What We Heard
VSAN’s May 2026 Brainstorming Session Results
Before deciding where to focus our energy, we wanted to hear directly from the people who work with seniors every day.
That's why, in May 2026, VSAN members gathered for a brainstorming session focused on a simple question:
What are the challenges facing seniors today?
The conversation brought together community leaders, service providers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and volunteers who work with seniors every day. Members who couldn't attend were also invited to contribute through an online survey. Together, they helped identify 39 distinct issues affecting seniors across nine different service areas.
More Connected Than We Realized
One thing became clear very quickly.
Many of the challenges facing seniors don't fit neatly into a single category.
A transportation issue can become a healthcare issue.
A housing issue can contribute to social isolation.
A lack of information can prevent someone from accessing services that already exist.
The brainstorming session highlighted just how interconnected many of these concerns are and reinforced the importance of collaboration across organizations and sectors.
The Four Themes That Rose to the Top
While all 39 issues were important, several themes consistently appeared throughout the discussion.
1. System Navigation and Coordination
Many seniors, caregivers, and even service providers struggle to understand what supports are available, where to access them, and how different systems connect with one another.
Finding the right information at the right time can often be challenging.
2. Social Isolation and Belonging
Participants identified loneliness and social isolation as significant concerns.
Staying connected to people, activities, and community supports plays an important role in both physical and mental well-being, yet many seniors face barriers that make these connections difficult to maintain.
3. Home Supports and Aging in Place
Many seniors want to remain in their own homes as they age. However, doing so often depends on having access to practical supports, transportation options, home maintenance assistance, and community services.
4. Transportation and Accessibility
Transportation continues to impact almost every area of daily life, including healthcare access, social participation, shopping, volunteering, and community involvement.
When transportation barriers exist, many other challenges become more difficult to address.
Turning Conversations Into Action
The purpose of this exercise wasn't simply to create a list of problems.
The information gathered will help VSAN identify where future Action Teams, partnerships, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives can have the greatest impact. The session also helped create a stronger evidence base for future decision-making and priority setting.
As a network, VSAN believes that the best solutions are developed when seniors, service providers, community organizations, and local leaders work together.
What's Next?
The brainstorming session was just the beginning.
The issues and priorities identified through this process will help guide future VSAN Action Teams, partnerships, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives. As opportunities emerge, we'll continue working with seniors, service providers, and community partners to turn ideas into action.
Most importantly, we'll continue listening.
Because better decisions get made when seniors' voices are part of the conversation.
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