With Seniors’ Week upon us, it’s time to pay particular tribute to this segment of the population that deserves our respect and support.

Seniors Week is from June 6-12th and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the week itself.

Seniors make a difference in our communities every day. From supporting family members and friends to assisting charities and volunteering, seniors are deeply involved in our communities and their contributions benefit Albertans of all ages.

They have much too offer local agencies, and individuals as well – too often seniors hold back from getting too involved when in fact they have much to give from their many years of life experience.

Each year, Albertans are encouraged to join the festivities by attending one of the many Seniors’ Week events to be held across the province. Whether planning an event or enjoying one with the seniors in your life, take the time to acknowledge Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to our quality of life.

It’s sad to see that many seniors seem to live on the margins of society – their families, for whatever reason, almost forget about them and they are left alone to largely fend for themselves. It can be a very lonely, vulnerable time and it’s horrible to think that many seniors face this reality in their so-called ‘golden’ years and after giving so much of themselves over the years.

In other cultures, seniors are held to a very high regard and treated with respect – something we can and should definitely think about – to have a greater sense of patience, understanding and empathy – after all, we are all going to be there some day.

Of course, as with any age group, not every senior is completely sweet and innocent – but beyond that the abuse of seniors seems to be a growing issue these days, whether it be physical, emotional, financial or otherwise.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the population of seniors is growing in Alberta – by 2031, when the last of the baby boomers reach 65 years of age, it’s projected that there will be more than 923,000 seniors – meaning that about one in five Albertans will be a senior. An aging population will have lasting economic and social implications for our province, leading to opportunities and challenges across a wide range of areas.

Responding to these opportunities and challenges will require the involvement of a variety of partners in areas such as finance, transportation, housing, health, infrastructure, municipal affairs, community services, public safety and others.

Locally, there are several activities going on around the community to help folks celebrate Seniors’ Week.

On June 8th, there will be a roaring 20s event at the Golden Circle – tickets are $8. Enjoy a ham lunch followed by a 20s fashion show. Tickets are pre-sold only at the Golden Circle.

On June 9th, there will be a Victorian Tea at the Golden Circle as well. Enjoy finger sandwiches and cookies, tea tasting, tea leaf reading, and horse racing – all in Victorian style.

Games begin at 1 p.m. with the tea set for 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each at the Golden Circle.

On June 10th there is a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Alberta Council on Aging at the Golden Circle.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and costs $2 per person. Also on June 10th, there will be a medieval dinner – doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the festivities to begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $30 and the event will be held at the Golden Circle.