Woman finds purpose in senior years through activism
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Beverly Suek of Winnipeg, Manitoba, reflected on her life and decided she did not want to rely on her children for care in old age.
After raising seven children and losing her husband, Suek realised she wanted to remain independent and contribute to society. She disliked the common portrayal of seniors as passive and unproductive, rejecting activities like bingo in favour of continued engagement.
Suek previously dedicated her life to human rights issues, including women’s equality and AIDS support, helping to establish a birthing centre and a women’s business centre in Manitoba. Now at 80 years old, she continues to advocate for change through several initiatives. She participates in the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, started a housing co-op for older women, and speaks publicly about loneliness among seniors.
Suek believes older adults can reshape how society views and treats them, urging fellow seniors to actively pursue fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. She encourages planning for a future where seniors are respected, involved, and intellectually stimulated, rather than simply accepting the status quo.
