In 2010, Doctors of BC or DoBC (Doctors of BC, the professional association of BC doctors) adopted an initiative entitled “Walk with Your Doc”. The purpose of this annual public health campaign was to promote physical health by inviting patients to walk with their physicians and talk about the benefits of daily activity.
In 2024, the Fernie MSA (Medical Staff Association) agreed to support a similar project, “Talk with Your Doc,” a local idea inspired by the DoBC initiative. Periodically, a physician will write a short article on a relevant medical issue. The hope is to create a space for healthy public engagement.
As this is a new venture, public feedback is welcome so as to best serve the needs and interests of readers.
Marian Ma, MD, Fernie
Planning for the Golden Years
My dad worked as a planning engineer at Fording River in the 80’s and ‘90’s. After retiring, he and my mom decided to moved to a condo in Calgary near Chinatown. My mom needed access to specialists in the city. My dad knew he couldn’t (wouldn’t want to) look after the yard or driveway forever. And they were both excited about being part of the Chinese community.
In my years as a physician, I have also seen the reverse, with many moving from bigger centres to the Elk Valley, also for very good reasons. Some want (or need) to be closer to family as they age and others simply prefer small town life and the beauty of the outdoors. I am hoping to stay here for the rest of my life, preferably in my own home, as I’m sure many of us do.
Though we never know what life may bring, there are some things we can expect as we age. And it would be wise for us to plan for them to make our “golden years” as golden as possible.
1. Decreased Mobility: As your mobility worsens, those stairs, low toilets, even that colourful throw rug, become health hazards that could cause falls, breaks or even worse.
Consider renos to make your home safe (hand bars, walk in tubs, etc) with everything accessible on the main floor. (Personally, I think all homes should be built with these factors in mind, so that people don’t have to do renos when the time comes.) If that is not feasible, you may need to downsize, moving to a condo or senior housing or maybe with family.
2. Fall Risk: You may fall with no one around to help you up, especially if you live alone. Get a lifeline (a medical alert system worn around the neck). If you have a house with extra rooms, consider renting at a subsidized rate to a younger person needing accommodation – it could be a win-win situation.
3. Increased Social Isolation: This is more common as we age and can negatively impact mental and physical health. Be intentional about being part of a community. Join a club, get to know your neighbours and cultivate intergenerational friendships. It can be quite lonely if all of one’s friends are the same age and die at the same time. Consider shared housing.
4. Loss of Driving Capacity: As vision and reflexes worsen, you may need to give up your driver’s licence. When you do, do you have the supports in place to help with local errands or distance driving? Do you need to consider moving to a bigger community (with transit/taxi) or closer to your social supports?
5. Increased Medical Illnesses: You will need more medical services as you age. BEFORE you move closer to your social supports, make sure you will have adequate medical supports. Moving closer to family who can help with your shopping but losing your doc who’s managed your medical issues for years might actually make things worse…for you and your family.
My dad is almost 90 now, and in recent years we have been talking about what he wants when (and before) he dies…but that is a discussion for another day.
