Living in Canada

For Roshan, life in Canada has been both rewarding and challenging. Because she grew up speaking English, the language barriers faced by most other immigrant seniors were not difficult for her. For Roshan, as with most immigrant seniors, family is important. Being able to spend with her grandchildren. She is pleased to be able to live close to her son and his family here in Canada. Roshan dearly misses her eldest son who lives in Sri Lanka and her daughter who just moved to Australia.

Initially, life in Toronto was difficult because of its size and the cold winters. Getting around such a big city was not easy for Roshan who was in her 70’s and enjoys being able to walk to her favourite destinations. Once she made the move to Victoria in 1999, however, she found it easier to get around with its mix of easy accessibility and safety. She also now has a close group of senior immigrant friends.

During her first 10 years in Canada, Roshan lived with her son and his family in Toronto and Victoria. In 2005 she moved out on her own and now lives in an independent seniors’ facility near downtown Victoria. She walks or takes the bus to visit her friends, family, her local church, or the senior’s centre.

In 2001, Roshan became a Canadian citizen. Roshan has three Canadian grandchildren who are now grown and starting families of their own. Their names are Nina, Persis and Zubin. Her eldest grand-daughter works and lives in Toronto with her husband. Roshan also has two great-grandsons Daniel who was born on July 19, 2000 and Gabriel born on July 23 2009 in Canada. Her second grand-daughter is employed on a cruise ship line. The youngest grandson is employed with a local computer company.