They’re full of tales of times past—tales that are invaluable to this town and region. It’s not just the mountains and wildlife that make Jasper a special place to live or visit, it’s the rich history of railroading, fur trading, outfitting and blazing new trails.
Our seniors are the ones who were there to see that history unfold. They are, after all, the people who built Jasper from the ground up, starting the businesses, building the houses and protecting the park.
Through their memories, we’re able to live those experiences again, and we’re able to gain a perspective of where we came from and how we got to where we are today.
We have a lot to gain from that knowledge and experience, and we also have a lot to gain from what the seniors do in the community today.
In Jasper, our long-time residents are also long-time volunteers. They sit on boards, sing in choirs, organize fundraisers—like the thrift shop fashion show that raised funds for the museum’s roof last month—and they assist their elderly friends. They also babysit their grandchildren and take care of their aging partners.
These days, as most of the stories in the news seem to be about how seniors are a burden on the healthcare system, it’s important to remember the contributions our seniors make to our communities. Because, although seniors’ issues exist and although they needed to be addressed, seniors are not a burden. They are an integral part of society.
They are the people who keep our history alive and keep our communities up and running.
That’s why Seniors’ Week, which takes place from June 3 to 9, is so important. It’s a reminder of everything the seniors community has to offer and does offer to society.
So next week, take the time to attend one of the many Seniors’ Week events around town, listen to some stories of days long past and thank Jasper’s long-time residents for everything they’ve done for our community.
