Our Restorative Justice Team hosted the ASK Salt Spring conversation on the topic “Aging in Place on Salt Spring: Enhancing Senior Vitality.” Community members gathered  to reflect on how Salt Spring could better support aging with dignity, safety, and connection. 

Our time together began with each of us taking deep, grounding breaths followed by a Land Acknowledgment that honored Elders as vital keepers of tradition, culture, and knowledge. We noted our emphasis on restorative, voluntary dialogue and a commitment to a healing and inclusive conversation. The circle’s purpose was clear: to celebrate what Salt Spring did well for older residents, identify gaps that hindered aging in place, and discuss acts of neighborly care that fosterer genuine support.

A quick review of circle agreements, values, and the talking piece set the tone for mindful participation. The check-in invited each participant to share what drew them to the conversation, fostering personal connection at the outset. Group reflections then anchored the dialogue with three guiding prompts:

• What was one thing that Salt Spring did well for its older residents?
• What was missing from Salt Spring that made it harder for seniors to age in place, and what could be envisioned to support positive changes?
• In empowering the community framework, what was one practical thing we could do as individuals to enhance seniors’ lives?

The first question brought the following reflections on what we are doing well:

• The community hosts monthly caregiver meetings and offers support for seniors with health challenges. For more information on local seniors services visit Salt Spring Senior’s Services
• Social engagement at the Legion, especially dance events, helps seniors maintain friendships and improve mobility.
• Salt Spring offers tiered nature trails that accommodate hikers, walkers, and those with mobility restrictions.
• The island hosts vibrant art, garden, and men’s shed communities that provide creative engagement and social support.
• Low‑cost community acupuncture is available in Fulford. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat a wide range of health issues. For more information visit https://kokorocare.ca/treatments
• Salt Spring Literacy Association runs a low‑budget cooking program that teaches seniors how to prepare tasty meals from food bank ingredients.
• Community Kitchen and Harvest Foods provide prepared meals and Meals on Wheels delivery for seniors who cannot leave home.
• Fulford and Salt Spring Seniors’ Centers offer social activities, yoga, and arts and crafts, as well as tax‑filing assistance to help seniors access benefits.
• Falls and mobility issues qualify seniors for in‑home occupational therapy.
• Local resources and senior services provide additional support and equipment.

Our conversation then explored “What are some things that are missing from Salt Spring that could enhance the quality of life for seniors on our island?” Some of the answers included:

• Door‑to‑door transit is needed to enable seniors to age in place safely. Transportation gaps hinder seniors’ access to on‑island healthcare services as well as other needed services. 
• A wide range of community services exist, but accessing them is difficult for many seniors due to these transportation gaps as well as other accessibility gaps. The issues need for improved public safety measures was identified.
• If the stigma around seeking care could be erased, earlier help and community support would improve.
• Mental health support for both those seniors and their caregivers was highlighted as a very real need that was not being filled. 
• More physical activities in which seniors can participate were identifies as a need. Many such activities, like dancing, are healing both physically and mentally, offering improved health and social connection. While opportunities for dancing for seniors exist, it was suggested that more plentiful dancing events are needed. It was also noted that ping pong has a positive influence for those living with Parkinson’s. It was agreed that more senior-focused physical activities are needed. The awareness of the opportunities that currently exist must also increase. By making sure more seniors engage in physical activities, health and wellbeing will improve. 
• We need more caregiver and support teams to mitigate isolation and improve the quality of life. 
• Limited medical staffing and prescription availability create chronic care barriers.
• Residents face limited garbage and recycling services, requiring personal arrangements.
• The aging population on Salt Spring Island faces housing affordability and limited job opportunities. Younger residents leave for better sports and employment options, then cannot return due to high housing costs and lack of local opportunities. The ripple effect of adequate housing is apparent.

We then shifted our conversation to some solutions that were attainable, and some that are already in process!

• Cohousing Strategy for Senior Housing: The project explores converting large homes into senior cohousing units or building new affordable units. There was a large discussion and lots of interest in the room about this model that supports autonomy with aging, and reduces the risk that comes with isolation for our aging population. Solar panels, rooftop water collection, and separate plumbing for gray and potable water are proposed sustainability features. For more information on this initiative please contact ssicohousing@gmail.com.
• We discussed the need to value caregiving by paying living wages. It was suggested that higher wages would entice more people to offer their skillsets as caregivers. 
• Nutrition education for seniors is highlighted as a key factor in healthy aging.
• Bridging Generations and Pets: Community programs should pair seniors with children and animals for mutual benefit. Local animal shelters could provide calm pets to visit senior residents. Youth volunteers can assist seniors, fostering intergenerational learning and community support.
• Island Pathways is working towards developing a tri‑seat electric bike program for seniors to explore outdoors. Volunteers will be trained, insured, and equipped with helmets and seat belts for safe rides. This is in the early stages of development but if you would like more information on this you can contact  bob@islandpathways.ca

The session closed with a round expressing gratitude. We recognized that a we can sometimes underestimate the community resources that we already have. We agreed that we are a powerful small community that can bridge some of these gaps. This can start with creating spaces for conversation, such as the one we had here today, where we illustrated the power of a facilitated circle.To learn more about Restorative Justice, visit us at https://www.rjssi.org/

Just in case you are interested. . . .This report has been written by Tina Simpson and reviewed by her Restorative Justice team.