An organization that has advocated for Nova Scotia seniors for more than five decades says there’s a sad reason why its membership numbers have dropped sharply in recent years.

“We lost a lot of people through COVID,” said Anne-Marie Long, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Seniors.

“A lot of clubs folded, a lot of people died, a lot of organizers died.”

Part of the group’s pitch to rebuild its membership is the success it’s had on lobbying for things such as free shingles, RSV and high-dose flu vaccines for older adults.

“The kinds of things that most people would identify with are the [national] dental program that we have now and pharmacare,” said Long.

Founded in 1973, the federation represents seniors federally and provincially, drawing attention to the needs of seniors as relayed by member clubs.

Long said before the pandemic, the federation included more than 130 seniors clubs across the province. Today, the number stands at 51.

It’s also now offering individual memberships so that seniors who do not have a club can still have a voice. She said the federation has about 2,600 individual paid members.

Dolly Williams, first vice-president of the federation, said she’s been involved with the group for about two decades.

She also leads the East Preston Senior Citizens’ Club, which remained active throughout the pandemic. She said the group has around 40 members, of which 30 or so attend their meetings.

“We lost a lot of members as well in the last two years,” she said. “But the members that are there, [the] majority of them are very active.”

Better transit

Williams said the East Preston group has pushed for better transit and helped secure a disability-accessible vehicle.

She said her group regularly brings in experts to talk to seniors about health issues and organizes events like heritage tours.

For Williams, ensuring diverse voices are heard is also a priority. She said she’s happy to bring the perspective of Black Nova Scotian seniors to the federation’s work.

“If there’s an issue coming up … I take it forward and let them know,” said Williams. “I can’t speak for all communities, but I know what’s going on in the Black community.”

Long said the federation needs “first voices,” people who can speak from their own perspective and experience, rather than having others speak on their behalf.

Fundraising efforts

The federation is now working to expand its reach, especially to areas where clubs have not yet returned.

Long said a new fundraising campaign is underway to help struggling member clubs.

“Our mission is to get out there and try to find as many as we can,” she said. “And at the same time, have some funds to be able to afford to go to these clubs and talk to the seniors and see first-hand what’s going on.”

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