We’re pleased to be a member of COSCO (Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations BC), an umbrella organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of seniors and their families and advocating for policies that allow seniors to remain active and independent.

2025 marks the 75th anniversary of COSCO and the theme for this year’s conference from October 3-5 was Human Rights and Ageing: Advocating for an Equitable Future. The weekend was an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and offer our perspective on issues that we see affecting seniors in our daily work.

We were pleased to not only attend this year’s conference, but to actively participate. On Sunday, October 5th, Alison Silgardo moderated a panel discussion on “Understanding Inequality for Seniors in BC”. The panel included: Iglika Ivanova – BC Society for Policy Solutions, Laura Kadowaki – United Way of BC, Carole Christopher – Society Promoting Environmental Conservation, and Kai Okazaki – Social Planner, City of Burnaby.

The panel provided thought-provoking presentations to educate people on inequality facing seniors. Key points that were highlighted:

The poverty rate for BC seniors is 15.5%, which is higher than any other age group. 35% of single senior women living alone live below the poverty line.

Half of BC seniors live on after-tax income of less than $35K. In other provinces, home supports are free.

20% of BC senior households rent, spending 43.7% of their income—well above the 30% affordability threshold and significantly more than working adults.

We need to combat ageism and challenge the narrative that seniors don’t contribute to society.


Alison pictured with Seniors’ Advocate Dan Levitt, and fellow attendees Gloria Gutman and Bev Pitman.