By Times Chronicle Staff
The United Way British Columbia is getting behind the emerging healthcare focus known as “social prescribing,” with a particular emphasis on seniors.
“Social prescribing continues to grow as a powerful way to improve health, reduce isolation, and support independence — especially for older adults,” the United Way BC said. Social prescribing connects people with the everyday supports that help them stay healthy, active, and socially connected.
This includes connecting people to non-clinical services such as exercise classes, food programs, housing support, transportation and even time in nature – all of which play a major role in overall wellbeing. The aim is to help address the root causes of poor health, such as loneliness and social stress.
The United Way BC is marking Social Prescribing Day by celebrating what it says is the meaningful impact it’s having on seniors across the province. In 2024–25, United Way BC’s Social Prescribing Program helped 6,597 seniors through 56 community agencies, delivering 51,382 non‐medical services.
“Social needs affect our health just as much as medical ones,” says Bobbi Symes, Director of Healthy Aging, United Way BC. “Social prescribing connects people to community supports for better health and wellbeing, not just managing illness.”
The United Way has also teamed up with PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program delivered by BC Parks which champions a prescription for nature, helping people connect with the outdoors in ways that support mental and physical health. These range from guided activities to accessible ways to enjoy local parks and green spaces.
“Nature is a powerful, evidence-based tool for health,” says Jennie McCaffrey, Vice President, Health & Education at BC Parks Foundation. “Through PaRx, licensed healthcare providers can prescribe time in nature to improve patients’ mental and physical health.
“Community connectors, including those working with United Way BC, will help people turn that prescription into something real in their daily lives. As this work grows, it’s shifting how we think about care, recognizing nature as a fourth pillar of health, alongside nutrition, exercise, and sleep.”
Health Research BC recently made a $6.3 million provincial investment to strengthen these programs across the province, including United Way BC’s existing partnership with Fraser Health to expand evidence‐based social prescribing for seniors across the province.
