Island Voices features a collection of articles for seniors and their families by Vancouver Island authors and authorities on a wide range of subjects.
Canadians love home ownership. The trend is slowly reversing, but as it stands today, 66.5 per cent of Canadians own their home as compared to 33 per cent who rent. At one time homeownership was even higher but increasing prices, a surge in interest rates and other factors have made the Canadian dream of owning…
Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s still time to create something special for the little ghosts, goblins, witches and superheroes who will soon be knocking at your door.For seniors who enjoy crafting, baking or simply making children smile, homemade Halloween giveaways offer a wonderful alternative to the usual store-bought candy. They’re personal, inexpensive…
Health-care spending in British Columbia is approaching $40 billion per year, by far the largest expense item in the provincial budget. In fact, the health budget accounts for almost 40 per cent of the cost of keeping the lights on in this beautiful province. By comparison, education spending is about 18 per cent of the…
Patience, young grasshopper“Master Po to Kwai Chang CaineKung Fu, 1970 The last couple of months the thought has occurred to me that perhaps a name-change is in order. Methinks instead of Thistledown Farm a more apt moniker would be Tough Love Farm
It is a privilege that most of us tend to regard more as a right; the ability to drive a motorized vehicle on Canadian roads and highways. As long as we drive responsibly, we are free to travel in our personal automobiles whenever and wherever we choose. Freedom … glorious freedom.
It’s a rite of passage for young adults in Canada; earning the right to operate a motor vehicle is part of transitioning into adulthood. In British Columbia, the process of obtaining that valuable document is considered more onerous than is the case in most other provinces. We have a Graduated Licensing Program that involves multi-year…
When I received this notification a few days ago from the Island Deaf and the Hard of Hearing Association I was instantly surprised, saddened and angry. How can this be happening? And why?
Retirement on Vancouver Island is highly desirable: Mild winters. Ocean views. Walkable communities. Time to enjoy family, hobbies, travel, and the lifestyle you’ve worked decades to achieve. But there is a reality many retirees discover too late.
For more than a century, sheep’s wool quietly served as one of the most effective, accessible, and humane tools in medical care.
If you’re over 60, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is aging in place vs. moving to a community. Will you remain in your current home or move to a more suitable living environment?