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Here is an open letter from the president of Réseau FADOQ, Gisèle Tassé-Goodman.

“Aging is not a problem. It’s life.”

These wise words come from one of our members during a vox pop we conducted for the International Day of Older Persons.

We asked our members about their perception of older people when they were 20 years old. We then asked this question: how do you perceive them today, now that you are one? Naturally, the answers varied somewhat from one question to the next. In general, people don’t like the words “old” and “elderly.”

On this International Day of Older Persons, I want to put forward this essential message: aging is a new stage of life that should not be seen as a barrier.

The word “aging” is sometimes accompanied by a negative label due to physical changes. At Réseau FADOQ, we think the exact opposite. Aging is the sum of a lifetime’s experiences. Aging is having the freedom to do what you want. Aging is the opportunity to take on new challenges. Aging is continuing to contribute to society.

Aging looks different in our time. Aging in 2024 is not experienced the same way it was 50 years ago. As you know, life expectancy has increased, particularly due to advancements in medicine. But another reason for this increase is simple: older people are more active than ever.

They are active in many different ways. Some play sports, and sometimes even at high levels, as we recently witnessed at the provincial FADOQ Games and the Canada 55+ Games held in Quebec City.

Some remain active through their daily activities, whether gardening, walking, dancing, doing housework, or making home repairs.

When we talk about active older persons, we must not overlook their important role in society.

First of all, many are still very involved in the daily lives of their families, whether as grandparents or as caregivers for their elderly parents. I don’t think it’s necessary to provide many arguments to illustrate how crucial these two roles are in hundreds of thousands of Quebec families.

In retirement, and often even before, many older persons engage in volunteer work. At FADOQ, we see every day how essential volunteers are. Many organizations simply could not survive without the dedication and contributions of older volunteer individuals.

The International Day of Older Persons is a good time to remind everyone that age is just a number. Let’s continue to value older persons, celebrate their contributions to society, and encourage intergenerational solidarity.