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Speak Up

To the editor:

A Fredericton Daily Gleaner editorial last week included the following: "Who is going to pay the staggering health-care costs to look after our seniors? New Brunswick won't be able to independently afford skyrocketing health-care costs for seniors. There will be too few workers to support too many seniors. The cost of caring for seniors can be staggering."

What a litany of woe! Give us a break. Today's seniors are healthier than ever. Health problems in our society occur at every age and we won't tolerate the biased comments which lay blame for the health care situation on the backs of seniors.

A 2007 study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives debunks the myth of runaway health-care costs attributed to Canada's aging population. Instead senior economist Marc Lee predicts "aging baby boomers will add less than one per cent to health-care costs each year. The cost of maintaining the health-care system well into the future will be easily met by economic growth."

The study goes on: "When you look at population aging over the next 25 years, it's a pretty major shift. But it is happening slowly. Health-care costs do not rise uniformly as people age. Most of the costs associated with aging occur in the last year of life."

Seniors are not a major burden to health care in New Brunswick or anywhere else in Canada. What message do we have for the Graham government? Recognize the contribution of seniors to the province of New Brunswick. Don't foster the attitude of ageism which is rampant in this editorial.

There may be more seniors in our province, but they continue to contribute significantly to the economy; never forget that seniors are taxed until their last breath. Most are not saving for a rainy day. Many have health plans to which they pay premiums and a portion of all health-related costs.

Look at preventative measures to ensure good health in New Brunswickers of all ages. Encourage all seniors to be checked for high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, vision and dental problems these lead to health issues which may be offset by early diagnosis. Seniors need doctors who understand their needs and provide the care required geriatricians are of great value and New Brunswick needs more of them. Prescription drugs for seniors should be far more closely monitored.

Provide incentives for seniors to invest in their health, both physical and intellectual, through health/fitness centres, athletic teams, courses, seniors' organizations. These are positive steps which would be encouraged by the senior population of New Brunswick. Seniors are happy to "be in this place." Now work with us to help us live healthy and productive lives.

Wayne & Barb Harrigan

Riverview