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Seniors BC

Specific Conditions

Seniors may experience specific medical conditions such as strokes and heart disease, as well as chronic illnesses such as arthritis or diabetes. Various associations throughout British Columbia are dedicated to specific conditions and can guide you to the help you may need.

The Health Information section of this website tells you how to get information on most medical issues, such as:

Toll free information on non-emergency health issues is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 8-1-1 or visiting the Healthlink BC website.

 

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program provides free six-week patient-education programs for people with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and lung disease.

This program teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems and helps develop self-confidence and motivation.

To find a course near you, get a list of resource materials and more, visit the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program website.

Arthritis

HealthLink BC provides a wealth of information about the various types of arthritis and related issues.

The Arthritis Society of Canada runs the Arthritis Support for B.C. website, which has information on managing arthritis, how to find support and rehab services in your area, and more.

Diabetes

Information about diabetes and related issues is available on the HealthLink BC website.

To learn about diabetes education and other resources in British Columbia, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website.

High Blood Pressure

HealthLink BC offers a website dedicated specifically to high blood pressure, including a free downloadable “Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with the DASH Eating Plan.”

Hearing Loss

Please visit HealthLink BC for information on hearing loss and hearing aids.

A person is defined as being hard of hearing when his or her hearing loss ranges from mild to profound and when his or her usual means of communication is speech. Visit the British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Society website for information about classes in your area that teach speech reading (also known as “lip reading”) and other coping skills.

Heart Disease and Strokes

Information about heart disease and strokes is available on the HealthLink BC website.

Heart disease and strokes are a major health concern among seniors. Visit the website of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon to learn about risk assessment, cholesterol, eating well and more tips for heart health and wellness.

Osteoporosis

Healthlink BC offers information about osteoporosis and related topics.

Seniors can take the “Sixty Second Risk Quiz” at the Osteoporosis Canada website to find out if they are at risk for osteoporosis.

The association website also features information about diagnosis, treatment, nutrition and more.

Parkinson's Disease

Information on Parkinson's Disease and related topics is available on the HealthLink BC website.

The average age for diagnosis with Parkinson’s is 60 years. Seniors who want to learn more about diagnosis, treatment, and living with Parkinson’s can visit the Parkinson Society of British Columbia website.

Vision Loss

Vision loss information is available on the HealthLink BC website.

Seniors may be at risk for blindness and vision loss; the risk and incidence of vision loss increases with age. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) website offers practical tips to help you protect your eyes from injury, prevent vision loss before it starts, or treat vision loss that may have already begun.

The CNIB also offers local programs, clinics and daily living skills workshops and support groups throughout British Columbia for those affected by vision loss.

Alzheimer’s Disease 

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is a non-profit organization that provides support services and education to people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, physicians and health care providers.

The Alzheimer Society runs a website called Dementia Journey that presents information about the different stages of the disease.

For more information, visit the Alzheimer Society website.