Seniors

We also have a page for deals and discounts for seniors only! 

SeniorsBC.ca

Official Senior BC website for older adults in the province to find resources for planning and living a healthy active life as they age. Seniors’ families and caregivers will also find a large library of information  on subjects like Financial and Health.

For information about government programs and services:
Service BC: 1-800-663-7867
Phone (Greater Vancouver): 604-660-2421
Phone (Victoria): 250-387-6121
Toll Free: 1-800-663-7867
Phone (Deaf/hearing impaired [TDD], Toll-Free): 1-800-661-8773
Phone (Deaf/hearing impaired [TDD], Greater Vancouver): 604-775-0303

Liberal Arts and 55+ Program

SFU’s Liberal Arts and 55+ Program has been offering intellectually rich non-credit courses to older adult learners since the 1970s. There is a wide range of courses, from art and literature to history, science, philosophy and more.

Program Features:
  • Tuition discounts for individuals 55+
  • Tuition assistance is available for those with a demonstrated financial need
  • Non-credit courses
  • Online and in-person lectures available
  • Wide variety of courses, including: history of Ukraine through film, history of fashion, writing skills, and more
  • Take courses at your own pace

Contact page
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 778-782-8000

Moves for Mind and Mood

Moves for Mind and Mood offers seniors a gentle program using the following static and dynamic mindfulness practices:
  • Interoceptive meditation
  • Mindful movement drawn from Buddhism and Yoga
  • Mindful execution of Tai Chi-like manoeuvres adapted from a martial art called Wing Chun that is well suited to seniors
Details:
  • Weekly classes for 8 weeks
  • Held via Zoom for roughly 90 minutes 
  • Participation is voluntary.
  • Lead by Dr. Daniel McBain, is a former family physician with a focused practice in primary care psychiatry, medical psychotherapy, and counselling
  • Free - covered by MSP
Eligibility:
  • Age 60 years or older
  • Mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety and/or mild cognitive decline
  • Do not have any physical conditions incompatible with mild physical activity
  • Capable of managing basic computer functions
  • Able to interact effectively in a group context
  • Requires a doctor's referral

Circle of Friends Brunch

For women 55+!
A place to connect, chat and engage with warm and interesting women. Monthly programs on Sundays, as well as occasional happy hours and brunches around town.

Program Coordinator Lisa Cohen Quay Info and RSVP to Jo-Ann Shapiro Contact Volunteer Cori Friedman​ 
CHANUKAH LUNCHEON
Date: Wednesday, December 11 | 11:30 am 
Klezmer music by Sulam Band
Catered kosher lunch: steelhead teriyaki, latkes, veggies, dessert, coffee/tea
Cost: $24
Advance ticket purchase required. On sale through Dec 2 or until sold out.
Tickets at the JCC Membership Desk.

​
MENORAH STORIES
Date: Sunday, December 22 | ​1 pm – 2:30pm
Bring your menorah and tell us its story, and enjoy latke noshes as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together.

Elder Care Ambulatory Services

Geriatric Mental Health Care Services:
  • Offers outpatient geriatric mental health care to seniors 65 and older who have dementia as well as psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, delusional disorders, and psychotic disorders
  • Offers treatment choices for problems with complicated medical conditions, memory and cognition, balance and mobility, depression, future planning, nutrition, and continence
  • Dementia Caregiver Resilience Clinic provides evidence-based group therapies and/or one-on-one consultations with interdisciplinary specialists to provide skill development, education, and self-care techniques
  • Require a doctor's reference for every service​
    ​​
Locations:
St. Paul's Hospital
Phone: 604-806-9827
Mount St. Joseph Hospital
Phone: 604-877-8371

Seniors Transportation Shuttle

Shuttle Service for South Vancouver Seniors:
  • Provides shuttle service for Southeast Vancouver elders 65 and over, with or without mobility difficulties (41st Avenue to Marine Drive, and Boundary to Ontario Street)
  • Priority given to individuals with mobility challenges that affect their day-to-day activities 
  • Can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers
  • Registration in advance is required
  • Costs are sliding scale, subsidies are available, and some services may be free
  • Interpretation service may be available
    ​    ​​
Office hours: 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday
​Office location: 6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Contact Jeannie Furmanek,
Phone: 604-324-6212 Ext. 141 
Email: [email protected]

Better at Home

What is Better at Home?
United Way’s Better at Home program helps BC’s older adults continue living independently in their own homes by providing simple, non-medical home support services. Its unique ‘seniors planning for seniors’ approach means older adults contribute to the design, operation and evaluation of their local program.

What services does Better at Home provide?
Better at Home services vary from community to community, depending on resources available, community capacity, and the specific needs of local seniors or elders.

The Better at Home basket of services includes:
  • Friendly visiting
  • Transportation to appointments
  • Light yard work
  • Minor home repairs
  • Snow shoveling
  • Light housekeeping
  • Grocery shopping
​

​Seniors Outreach Strategy (SOS)

Volunteer-based organization for Seniors 55+, services include:
  • Better at Home Program: housekeeping, meal delivery, friendly visits, yard work, and medical transportation
  • Walking groups and fitness programs
  • Caregiver Connect
  • Art and activity programs
  • English classes
  • Digital support
Details:
  • Services extend from 41st Avenue to False Creek and from Granville Street to Commercial Drive​
​Contact Information:
Carolyn Wong - Seniors Program Lead Judy Venable - Caregiver Connect Coordinator Omnia El-Shayeb - Seniors Program Coordinator and Settlement Worker Isaac Tang - Seniors Programmer (Chinese Speaking) Tina Pan - Better at Home Coordinator

​SUCCESS Multi-Level Care Society

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society offers five programs in Vancouver and Richmond as well as partners with community organizations to offer Chinese Meals on Wheels services in Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby. 
​
The program offers culturally competent services for elderly Chinese speakers. Available service languages are English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Adult day programs: Assisted living facilities: Long-term care facility: Chinese Meals on Wheels (in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby)

​QMUNITY Seniors and Older Adults Services

Services for LGBTQ2SAI+ Adults age 55 and over:
  • Offers health, wellness, social, and educational events, as well as support groups, for adults age 55 and over who identify as LGBTQ2SAI+ 
  • Provides elders the opportunity to suggest and oversee recreational programming
  • Friendly Visitor Program:
    • Pairs LGBTQ2S volunteers with LGBTQ2S seniors for visits at senior citizens' residences, nursing institutions, and public places
    • Seniors are accompanied by volunteers to their doctor's visits and QMUNITY events
  • Hosts special events
    ​
Location: 1170 Bute St., Vancouver 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 604-684-5307 Ext. 110

Frog Hollow - Kin Hon Seniors Group

Cantonese and Mandarin Senior Group Activities:

A lively group of seniors who speak Cantonese and Mandarin meets every Monday. Group activities include tea/coffee and conversation, bingo, arts & crafts, dancing, and other activities. Drop-ins are always welcome.

Phone: 604-251-1225
Location: 2131 Renfrew St., Vancouver

South Van ​Seniors Hub

The South Vancouver Seniors Hub provides programs and services that are accessible, inclusive, and senior-driven. Its aim is to support active participation in the community, promote independence, and reduce senior isolation. 
​
Programs and Services include:
  • Information and referral services
  • Social and recreational opportunities
  • Exercise and fitness programs
  • Meal services and access to food
  • Physical and mental health supports
Details:
  • South Vancouver Seniors Council explores issues affecting seniors in South Vancouver, and holds monthly information sessions
  • Website has an up-to-date list of programs and services.
  • Annual membership fee of $4.
    ​
Location: 6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Contact Michelle for more information, 
Phone: 604-324-6212 Ext. 158 Email: [email protected]
Contact Frank for more information, 
Phone: 604-324-6212 Ext. 112
Email: ​[email protected]

​Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver (JSA)

Support for Jewish and non-Jewish Seniors:
  • Jewish and non-Jewish seniors ages 55 and up are supported by a volunteer-driven organization
  • Offers:
    • Information
    • Peer support
    • Advocacy
    • Research
    • Social programming
    • Networking
  • Support is provided regardless of the individual's gender, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, socioeconomic status, or political belief system
  • JSA Senior Peer Assistance's carefully trained volunteers offer one-on-one emotional support
  • Additional Services:
    • Cordial phone calls
    • Visits
    • Medical appointment companionship
  • Hosts events like:
    • Spring symposium
    • Fall symposium
    • Four empowerment series every year
    • Events focus on current problems
  • Publishes the Senior Line magazine.
    ​
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday.
Location: 949 West 49th Avenue
Phone: 604-732-1555
Peer Counselling: 604-267-1555

Choose to move

2024 registration is over, come back in 2025!

Choose to Move is great for anyone age 55 and older that wants to become active, regardless of ability.

Work one-on-one with a trained activity coach to create a tailor-made physical activity plan to meet your health and fitness goals. You choose activities that you know you will enjoy and can do! Activities can range from organized fitness classes (e.g., Tai Chi, yoga) to individual activities you do on your schedule (e.g., gardening, walking).

Locations:
1. Kerrisdale Community Centre
Program start: TBD
Phone: (604) 257-8100 ext. 1. or visit here.
​​
2. Robert Lee Family YMCA
Program start: TBD 
To register,
Email: [email protected]

3. South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
[program delivered in Punjabi]
Program start: TBD 
To register, 
Email: [email protected]

4. West End Seniors’ Network – Barclay Manor
Program schedule: TBD
To register, contact Lisa Gosselin Email: [email protected]

Mount Pleasant ​Seniors and Older Adults

Provides seniors and older adults aged 55 and up with a variety of services:
  • Scheduled activities that promote health and wellness
  • Aid in the development of supportive social relationships
  • Foster cross-cultural understanding.
  • Meal Program: Free meals provided to elderly citizens' homes
  • Caregiver Program:
    • One-on-one emotional support and coaching to caregivers of older family members or friends
    • Social and self-care opportunities with staff and other caregivers
  • ​Other programs available
    ​
Location: 800 East Broadway
Phone: 604-879-8208

​South Granville Seniors Information and Referral Program

Offers free peer help in both Spanish and English.
Services provided by volunteers with information and referral skills.
Offers information and help with filling out applications for various federal and state benefits:
  • Old Age Security (OAS)
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  • Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
  • PharmaCare
  • Disability Pension
  • Bus Pass Programmes (including HandyDART)
  • Meal Programs.
    ​
English service available on Thursdays from 10:30 am to noon
Spanish service available on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to noon

Location: 1420 West 12th Avenue
Phone: 604-732-0812

411 Seniors ​Information and Referral Services

Services offered to seniors aged 55 and over include assistance with filling out paperwork and information about senior income and other benefits (OAP, GIS, bus passes, SAFER) provided by trained volunteers.
  • Income Tax Clinic for low-income seniors and people on disabilities is available from the beginning of March until the end of April. Eligibility is based on an income less than $35,000 per individual or $45,000 per couple
  • Annual income tax clinics during tax season
  • Seniors are welcome to drop-in and access 411 programming and services: pensions, housing, health care, responsible tax completion etc.
  • 411 also runs workshops and activities throughout the week, including community meals, physical activities, social celebrations, and more
  • Additional resources are available online, in-person at drop-in hours, and by contacting the office
​
Location: 3502 Fraser St., Vancouver 
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
Phone: 604-684-8171
Email: [email protected]

Community Centre Activities

Community Centres around Vancouver offer a variety of free drop-in, pre-registration, and low-cost activities for seniors. Below is a non-exhaustive list of activities available. 

Friday Art Group at Killarney Community Centre
  • Fridays 9 am - 1 pm
  • Free drop-in, but space is limited
Weaving Our Way at Dunbar Community Centre
  • Novice weavers are welcome and will be coupled with the camaraderie of your fellow seasoned weavers
  • Free and Open to all ages and abilities
Knitting Club at Champlain Community Centre 
  • ​Thursdays 1 pm - 3 pm
  • Everyone is welcome, free registration
Creative Adventures at False Creek Community Centre
  • ​Drop-in Tuesdays 1 pm - 3 pm
  • Some materials are available 
Table Tennis at Renfrew Community Centre
  • ​Free registration for group sessions

​West End Seniors' Network

Kay’s Place offers a safe space where all older adults are welcome. Services include:
  • Assistance with housing
  • Peer support
  • Funds for seniors in need
  • Information and links to community resources ​
WESN and Gordon Neighbourhood House also provide virtual programming for older adults, which are hosted on Zoom.

Programs include:
  • Cooking Class
  • Grace's Gathering Peer Support
  • Photo Club
  • Seniors' Chair Yoga and Yoga
  • Seniors' Social Club
  • Tech Support Cafe
  • Qigong
  • Participants should be either a WESN or Gordon Neighbourhood House member. The WESN Membership Application  [$10/year].

Hours: 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
Location: 118 - 1030 Denman Street, Vancouver
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-669-7339

​Neighbourhood Helpers Project - Downtown Eastside

Provides outreach programs for persons living with disabilities who are 50 years of age or older and reside in the Downtown Eastside:
  • Coffee shops
  • Peer-to-peer counselling one-on-one
  • Community kitchens
  • Social visits
  • Hospital visits
  • Appointment assistance
  • Minor task support

Carries out community development initiatives with the goal of enhancing the standard of living for people staying in hotels in the Downtown Eastside or renting single rooms, with a focus on creating social networks for elderly adults:
  • Community development
  • Community-focused events
  • Trains volunteers
  • Works in conjunction with other organizations to promote older citizens' well-being.

​Location: 509 East Hastings Street, Vancouver 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-254-2194 

​Seniors First BC

Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, assistance, support, and referrals to seniors across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being, as well as those who care for them. Funded by the British Columbian government, the Law Foundation of BC, and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

Programs include:
  • Senior abuse and information helpline
  • Elder law clinic
  • Victim services
  • Legal advocacy program
  • Advice planning services
  • Public education and outreach
    ​
Seniors Abuse and Information Line: 604-437-1940
toll-free: 1-866-437-1940
Location: 502-1281 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Email: [email protected]

Arthritis and Wellness Workshops

Various Vancouver Public Library branches offer workshops centered around arthritis and physical wellness. These free workshops are designed for seniors dealing with arthritic pain.

Arthritis and Exercise:
Arthritis and Nutrition:
Arthritis and Nutritional Supplements:

Community Dance Activities
Vancouver's network of community centres provide weekly opportunities for seniors to participate in various dance classes. Individuals can explore, create, and perform dance with other members of their community.

Benefits of Dance:
  • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the roots and richness of dance
  • Be creative with dance choreography and performance
  • Connect with people from diverse backgrounds and boost your community spirit
  • Boost physical and mental health

Current Dance Groups:​
1. Collaborative Creative Dance for Older Adults:
  • Dancer and choreographer Desirée Dunbar coordinates weekly dance projects
  • Held at the Trout Lake and West Point Grey community centre associations
  •  No experience necessary
  • All abilities are welcome
  • For activity details, email Desiree at [email protected] 

2. The Moberly Cultural Senior Dancers:
  • Held at the Moberly Arts and Culture Centre
  • Creative expression through sound, movement, and facial expression 
  • Weaves connections across cultures, with representation from the South Asian, Chinese, and Philippine communities
  • Diversity is integral to their practice and provides many opportunities for learning
  • Focus on skill, attention, cooperation, and working towards a common creative goal
  • Email [email protected] for details

3. Vancouver Downtown Eastside Elder Dancers:
  • A community dance project for seniors living in the Downtown Eastside
  • Held at Carnegie Community Centre
  • Provides a space to discover expressive movement through improvisation and sharing
  • Focus on playfulness, fun, motivation, and focus
    ​
Email: [email protected] for details

Everyone Legal Clinic - Low-Cost Legal Services

  • Provides low-cost legal services to seniors and those who are terminally ill
  • In some cases, the clinic provides access to free legal aid​
  • Referrals to supervised articling students who assist with family, tenancy/strata, employment, wills/estates, civil, corporate, consumer, or criminal law issues
  • Individuals must have the ability to pay the clinician's lowered fixed-fee for representation
  • Options for telephone or videoconference
  • Currently only English services are available​

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 778-200-4478

Alzheimer Society of B.C. - Minds in Motion

Minds in Motion® is a fitness and social program for people experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia and a friend, family member or care partner.
  • In-person sessions consist of a 45-minute fitness program led by a certified fitness instructor, followed by an hour of socializing, refreshments, and activities such as board games, trivia games, word games, bingo, or other activities.
  • Online sessions consist of a 30-minute fitness video followed by 45 minutes of social activity and opportunities to connect with others living with dementia.
  • Care partners must attend
    ​
For more information and to register, please call:
English: 1-800-936-6033 
Cantonese: 1-833-674-5007

Board Game Events for Seniors

Community Centres around Vancouver offer drop-in board game events for all interested seniors in the community. Some events feature a set game each week, while others have a rotating game schedule. 

Free games events include:
Bridge at Roundhouse Community Centre
  • Drop-in: Tuesdays 1 - 4:45 pm
  • 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Drop-in at Kerrisdale Community Centre 
  • Bridge: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30 - 3 pm
  • Cribbage: Wednesdays 9 am - 12 pm
  • Scrabble: Wednesdays 1 pm - 3 pm
  • 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver 
Cribbage at West End Community Centre 
  • Fridays 1:30 pm - 4 pm
  • 870 Denman St., Vancouver
Bridge at Champlain Heights Community Centre
  • Wednesdays 12 pm - 3 pm
  • Please register in advance
  • 3350 Maquinna Dr., Vancouver 
Killarney Community Centre
  • Billiards on Mondays and Fridays 9 am - 11:30 am
  • Registration and a partner are required
  • 6260 Killarney St., Vancouver 
    ​
Note: Other board game events are available for a fee. 

Social Tuesdays at Trout Lake

Are you looking to get out of the house and socialize with others? Join us on Tuesdays at the Trout Lake Community Centre for activities, snacks, and conversation.  Enjoy a new topic/theme each week. 

Details:
  • Tuesdays | 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
  • Coffee and tea will be served
  • Upcoming activities include: bingo, chair yoga, potlucks, holiday crafts, etc.
  • ​Please register

Crisis Lines and Other Care Resources

Fraser Health Senior Services

Fraser Home Health Service Line:
Phone: 1-855-421-2121
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 8:30 am - 9 pm
Services include:
  • Home health care
  • Post-surgery assistance
  • At-home physiotherapy and occupational therapy
  • Respite services for caregivers
  • Life button emergency services
  • Palliative care assistance
  • And more

Fraser Health Crisis Line:
  • Emotional support for anything causing personal concern, worry or distress
Phone: 1-877-820-7444

Peer Support Beyond Vancouver

Seniors Peer Counselling of BC

COVID-19: BC Expands 211 Hotline to Pair Seniors with Volunteers
 
You can now call 2-1-1 or visit the bc211 site if you are a senior in need, or if you would like to volunteer with a senior in your community to check in on them or help pick-up groceries/prescriptions. The helpline takes calls 7 days/week, 24 hours/day, to help keep seniors safe.
​
To read more on what extra measures the BC Government is doing to help seniors and bolster seniors’ supports at community service agencies in the province click here.

Seniors Distress Line 24/7 - Crisis Centre

Professionally trained volunteers can provide free, confidential, non-judgmental, emotional support if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
​
Phone: (604) 872-1234, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Older Adult Mental Health Program

Older adult mental health programs provide mental health services to senior clients with cognitive decline due to aging-related conditions.
Older adult mental health programs serve adults aged 65 and over living in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.Offers specialized services for older adults including mental health outreach, assessment and consultation, treatment, case management, and education.

Also provides a rehabilitation program offering individual occupational therapy assessments, psychosocial day program, peer support, and group programs.

Phone: (604) 709-6785
Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4 pm

Kitsilano: Better at Home

Better at Home is a program that helps seniors with simple non-medical, day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes, and remain connected to their communities.  The Government of British Columbia funds the program, while the United Way of the Lower Mainland manages it.
​
Services include:
  • Transportation to medical appointments by screened and trained volunteer drivers
  • Assistance with Grocery Shopping
  • Light Housekeeping by Kits House staff
  • Volunteer Visiting – The visits are based on interests and activities shared by senior and volunteer such as walking, reading, light gardening, computer skills assistance (Over the phone during Covid restrictions)

Margarita, Better at Home Coordinator:
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 604-736-3588 ext. 131
Sandra, Better at Home Seniors Program Assistant:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-736-3588 ext. 132
Information & Referral Volunteers:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-736-3588 ext. 604

Other Resources for Seniors:

South Vancouver - Basic Computer Training

Classes are led by volunteer trainers, and are typically 3 sessions. 

Basic computer skills for adults and seniors:
  • MS Word
  • Excel
  • Internet
  • Email usage
  • Job search skills
Additional services available:
  • Free child minding
  • Bus tickets for permanent residents
 
Times:
Wednesdays at 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Wednesdays at 4 pm to 6 pm
Fridays at 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Fridays at 5 pm to 7 pm
 
Location:
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House - Meeting Room
 
Cost:
$10/course, SVNH membership required
which costs $4 for a year]
 
Contact Kwang Young,
Email: [email protected]

Computer and Technology Training - Vancouver Public Library
Various Vancouver Public Library branches offer free computer and technology workshops and one-on-one assistance for seniors around Vancouver. Visit the website for more details and dates.

Available services include:
  • Drop-in Tech Help: Simply bring in your device and library staff can assist you with any questions you might have. Get assistance on how to use your Apple and Android devices. Registration is not required. 
 
  • Introduction to the Internet and Internet Safety workshops: Get a comprehensive introduction to the various aspects of internet safety and how to improve your online experience. VPL offers Zoom and in-person sessions.
 
  • Computer Practice Drop-in: Bring your own device and get help from library staff. Simply drop-in during the scheduled time and learn how to use your device in a supportive environment. Registration is not required. 
 
  • Mobile Device Essentials: Hands-on workshops that teach you how to use apps, digital safety tools, and more. These workshops are available in various languages, including Cantonese and Vietnamese.
 
  • One-on-One Computer Technology Help: 50 minute sessions with a library staff member to work through any technology related issues and questions. Registration is required.