilience Fund will support seniors who are experiencing a crisis, who want to connect and engage with others, and who need help to improve their wellbeing.

Together, as a community, there is much we can do to address the challenges facing seniors. The Resilience Fund empowers Sage to respond as needed to changing conditions, to plan for the future, and to continue to build a community where all seniors have the ability to live according to their beliefs, abilities, and aspirations.

Thank you for helping to create a community that believes in the value of seniors!

All donations of $10 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.

Sage Seniors Association is a community-based senior-serving not -or -profit that has worked with and for seniors in the greater Edmonton region for over 50 years.  The belief at Sage is that everyone, regardless of age, has strengths, abilities, and gifts to share. We also recognize that everyone experiences vulnerability in different times and different ways as we transition through life. Through a spectrum of supports we work with seniors to meet both of these equally important aspects of aging: increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability when needed, and inspiring seniors to continue to build and enrich our communities.