We connect, engage and advocate for Whistler seniors by fostering age-friendly environments and practices that are free of social and physical barriers. We also recognize that older residents have a wide range of needs and capabilities. Our goal is to enable older people to live independently and actively, and to do the things they enjoy even if they experience capacity loss. MAC offers valuable resources, information, and engagement programs in 9 interconnected sections to provide the health, social supports and services for seniors to live and age well in the Whistler community.
Become a member of MAC to gain access to many more benefits, including information and essential resources on aging well in place, our community calendar, free or discounted workshops, and invitations to educational, lifestyle and social events.
IDEA
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility
Seniors are vibrant and vital members of our community. Through advocacy and education, and by coordinating inclusive activities, MAC ensures seniors are valued, respected and included in all aspects of community life and decision-making.
- Host fun, inclusive inter-generational events
- Leverage and share tools to combat ageism and isolation
- Manage and update the accessible MAC seniors’ resource hub website
- Promote values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for all
REPRESENTATION
MAC is the voice of people 55+ in Whistler. We listen to the concerns and needs of seniors, and advocate in the community on their behalf.
- Sit on advisory committees and senior planning committees
- Put a face on advocacy issues by bringing the needs of our members directly to Whistler’s Mayor and Council
- Keep track of development and planning proposals in transportation, roads and traffic, and parks and playgrounds, and consult with the RMOW
- Represent the senior community on regional issues of interest, area projects and social issues
- MAC sits on the Accessibility Inclusion Committee
AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
MAC works to identify aging-in-place strategies and available resources, and works with local partners to make Whistler a positive place for seniors to retire.
- Promote the community as a positive and friendly place for seniors to live and age well
- Working to acquire a seniors’ gathering space, meeting/recreational facility
- Developing an age-in-place home guide and offer workshops
- Empower seniors to age in place
LIVING WELL
Activities, Events and Programs
We believe that to live and age well in Whistler, seniors need opportunities to have fun, be active, engaged, and feel connected to other seniors.
- Work closely with Whistler Community Services, RMOW and other partners to implement programs and services
- Organize speakers of interest
- Ensure recreational, cultural, learning and other social opportunities for people 55+ to connect and engage with each other
- Provide an opportunity for social interaction and support between members
- Through workshops, committees and surveys, tap the creative knowledge and experience of members to identify issues within the 55+ demographic and facilitate solutions
- Foster new friendships
- Create conversations between seniors and community service and health providers
- Forward community volunteer opportunities to members, support volunteerism within MAC
- Identify skill sets within the membership and engage members in projects
- Nurture a compassionate, caring and supportive environment for all
There are many ways to stay connected to each other, and MAC is continually updating our outreach efforts and developing meaningful partnerships.
HOUSING
Accessible, affordable, and right-sized housing is a high priority for community members who love Whistler and wish to age well in place. MAC actively advocates for seniors’ housing, provides information, and engages in partnerships so that older residents can continue to make Whistler their home.
- Advocate for a range of housing options and more flexibility as individuals’ needs change
- Work closely with the Whistler Housing Authority, Whistler Valley Housing Society and the RMOW to identify and process seniors’ housing opportunities
- Advocate for senior-appropriate and affordable housing to meet needs for all seniors in Whistler, including options at Northlands Boulevard and other creative solutions
- Provide resources for retrofitting homes to allow seniors to remain safely and comfortably in their home
- Provide information on grants available through the B.C. government, B.C. Housing and Federal government for home renovations and energy upgrades
- Offer information about retrofitting homes
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Healthcare | Home Services
Supportive services help residents 55+ to be self-sufficient in their homes, and continue to live in Whistler. MAC identifies needs, advocates for services, and has trusted partnerships with a variety of home care and healthcare partners.
- Ensure residents 55+ can remain in Whistler enabled by a range of home services
- Identify and advocate for gaps in social/health services for residents 55+
- Liaise with key partners in healthcare and supportive services such as 360 Degree Committee, Better at Home, Community Health
- Identify and communicate suitable programs
- Advocate for paid seniors’ coordinator with WCSS or RMOW
- Coordinate the Whistler Community Response Network (CRN) that can share BC CRN’s tools and resources
A Community Response Network (CRN) is a diverse group of concerned community members, service providers, agencies, businesses and professionals who come together to create a coordinated community response to adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. The Whistler CRN facilitates prevention and education activities with local stakeholders, by supporting a coordinated response to abuse, neglect and self neglect of vulnerable adults in British Columbia.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
There are many facets of health and wellness that contribute to healthy aging. Our goal is to offer information and services that facilitate the best-possible health outcomes for people 55+ in Whistler.
- Ensure health care supports meet the needs of seniors and are accessible locally or via accessible transport options
- Lobby for additional healthcare and home care services
- Advocate for a gerontologist or other specialists to have clinic days in Whistler
- Operate a weekly dementia-friendly program through a New Horizons Grant from the Federal Government
- Wellness checks
TRANSPORTATION
Independence is an important part of aging well. We advocate for better and increased transportation options in our community and region. MAC also offers resources, information and support to facilitate transport for people over 55.
- Engage with RMOW and Government of BC to ensure safer public transit systems
- Ensure appropriate scheduling of Whistler transit for seniors
- Lobby for regional transit solutions
- Lobby for Handy Dart or other ideas for seniors’ transport support such as taxi subsidy, volunteer drivers, and partner with other existing services
- Advocate for better access to medical appointments (in and out of town)
- Pedal Wheelchair use at Meadow Park Recreation Centre
- Public and private transport options
PUBLIC SPACES
Indoor | Outdoor
All community members 55+ have the right to feel safe in Whistler and be able to access public spaces. Our role is to identify safety issues within the community, make recommendations, and lobby on behalf of seniors.
- Lobby for more benches on the Whistler Valley Trail
- Lobby for safer bus access on Hwy 99
- Work with RMOW on emergency evacuation and shelter plans
The best way to for seniors and senior-advocates and caregivers to stay up to date on information, programs, advocacy efforts and issues that matter, is to sign up for the MAC monthly newsletter.
Receive the monthly MAC newsletter
Learn about the latest news of interest through MAC social media channels
Engage wellness check-in services
Benefit from MACs ongoing research and application for grants supporting seniors