quote
“Start
by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing
the impossible.”
Francis
of Assisi
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blog:
After all our Elders have done for us.... our conscience, hearts and
souls as humanity establishes that our seniors deserve top notch care and love
in their last years on earth.... it's speaks of us as humanity... let's do
better folks... Canada- Nova Scotia we as for better and more long-term care
facilities for over 35 years... and still no political party notices... now our
hospital's are being drowned in long term elders using beds in uncomfortable
life where emmergencies demanding care wait and wait... imho.
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As
Baby Boomers Move Into Old Age, Who Will Care For Us?
When
it comes to the growing demand for caregiving, the numbers just don’t add up.
The United States, like many industrialized countries, is looking down the
barrel of a looming care gap.
The
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nursing assistants and home
health aides are among the top 10 occupations with the greatest projected job
growth in the United States. These unsung heroes, who are disproportionately women
of color, work for low wages and are often economically powerless.
How
can we support people like Roseline, part of a vital care workforce, who often
live below the poverty line, dependent upon public assistance to support their
families?
In
this Monday, July 9, 2018 photo, Bruce Hunt, right, looks to his wife, Anne, at
their home in Chicago on Friday, July 13, 2018. Bruce is Anne's main caregiver.
He also finishes her sentences when she forgets details like dates or times.
The caregiver support ratio, the number of potential family caregivers relative
to the number of older Americans, is projected to decline sharply by mid-century.
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NOVA SCOTIA...Annapolis Valley
‘Desperate’ ER doctors behind GoFundMe
up in arms over crisis
an emergency department — at Valley
Regional Hospital in Kentville — that’s too often overcrowded with patients who
have no place to go.
And why is that?
On any given night, there are often a
dozen or more patients — and sometimes many more — who’ve been seen by an ER
doctor, admitted to hospital but who remain stuck in emergency because there are
simply no in-patient beds in which to put them.
Concerned emergency physicians have
started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for long-term-care beds in the Annapolis
Valley. - GoFundMe
Concerned emergency physicians have
started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for long-term-care beds in the Annapolis
Valley. - GoFundMe
And the reason for that, these doctors
say, is due to a lack of nursing home beds provincewide. That’s why hundreds of
expensive hospital beds across Nova Scotia are filled with discharged patients
waiting for a spot in a long-term-care facility.
When you combine admitted patients with
nowhere to go, a waiting room full of people (many there because they have no
family doctor), ambulances arriving with more new patients and only two
stretchers for examinations, you’ve got an extremely high-stress work
environment — shift after shift, week after week, month after month.
“The lack of dignity and respect for privacy is
astounding,” he said. “Not to even talk about comfort.”
“We don’t have enough capacity in the province to take
care of people outside the hospital.”
The shortage of nursing home beds has far-reaching
consequences for the health-care system. A single person waiting in a hospital
bed for long-term care can block multiple acute care patients.
Patients admitted for acute care often need a hospital
bed for just a few days. Meanwhile, those waiting for long-term care in those
same hospital beds can languish there for months.
If their stay were 100 days, “30 (acute care) patients
could go through that one bed that one person, waiting for a long-term care
bed, is taking up,” Dr. Brewer said.
--------------------
Living arrangements of seniors- Canada
Introduction
The 2011 Census of Population counted nearly 5 million (4,945,000) seniors aged 65 and over in Canada. Of these individuals, 92.1% lived in private households or dwellings (as part of couples, alone or with others) while 7.9% lived in collective dwellings, such as residences for senior citizens or health care and related facilities.Footnote 1 These proportions were relatively unchanged from 2001 when 92.6% of the senior population lived in private households and 7.4% lived in collective dwellings.Most people aged 65 and over lived in a couple with either a married spouse or a common-law partner during their early senior years (Figure 1).Footnote 2 The size of the population of older seniors was smaller, owing to higher mortality rates. At the oldest ages, fewer people lived in private households, specifically in couples, and comparatively more lived in collective dwellings, especially women.
Living in a couple the most common arrangement for seniors
Among the population aged 65 and over, the majority (56.4%) lived as part of a couple in 2011; a higher proportion than a decade earlier in 2001 (54.1%). More than 7 in 10 senior men (72.1%) and over 4 in 10 senior women (43.8%) lived in a couple in 2011.The prevalence of living in a couple declined with age. Among seniors aged 65 to 69, 70.0% lived as part of a couple in 2011, although this was higher for men (77.9%) than for women (62.7%). For the oldest age group, aged 85 and over, fewer seniors were in couples. Still, more than one-fifth (21.9%) of this age group lived with a married spouse or common-law partner: 46.2% of men and 10.4% of women.
Decreasing share of senior women living alone
2011 Census data showed that about one-quarter (24.6%) of the population aged 65 and over lived alone, down from 2001 (26.7%). The share of the population that lived alone was fairly low and stable until about the age of 50 for women, and until approximately age 70 for men (Figure 2). After these ages, the prevalence of living alone increased for both sexes, but more sharply for women.Between 2001 and 2011, the proportion of senior women who lived alone declined while the proportion of senior men living alone remained relatively stable. The largest decrease in the share of women who lived alone occurred among those aged 80 to 84. In 2011, 40.2% of women in this age group lived alone, down from 46.1% in 2001. The proportion for men in this age group fell from 20.1% in 2001 to 18.6% in 2011.
The larger decline among senior women may have been partly due to the fact that life expectancy for men has increased at a faster rate than for women in recent years. Consequently, proportionally more senior women remained in couples until older ages.
Among the age group 85 and over, 36.6% of women lived alone in 2011 compared to 21.8% of men. Within this age group, living arrangements differed for those in their nineties compared to those who were centenarians (see Box 1).
Box 1: Living arrangements of people in their nineties and centenarians
Among seniors in their nineties, over half (56.5%) lived in
private households in 2011, including 28.7% who lived alone, 12.2% who
were part of couples and 15.7% who lived with others, such as adult
children. The remaining 43.5% lived in collectives such as nursing homes
or residences for senior citizens.
Men and women differed in the prevalence of particular living arrangements in their nineties. Overall, the share of women in this age group who lived in collective dwellings (47.3%) in 2011 was higher than for men at this age (33.3%). Women in their nineties were also more likely to live alone (31.1%) than men (22.2%) or to live with others (17.3% for women compared to 11.2% for men). In contrast, men in their nineties were more likely to be living in a couple (33.2%) than were women in the same age group (4.3%).
Among centenarians—people aged 100 and over—about one-third (34.0%) lived in private households in 2011 while two-thirds (66.1%) lived in collective dwellings. For men aged 100 and over, close to half (47.6%) lived in private households as did 31.2% of women in this age group. More than 1 in 10 centenarian men (11.5%) lived as part of a couple, while this was the case for less than 1 in 100 centenarian women (0.7%).
Men and women differed in the prevalence of particular living arrangements in their nineties. Overall, the share of women in this age group who lived in collective dwellings (47.3%) in 2011 was higher than for men at this age (33.3%). Women in their nineties were also more likely to live alone (31.1%) than men (22.2%) or to live with others (17.3% for women compared to 11.2% for men). In contrast, men in their nineties were more likely to be living in a couple (33.2%) than were women in the same age group (4.3%).
Among centenarians—people aged 100 and over—about one-third (34.0%) lived in private households in 2011 while two-thirds (66.1%) lived in collective dwellings. For men aged 100 and over, close to half (47.6%) lived in private households as did 31.2% of women in this age group. More than 1 in 10 centenarian men (11.5%) lived as part of a couple, while this was the case for less than 1 in 100 centenarian women (0.7%).
Proportion of seniors living in a single-detached house declines with age
Census data show that the share of the population living in a single-detached house varies as individuals age (Figure 3). Among younger age groups, the proportion of men and women who lived in a single-detached house was similar. The prevalence of living in this type of housingFootnote 4 declined for both sexes once individuals reached the age of 55. The decrease was more pronounced for women.The share of seniors living in collective dwellings increased with age. The 2011 Census counted 393,095 seniors aged 65 and over, or 7.9% of all seniors, living in a collective dwelling. Among seniors aged 65 to 69, 1.6% lived in a collective dwelling as compared to a proportion of 31.1% for seniors aged 85 and over.
Proportion of seniors living in special care facilities increases with age
As people age, they are more likely to live in collective dwellings that provide ongoing support and assistance services, professional health monitoring, care and treatment.In 2011, 352,205 seniors aged 65 and over, or 7.1% of all seniors, lived in a collective dwelling that focussed on special care to seniors (see Box 2). The prevalence of seniors living in special care facilities, such as nursing homes, chronic care and long-term care hospitals and residences for senior citizens, increased with age (Figure 4). Among the age group 65 to 69, about 1% lived in special care facilities in 2011; among seniors aged 85 and over, the proportion was 29.6%.
Living alone: The most common arrangement in residences for senior citizensFootnote 5
The census counted 127,925 seniors, 2.6% of the population aged 65 and over, living in residences for senior citizens. About 72.3% of them were women and 27.7% men.The majority of persons aged 65 and over (83.9%) in residences for senior citizens were living alone (Table 1). In the age group 65 to 74, the proportions for men and women living alone in a residence for senior citizens were similar (82.5% for women and 81.3% for men).
In contrast, the share of seniors living in residences for senior citizens as a couple was higher for men. In 2011, 17.2% of men aged 65 to 74 lived in a couple, compared with 15.7% for women. In the oldest age group, 85 and over, this proportion was 28.8% for men and 6.7% for women.
Box 2: Adding up the senior population
Description
1. Includes all individuals living in private or collective dwellings in Canada. Persons outside Canada on government, military or diplomatic postings are not included.
2. Nursing homes, chronic care, long-term care hospitals and residences for senior citizens.
Box 3: Note to readers regarding seniors living in collectives
At the time of census enumeration, it can be difficult to
differentiate between types of collective dwellings which focus
primarily on seniors, such as nursing homes, residences for senior
citizens or chronic and long-term care hospitals.
It is also important to note that in the Census of Population, some collective dwellings are classified by the types and levels of services offered, rather than by their names or official status from a business perspective.
For these reasons, users should be cautioned when comparing the census collective dwelling types with classifications used in other data sources.
It is also important to note that in the Census of Population, some collective dwellings are classified by the types and levels of services offered, rather than by their names or official status from a business perspective.
For these reasons, users should be cautioned when comparing the census collective dwelling types with classifications used in other data sources.
Note to readers
Random rounding and percentage distributions: To ensure the confidentiality of responses collected for the 2011 Census while maintaining the quality of the results, a random rounding process is used to alter the values reported in individual cells. As a result, when these data are summed or grouped, the total value may not match the sum of the individual values, since the total and subtotals are independently rounded. Similarly, percentage distributions, which are calculated on rounded data, may not necessarily add up to 100%.Due to random rounding, counts and percentages may vary slightly between different census products, such as the analytical document, highlight tables, and topic-based tabulations.
Additional information
Additional information on specific geographies can be found in the Highlight tables, Catalogue no. 98‑312-X2011002, Topic-based tabulations, Catalogue no. 98‑313-X2011024, no. 98‑313-X2011025, no. 98‑313-X2011027, no. 98‑313-X2011028 and no. 98‑313-X2011029 as well as in the new census product Focus on Geography Series, Catalogue no. 98-310-X2011004.Acknowledgments
This report was prepared by Anne Milan and Nora Bohnert, of Statistics Canada's Demography Division, and by Sandrine LeVasseur and François Pagé, of Statistics Canada's Income Statistics Division with the assistance of staff members of Statistics Canada's Census Subject Matter Secretariat, Geography Division, Census Operations Division, Dissemination Division and Communications Division.Footnotes
- Footnote 1
-
Includes all individuals in private or collective dwellings in
Canada. Persons outside Canada on government, military or diplomatic
postings are not included. Persons in private occupied dwellings refer
to a person or a group of persons who occupy the same dwelling and do
not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada. The population
in private occupied dwellings is the same as the population in private
households. Persons in collective dwellings refer to the population in a
dwelling of a commercial, institutional or communal nature, such as
nursing homes or hospitals. For more information on private and
collective dwellings, see the 2011 Census Dictionary, Catalogue no. 98-301-X.
- Footnote 2
-
With the exception of the section on residences for senior
citizens, analysis of seniors living in couples, alone or with others
in this Census in Brief refers to the population in private households.
The proportions of seniors in these living arrangements, however, are
presented as a share of the combined senior population in private
households and collectives.
- Footnote 3
-
More women aged 65 and over also lived with others including
their own parents, their adult children, or other relatives or
non-relatives, compared to men. Overall, 11.0% of seniors lived with
others in 2011, 14.6% of women and 6.6% of men.
- Footnote 4
-
Other types of housing includes private dwellings such as
semi-detached house, row-house, apartment or flat in a duplex, apartment
in a building that has five of more storeys, apartment in a building
that has fewer than five storeys, other single-attached house, mobile
homes and other movable dwellings such as houseboats and railroad cars.
It also includes collective dwellings such as nursing homes,
hospitals, lodging or rooming houses, hotels, group homes, and so on.
- Footnote 5
- Residences for senior citizens refer to collective dwellings that provide support services (such as meals, housekeeping, medication supervision, assistance in bathing) and supervision for elderly residents who are independent in most activities of daily living.
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Government Assistance and Funding for Caregivers in Canada
Date: Feb 07, 2019
As a caregiver, you are probably wondering what financial support and assistance is available to you. Depending on your caregiving situation, you may be thinking about resources that will be needed over the next several years, or you may be thinking about short-term needs such as transportation or assistive devices (this is a fancy description for wheelchairs, walkers, and other aids to help with mobility and independence).
Not surprisingly, many caregivers in Canada experience financial stress associated with providing care for someone, whether it’s a person with a disability, an older adult, or a family member or friend with an illness. In fact, lack of funding and financial assistance is one of the biggest pain points that Canadian caregivers have identified. Caregivers often ask if there is a monthly income or allowance available to them. Currently, Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that has such an allowance (known as The Caregiver Benefit Program).
Financial assistance from the government for caregivers in Canada is mainly in the form of federal tax credits and insurance benefits.
Not surprisingly, many caregivers in Canada experience financial stress associated with providing care for someone, whether it’s a person with a disability, an older adult, or a family member or friend with an illness. In fact, lack of funding and financial assistance is one of the biggest pain points that Canadian caregivers have identified. Caregivers often ask if there is a monthly income or allowance available to them. Currently, Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that has such an allowance (known as The Caregiver Benefit Program).
Financial assistance from the government for caregivers in Canada is mainly in the form of federal tax credits and insurance benefits.
Federal Tax Credits and Insurance Benefits
Here are steps you can take to minimize financial stress for both you as a caregiver and the person you’re caring for:- Learn about the federal government's Compassionate care Benefit (CCB) program. Employment Insurance benefits and job protection are provided to eligible family members for up to twenty-eight weeks while caring for someone.
- Claim the Canada Caregiver Credit when you file your income tax.
- Consider an application for the Disability Tax Credit. A person with a “severe and prolonged” impairment in physical or mental function may claim the disability amount once they are eligible. Caregivers of dependents or spouses/common law partners may be eligible to have the disability tax credit amount transferred to their own tax return.
- Reach out to the local constituency office of your provincial government (MPP, MNA or MLA) or federal Member of Parliament (MP) for the most up–to-date provincial and federal assistance available to you (the staff will also guide you and help you with applications, if needed).
Additional Programs & Funding
If the person in your care requires special equipment or assistive devices such as a wheelchair or walker, the following programs can help:- The Home & Vehicle Modification Program is funded by the Government of Ontario and administered by March of Dimes Canada to help Ontarians whose mobility and daily living activities are substantially restricted by an injury, birth defect, or long-term illness. If you live in British Columbia, PEI, Quebec, or Manitoba, click here to learn about similar programs available to you.
- For more than 50 years, the Canadian Red Cross has been offering the Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP). This program is available to residents of British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon.
- The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Assistive Devices Program provides financial assistance to purchase medical equipment and supplies for those who qualify.
- Ceridian Cares provides grants for not only assistive devices, but also clothing and footwear, food and basic household needs, and personal development and recreation to those who qualify.
- We recommend contacting national disease/illness-specific organizations (such as Muscular Dystrophy Canada, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Canada) for funding that they may provide.
- Individual or local branches of national charitable organizations may provide funding for assistive devices. You can use the national websites to access the contact information for local clubs. Each club or local branch may have different offerings and application processes.
The Importance of Financial Planning
Preparing for the future involves setting money aside for future health care needs. Here’s how you can start preparing:- Both the federal government and a few financial institutions have handy tools that can help caregivers calculate potential expenses related to caregiving and retirement. Taking advantage of these free resources will give you a better understanding of your financial situation now and can help you prepare for the future.
- Look into credit counselling services. These services include not only retirement planning, but also solutions for credit, debt, and money management. Credit Counselling Canada is the national association of not-for-profit credit counselling agencies that work provincially, regionally, and locally throughout Canada.
- Start an emergency fund, if possible, in case you need to pay for unexpected caregiving costs, reduce your working hours, or take an unpaid leave of absence from work.
-------------------------------
Government
of Canada — Action for Seniors report-2014
Government of Canada — Action for Seniors report
Published in fall 2014
Seniors play an important role in our families, communities and workplaces. They helped to build this country and continue to contribute to its success. In recognition of this contribution, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for seniors.
I meet regularly with seniors from all regions of Canada and from a variety of backgrounds to make certain that I understand their views and issues. I also consult with other stakeholders, government officials and levels of government. Everything that I have learned has convinced me that a high quality of life for seniors depends a great deal on helping them to stay active, engaged and informed.
Through a range of programs and policies, the Government has taken significant action to meet the needs of seniors, helping them to maintain active lifestyles, remain engaged in their communities and to stay well-informed about the services and benefits available to them. In the past year alone, we have:
I encourage you to visit Canada.ca/Seniors to learn more about these and other initiatives for seniors.
The Honourable Alice Wong, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Seniors)
ESDC chairs an interdepartmental committee which brings together these federal departments and agencies and serves as a focal point for the wide range of disciplines affected by seniors' issues. With the benefit of this analysis from across the federal government, the Minister of State (Seniors) provides Cabinet with a focused perspective on a variety of seniors issues. This report would not have been possible without the coordinated assistance of more than 22 federal departments and agencies. This report mirrors an aspect of Seniors Policy in this respect. Seniors Policy is inherently interdisciplinary. Issues affecting Canadian seniors fall within the scope of many federal departments and agencies. While the focus here is federal, a similar approach is often seen in many provinces and territories. It is a primary task of Seniors Policy to bring together the various program and policy elements from across the whole of government and assess them holistically.
In 2014, over 6 million Canadians were aged 65 or older, representing 15.6 percent of Canada's population. By 2030—in less than two decades—seniors will number over 9.5 million and make up 23 percent of Canadians. Additionally, by 2036, the average life expectancy at birth for women will rise to 86.2 years from the current 84.2 and to 82.9 years from the current 80 for men.
Source: Statistics Canada (1971-2010) and Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (2020-2080)
A large majority of seniors are also active later in life: 80 percent of seniors participate frequently (at least monthly) in at least one social activity, 36 percent perform volunteer work and 13 percent participate in the work force.
While many programs and benefits are featured in this document, more complete information is available at Canada.ca/Seniors.
This document is grouped according to the following six themes:
The National Seniors Council (NSC) advises the Government of Canada on all matters related to seniors' well-being and quality of life. Members include seniors, representatives of seniors' organizations and experts on seniors and aging. In 2012–2013, the NSC focused on the issue of retaining and attracting older workers, while in 2013–2014, its focus is the social isolation of seniors.
The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum is an intergovernmental body established to share information, discuss new and emerging issues and work collaboratively on key projects. The ministers meet annually to determine shared priorities, and in 2013, they agreed to focus on issues that include: supporting the active participation of seniors, particularly older workers who are balancing both work and elder care responsibilities; and assisting seniors in planning for "aging in place".
The CPP and OAS programs provide approximately $76 billion every year in fully indexed retirement income payments. Thanks in part to these public pensions, the number of low-income seniors in Canada has decreased from 21.4 percent in 1980 to 5.2 percent in 2011—one of the lowest rates in the world.
In recent years, the Government of Canada has implemented significant changes to these crucial programs to ensure their viability, ease the burden of paperwork, and provide tax relief.
As of July 2013, Canadians, including those who wish to continue working, have the option of receiving their OAS pension at a later date in exchange for a higher monthly amount in the future. A proactive enrolment initiative introduced in 2013 allows many seniors to be automatically enrolled to receive their OAS pension, eliminating the need to apply.
In recent years, the Government of Canada has increased the GIS for the lowest-income seniors by up to $600 annually for single seniors and $840 for couples. This investment of $300 million each year improves the well-being of approximately 680 000 seniors across Canada. It is the highest percentage increase in over 25 years.
In 2012, the Government announced an increase in the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS from age 65 to 67, beginning in April 2023; the increase will be fully phased in by January 2029.
The CPP and its equivalent in Quebec, the Quebec Pension Plan, are financed through mandatory contributions from employees, employers and the self-employed as well as revenue generated through investments. According to the Actuarial Report (26th) on the Canada Pension Plan, the CPP is sustainable for at least the next 75 years at its current contribution rate.
Between 2011 and 2016, the Government of Canada, with the provinces and territories, is implementing several changes to the CPP to reflect changing retirement patterns.
As of 2012, CPP contributors are no longer required to reduce their earnings or to stop working in order to receive their CPP retirement pensions. This allows Canadians the flexibility to combine income from earnings and pensions, and to retire gradually if and when they desire.
As well, retirement beneficiaries under the age of 70 who remain employed are able to continue contributing to the CPP to build their retirement income through the Post Retirement Benefit (PRB). The PRB is a fully indexed lifetime benefit that can increase beneficiaries' retirement income.
The Government is gradually adjusting (completely phased in as of 2016) the actuarial factors for early and late retirement. These adjustments result in a higher monthly amount for Canadians who choose to delay receiving their CPP pension until after age 65 (up to a maximum of 42 percent higher, if delaying until age 70). As in previous years, someone who chooses to receive their retirement pension early (between age 60 and 65) will receive a lower monthly amount.
As a result of these agreements, over 200 000 foreign pensions—representing more than $796 million in payments—are paid each year to eligible recipients in Canada. Canada also paid approximately 95 000 CPP and OAS pensions abroad, totaling $158 million in 2012.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, Canada signed new agreements with Bulgaria, Serbia and India and revised agreements with Norway and France. These agreements will enter into force once Canada and these countries have completed their respective legal processes.
The Canada Revenue Agency introduced a tax information video series called Pre-Retirement and Taxes. The series includes information about OAS, CPP, non-refundable tax credits, retiring allowances, RRSPs, retirement income funds, private pension income and paying taxes in retirement.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) initiated several measures to promote financial literacy, educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, and help Canadians make informed decisions that contribute to their financial well-being:
Source: Statistics Canada
With the modernization of Canada's retirement income system, the Government is providing more flexibility for those who opt to continue working later in life. It also provides additional support for extended participation in the labour market through programs that assist unemployed older workers and seniors who choose to continue working.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) helps unemployed workers aged 55 to 64 develop their skills and find new work, and the ThirdQuarter Initiative helps experienced workers who are over 50 find jobs that match their skills. In 2012–2013, the ThirdQuarter Initiative helped approximately 1 200 experienced workers find jobs that match their skills.
The Government is making further efforts to understand the needs of older workers as well as the barriers they face, including tasking the National Seniors Council with examining this issue more closely. The NSC consulted with employers across Canada on how to retain and attract older workers, specifically those who are most vulnerable. The Council's report entitled Older Workers at Risk of Withdrawing from the Labour Force or Becoming Unemployed: Employers' Views on How to Retain and Attract Older Workers was released in March 2013. It provides recommendations and best practices on helping older Canadians re-enter or stay in the work force.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) helps seniors to both benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their community through social participation and active living. NHSP funding supports community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues like social isolation and intergenerational learning.
Community-based projects engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. Pan-Canadian projects help seniors and community members to recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Pilot projects provide support to help address seniors' isolation through better social support networks and resources, and community interventions. They also identify intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop interests and share their knowledge and experience with others.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13 000 projects (1 770 community-based projects in 2013–2014 alone) that have helped seniors in hundreds of communities across Canada. Economic Action Plan 2014 proposed an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support projects that enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. This is in addition to the $45 million the program receives annually.
In 2012, an award ceremony took place to celebrate the first recipients of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, which were created to recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and communities. Two of the three award recipients in the Community Leadership category were seniors.
Seniors are volunteering more often.
Finally, the Government, as well as organizations and individuals in communities across Canada, celebrated the third National Seniors Day on October 1, 2013, to recognize the valuable past and present contributions of seniors to Canadian communities, workplaces and society.
The Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary income support to Canadians, including older workers and seniors, who are between jobs. The program provides up to six weeks of Caregiving benefits and leave for people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is seriously ill, with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. Families are the building blocks of society, and one of the most important investments that the Government can make is to help families, wherever possible. In June 2006, eligibility was extended to include additional family members and others considered as "family" by the gravely ill individual. In January 2010, the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act extended access to self-employed Canadians, on a voluntary basis.
In July 2011, a federal-provincial-territorial framework for the Investment in Affordable Housing was announced. It provided a $1.4 billion combined investment toward reducing the number of Canadians in housing need. Between April 2011 and March 2014, close to 184 000 households, including seniors and/or people with disabilities, benefitted from this funding.
The Government continues to work with provinces and territories to develop and implement solutions to housing. Economic Action Plan 2013 included a commitment of more than $1.25 billion over five years for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Affordable Housing Centre. The Centre has created more than 25 000 affordable housing units since 2006, including 10 773 units for seniors.
Also through CMHC, the Government provides ongoing subsidies of $1.7 billion annually for an estimated 600 000 low-income households living in existing social housing, both off- and on-reserve. Some examples of on-reserve programs include the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program and the Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program. Many of these households are occupied by seniors. Additionally, more than $2 billion over two years (2009–2011) was invested to build new housing and repair existing social housing for low-income Canadians. This included $400 million for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors and $75 million for the construction of housing units for people with disabilities. This funding resulted in the creation of over 9 000 new affordable units for seniors and people with disabilities.
Seniors can face many challenges that place them at high risk of homelessness. Through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the Government aims to prevent and reduce homelessness among vulnerable groups, including seniors. Between April 2007, when the HPS was launched, and March 2014, over $378.2 million was invested in programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among these groups, with over $2.7 million invested exclusively in projects for seniors. Economic Action Plan 2013 announced nearly $600 million over five years (2014–2019) in funding for the HPS, focused primarily on a Housing First Approach. With the introduction of Housing First, along with continued investments to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, the renewed HPS will better help support communities in reducing homelessness.
Additionally, to meet the unique challenges of those living on-reserve, the Assisted Living Program provides funding for non-medical, social support services for seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) so that they can maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Supporting safety, security and emergency preparedness measures for seniors is also important. The Government has a number of programs and initiatives that help seniors stay safe. In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) produced the Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security, a publication that offers information about recognizing abuse, addressing personal safety and avoiding frauds and scams. The publication is available on the RCMP website.
PHAC has worked with stakeholders from the emergency management and gerontology sectors to develop practical information that helps communities and emergency responders assist at-risk seniors in an emergency situation. In 2012–2013, the Government invested $600,000 for the final year of a four-year project, led by the University of Ottawa, to identify ways to improve emergency preparedness among seniors and other at-risk populations.
In response, the Government has committed to steadily increasing health transfer payments to the provinces and territories, reaching at least $40 billion by 2020–2021. It also supports research and delivers programs and initiatives to develop innovative care support systems, promote healthy aging and help prevent and manage chronic diseases and conditions.
Palliative care, which impacts many seniors as both patients and caregivers, is one area of focus for innovation in health care. In 2012, the Government provided one-time funding of $3 million to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models. In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government invested $3 million in funding to the Pallium Foundation of Canada to provide training for front-line health care providers.
This increase in support and investments in palliative care has far-reaching benefits. Not only does it support health care professionals, but also families caring for a sick or elderly parent.
The Government also provided funding to a number of national-level organizations to help improve care for seniors, including:
In 2012–2013, PHAC distributed a variety of information materials, including:
In collaboration with key partners such as the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health and the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, the Government is working to raise awareness and increase knowledge about seniors' mental health. The Government also supports research in identifying and treating mental health illnesses, as well as in ways to provide better support for patients and their families.
Over the next 20 years, 50 000 men and women aged 45 to 85 will be followed as part of the study. The CLSA collects information on the changing biological, medical, psychological, social, lifestyle and economic aspects of people's lives as they age. Information from the CLSA over the next 20 years will help improve the lives of people in Canada and around the world.
Awareness is one of the keys to preventing elder abuse. The Government of Canada continues to focus on increasing awareness of the signs of elder abuse and providing essential information on available resources and supports. From 2004 to 2013, the Government awarded over $18.3 million in funding to organizations across Canada for more than 460 projects that focus on elder abuse awareness.
The Government of Canada's highly successful advertising campaign, "Elder Abuse—It's Time to Face the Reality," launched in 2009, has been aired regularly on television, with print and online components, and has significantly increased awareness of elder abuse. A 2011 public opinion survey showed that, following the television awareness advertising campaigns and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities, 91 percent of Canadians have a basic level of awareness of this issue.
Information-sharing is another key to elder abuse prevention. The Canada.ca/Seniors website provides links to a variety of resources about preventing elder abuse, including the elder abuse advertisement and a booklet about powers of attorney and joint bank accounts developed by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.
To better protect seniors from mistreatment, the Government put into force the Protecting Canada's Seniors Act in January 2013, which amends the Criminal Code of Canada so that age is considered an aggravating factor for criminal sentencing purposes. In addition, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government further supports seniors by implementing the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which will give statutory rights to victims of crime.
More than one-third of all Service Canada's clients are seniors, a proportion that is expected to increase as the population ages. As such, ensuring that seniors have access to the information and services they need is a key priority for the Government of Canada.
Keeping the needs and preferences of seniors in mind, the Government is working to deliver information to seniors through a wider range of methods. In 2013–2014, Service Canada's Mobile Outreach Service staff provided information about the CPP, OAS, and GIS by delivering over 1 000 information sessions to more than 24 000 service delivery partners, caregivers and seniors.
In March 2013, a revamped version of the website was launched, featuring a new section called Information for Seniors. This section links to seniors-specific information provided by provinces and territories, as well as some municipalities. It also includes links to 2-1-1, a 24-hour telephone help line and website (211.ca) that provides information in over 100 languages about health and social services in many communities.
In December 2013, the Information for Caregivers portal was added, which provides helpful information to Canadians who are providing various forms of care to a senior. These two portals—Information for Seniors and Information for Caregivers—feature an interactive map that helps users find information more easily.
Today's seniors have more choices for living, working, retiring and staying active. The Office of the Minister of State (Seniors) will continue its important work together with departments and agencies of the federal government, as well as other levels of government and stakeholders whose work touches the lives of Canada's seniors. Working together, we will ensure that seniors continue to play a strong, productive role in all aspects of Canadian society.
A Message from the Minister of State (Seniors)
Canada's population is in the midst of a fundamental shift. In 2012, almost one in seven Canadians was a senior; by 2030, that number will jump to nearly one in four. This extraordinary change in our demographics presents new opportunities for Canadian society. It also presents challenges, which the Government of Canada is committed to meeting to ensure both the well-being of seniors and Canada's future prosperity.Seniors play an important role in our families, communities and workplaces. They helped to build this country and continue to contribute to its success. In recognition of this contribution, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for seniors.
I meet regularly with seniors from all regions of Canada and from a variety of backgrounds to make certain that I understand their views and issues. I also consult with other stakeholders, government officials and levels of government. Everything that I have learned has convinced me that a high quality of life for seniors depends a great deal on helping them to stay active, engaged and informed.
Through a range of programs and policies, the Government has taken significant action to meet the needs of seniors, helping them to maintain active lifestyles, remain engaged in their communities and to stay well-informed about the services and benefits available to them. In the past year alone, we have:
- implemented changes to income security programs to reflect the modern reality of how Canadians choose to live, work and retire;
- introduced new, and supported ongoing programs that help seniors continue to be active members of their communities, through paid or volunteer work;
- supported initiatives that help seniors remain in their homes as long as possible;
- invested in research and programs that support and promote good health while aging;
- undertaken activities to raise awareness of elder abuse and help prevent it; and
- improved seniors' access to information and resources about programs and services available to them in their communities.
I encourage you to visit Canada.ca/Seniors to learn more about these and other initiatives for seniors.
The Honourable Alice Wong, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Seniors)
Introduction
In 2006, the Government of Canada created the Office of the Minister of State (Seniors) within Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), formerly Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Its mandate includes working cooperatively with the many ministers, departments and agencies involved in developing policies and programs that affect Canada's seniors.ESDC chairs an interdepartmental committee which brings together these federal departments and agencies and serves as a focal point for the wide range of disciplines affected by seniors' issues. With the benefit of this analysis from across the federal government, the Minister of State (Seniors) provides Cabinet with a focused perspective on a variety of seniors issues. This report would not have been possible without the coordinated assistance of more than 22 federal departments and agencies. This report mirrors an aspect of Seniors Policy in this respect. Seniors Policy is inherently interdisciplinary. Issues affecting Canadian seniors fall within the scope of many federal departments and agencies. While the focus here is federal, a similar approach is often seen in many provinces and territories. It is a primary task of Seniors Policy to bring together the various program and policy elements from across the whole of government and assess them holistically.
Profile of seniors in Canada
Seniors in Canada are a rapidly growing segment of the population and are living longer and healthier lives than previous generations.In 2014, over 6 million Canadians were aged 65 or older, representing 15.6 percent of Canada's population. By 2030—in less than two decades—seniors will number over 9.5 million and make up 23 percent of Canadians. Additionally, by 2036, the average life expectancy at birth for women will rise to 86.2 years from the current 84.2 and to 82.9 years from the current 80 for men.
Table 1: Total and share of population 65 and over by decade, 1971–2080
| Year | 55 years and over | 65 years and over |
| 1976 | 11.3 | 1.6 |
| 1977 | 11.1 | 1.5 |
| 1978 | 10.9 | 1.5 |
| 1979 | 10.9 | 1.5 |
| 1980 | 10.7 | 1.4 |
| 1981 | 10.6 | 1.4 |
| 1982 | 10.6 | 1.4 |
| 1983 | 10.5 | 1.3 |
| 1984 | 10.4 | 1.4 |
| 1985 | 10.3 | 1.3 |
| 1986 | 10.0 | 1.3 |
| 1987 | 9.9 | 1.3 |
| 1988 | 9.8 | 1.3 |
| 1989 | 9.6 | 1.3 |
| 1990 | 9.6 | 1.4 |
| 1991 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1992 | 9.4 | 1.4 |
| 1993 | 9.3 | 1.3 |
| 1994 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1995 | 9.3 | 1.4 |
| 1996 | 9.3 | 1.4 |
| 1997 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1998 | 9.7 | 1.5 |
| 1999 | 10.0 | 1.4 |
| 2000 | 10.2 | 1.4 |
| 2001 | 10.5 | 1.4 |
| 2002 | 11.3 | 1.5 |
| 2003 | 12.3 | 1.7 |
| 2004 | 12.9 | 1.7 |
| 2005 | 13.5 | 1.8 |
| 2006 | 14.0 | 1.9 |
| 2007 | 14.7 | 2.1 |
| 2008 | 15.4 | 2.4 |
| 2009 | 16.1 | 2.5 |
| 2010 | 16.9 | 2.8 |
| 2011 | 17.5 | 3.0 |
| 2012 | 18.2 | 3.2 |
A large majority of seniors are also active later in life: 80 percent of seniors participate frequently (at least monthly) in at least one social activity, 36 percent perform volunteer work and 13 percent participate in the work force.
Government of Canada working for seniors
The Government of Canada works hard to help seniors enjoy a high quality of life. Its policies, programs and initiatives for seniors are also designed to support the people around them—their families, caregivers, employers and communities.While many programs and benefits are featured in this document, more complete information is available at Canada.ca/Seniors.
This document is grouped according to the following six themes:
- Ensuring financial security for seniors
- Enabling active participation in the labour force and the community
- Helping seniors to age in place
- Healthy and active aging
- Combatting elder abuse
- Ensuring seniors have access to information, services and benefits
The National Seniors Council (NSC) advises the Government of Canada on all matters related to seniors' well-being and quality of life. Members include seniors, representatives of seniors' organizations and experts on seniors and aging. In 2012–2013, the NSC focused on the issue of retaining and attracting older workers, while in 2013–2014, its focus is the social isolation of seniors.
The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum is an intergovernmental body established to share information, discuss new and emerging issues and work collaboratively on key projects. The ministers meet annually to determine shared priorities, and in 2013, they agreed to focus on issues that include: supporting the active participation of seniors, particularly older workers who are balancing both work and elder care responsibilities; and assisting seniors in planning for "aging in place".
Ensuring financial security for seniors
Canada's retirement income system's three pillars—the Old Age Security (OAS) program, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and personal pensions or investments—help ensure Canadians maintain a basic standard of living in retirement.The CPP and OAS programs provide approximately $76 billion every year in fully indexed retirement income payments. Thanks in part to these public pensions, the number of low-income seniors in Canada has decreased from 21.4 percent in 1980 to 5.2 percent in 2011—one of the lowest rates in the world.
In recent years, the Government of Canada has implemented significant changes to these crucial programs to ensure their viability, ease the burden of paperwork, and provide tax relief.
The Old Age Security program
There are three benefits under the Old Age Security (OAS) program: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances. In 2012–2013, over 5 million beneficiaries received approximately $40 billion in OAS benefits. More information about each of these benefits can be found at Canada.ca/Seniors.The Old Age Security pension
Most Canadian seniors aged 65 and over receive the monthly OAS pension. Seniors who have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18 may receive a full basic OAS pension. Seniors who do not meet this requirement may receive a partial pension if they have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.As of July 2013, Canadians, including those who wish to continue working, have the option of receiving their OAS pension at a later date in exchange for a higher monthly amount in the future. A proactive enrolment initiative introduced in 2013 allows many seniors to be automatically enrolled to receive their OAS pension, eliminating the need to apply.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional monthly benefit, targeted to OAS recipients who have a low income and reside in Canada. One-third of Canadian seniors who receive the OAS pension also receive the GIS.In recent years, the Government of Canada has increased the GIS for the lowest-income seniors by up to $600 annually for single seniors and $840 for couples. This investment of $300 million each year improves the well-being of approximately 680 000 seniors across Canada. It is the highest percentage increase in over 25 years.
In 2012, the Government announced an increase in the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS from age 65 to 67, beginning in April 2023; the increase will be fully phased in by January 2029.
The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
Individuals who are 60 to 64 years old (too young to qualify for the OAS pension and the GIS) may receive the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor. These benefits provide support for low income people who are spouses, common-law partners, or widows of GIS recipients.
At one of several CPP and OAS information sessions held in the Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury area in Ontario, a woman working at a local grocery store learned that she may be eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor benefit. She had lost her husband to cancer ten years prior and had been living in financial hardship ever since. She visited her local Service Canada Centre the very next day to apply for the benefit.
The Canada Pension Plan
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) replaces a portion of an individual's earnings once he or she has retired. The monthly amount an individual receives is based on contributions made throughout his or her working life. In 2012–2013, over 4 million beneficiaries received approximately $27 billion in retirement benefits.The CPP and its equivalent in Quebec, the Quebec Pension Plan, are financed through mandatory contributions from employees, employers and the self-employed as well as revenue generated through investments. According to the Actuarial Report (26th) on the Canada Pension Plan, the CPP is sustainable for at least the next 75 years at its current contribution rate.
Between 2011 and 2016, the Government of Canada, with the provinces and territories, is implementing several changes to the CPP to reflect changing retirement patterns.
As of 2012, CPP contributors are no longer required to reduce their earnings or to stop working in order to receive their CPP retirement pensions. This allows Canadians the flexibility to combine income from earnings and pensions, and to retire gradually if and when they desire.
As well, retirement beneficiaries under the age of 70 who remain employed are able to continue contributing to the CPP to build their retirement income through the Post Retirement Benefit (PRB). The PRB is a fully indexed lifetime benefit that can increase beneficiaries' retirement income.
The Government is gradually adjusting (completely phased in as of 2016) the actuarial factors for early and late retirement. These adjustments result in a higher monthly amount for Canadians who choose to delay receiving their CPP pension until after age 65 (up to a maximum of 42 percent higher, if delaying until age 70). As in previous years, someone who chooses to receive their retirement pension early (between age 60 and 65) will receive a lower monthly amount.
International social security agreements
International social security agreements are bilateral treaties in international law that coordinate the operation of Canada's OAS and CPP programs with the comparable social security programs in other countries. Canada currently has over 50 social security agreements in force.As a result of these agreements, over 200 000 foreign pensions—representing more than $796 million in payments—are paid each year to eligible recipients in Canada. Canada also paid approximately 95 000 CPP and OAS pensions abroad, totaling $158 million in 2012.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, Canada signed new agreements with Bulgaria, Serbia and India and revised agreements with Norway and France. These agreements will enter into force once Canada and these countries have completed their respective legal processes.
Tax measures
In addition to direct income supports to Canadians, a number of tax measures introduced since 2005 allow seniors to pay lower taxes, resulting in approximately $2.7 billion in additional tax relief. Some of these measures are:- the Age Credit (for Canadians aged 65 and older) was increased by a total of $2 000 (in addition to the existing indexation) and was claimed by almost 5 million seniors in 2012;
- in 2006, the Pension Income Tax Credit maximum allowable amount was doubled to $2,000, and in 2012 was claimed by more than 4.5 million people; and
- pension income splitting was introduced, allowing eligible Canadians to split up to 50 percent of their eligible pension income with their spouse or common-law partner to reduce their overall family tax burden, and was used by more than 1 million couples in 2012.
Financial literacy
In 2012–2013, the Government took steps to ensure that seniors are well informed about their financial options before and after retirement.The Canada Revenue Agency introduced a tax information video series called Pre-Retirement and Taxes. The series includes information about OAS, CPP, non-refundable tax credits, retiring allowances, RRSPs, retirement income funds, private pension income and paying taxes in retirement.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) initiated several measures to promote financial literacy, educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, and help Canadians make informed decisions that contribute to their financial well-being:
- A new online module called Planning Your Retirement gives Canadians the knowledge they need to make informed and educated decisions leading up to their retirement.
- A program for adult learners, Your Financial Toolkit, includes a module on Retirement and Pensions.
- An interactive budget calculator, information on savings and investments, financial planning, reverse mortgages and tax-free savings accounts.
Enabling active participation in the labour force and the community
Seniors who are active and engaged in the labour force and their communities contribute to the economy and society, as well as to their own health and well-being. Indeed, research suggests that an active lifestyle may prolong independence, prevent poor health and help manage chronic health conditions. Additionally, the wealth of seniors' knowledge, experience and skills can be translated into meaningful involvement in their communities. To help achieve this, the Government has several programs and initiatives to foster participation in the labour market and volunteerism.Labour market participation of older workers
Seniors increasingly want to remain active in the workplace for a variety of reasons, such as staying connected to a social network or adding to their financial resources. In just over a decade, the participation rate of seniors in the Canadian labour force has more than doubled, increasing from 6.0 percent in 2000 to 13.0 percent in 2013.Table 2: Share of labour force – men and women
| Year | 55 years and over | 65 years and over |
| 1976 | 11.3 | 1.6 |
| 1977 | 11.1 | 1.5 |
| 1978 | 10.9 | 1.5 |
| 1979 | 10.9 | 1.5 |
| 1980 | 10.7 | 1.4 |
| 1981 | 10.6 | 1.4 |
| 1982 | 10.6 | 1.4 |
| 1983 | 10.5 | 1.3 |
| 1984 | 10.4 | 1.4 |
| 1985 | 10.3 | 1.3 |
| 1986 | 10.0 | 1.3 |
| 1987 | 9.9 | 1.3 |
| 1988 | 9.8 | 1.3 |
| 1989 | 9.6 | 1.3 |
| 1990 | 9.6 | 1.4 |
| 1991 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1992 | 9.4 | 1.4 |
| 1993 | 9.3 | 1.3 |
| 1994 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1995 | 9.3 | 1.4 |
| 1996 | 9.3 | 1.4 |
| 1997 | 9.5 | 1.4 |
| 1998 | 9.7 | 1.5 |
| 1999 | 10.0 | 1.4 |
| 2000 | 10.2 | 1.4 |
| 2001 | 10.5 | 1.4 |
| 2002 | 11.3 | 1.5 |
| 2003 | 12.3 | 1.7 |
| 2004 | 12.9 | 1.7 |
| 2005 | 13.5 | 1.8 |
| 2006 | 14.0 | 1.9 |
| 2007 | 14.7 | 2.1 |
| 2008 | 15.4 | 2.4 |
| 2009 | 16.1 | 2.5 |
| 2010 | 16.9 | 2.8 |
| 2011 | 17.5 | 3.0 |
| 2012 | 18.2 | 3.2 |
With the modernization of Canada's retirement income system, the Government is providing more flexibility for those who opt to continue working later in life. It also provides additional support for extended participation in the labour market through programs that assist unemployed older workers and seniors who choose to continue working.
The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) helps unemployed workers aged 55 to 64 develop their skills and find new work, and the ThirdQuarter Initiative helps experienced workers who are over 50 find jobs that match their skills. In 2012–2013, the ThirdQuarter Initiative helped approximately 1 200 experienced workers find jobs that match their skills.
"Over the last few years, this program has provided training and employment for many women in the Annapolis area, benefitting both them and their families. Not only does the program provide women with essential skills to open a new business, it also teaches us that a new journey can begin at any age."Since the TIOW's launch in 2007, 417 TIOW projects have been approved (270 of which have been extended), targeting over 32 230 unemployed older workers in communities across the country. In Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government renewed the TIOW for a three-year period, representing an additional federal investment of $75 million until March 31, 2017. Recognizing that the labour market varies across the country, the community eligibility criteria were expanded. They now include communities experiencing high unemployment and/or significant downsizing or closures, as well as those where there is demand for workers and/or skills mismatches. By March 31, 2017, overall federal investment in the TIOW will be $345 million.
The Government is making further efforts to understand the needs of older workers as well as the barriers they face, including tasking the National Seniors Council with examining this issue more closely. The NSC consulted with employers across Canada on how to retain and attract older workers, specifically those who are most vulnerable. The Council's report entitled Older Workers at Risk of Withdrawing from the Labour Force or Becoming Unemployed: Employers' Views on How to Retain and Attract Older Workers was released in March 2013. It provides recommendations and best practices on helping older Canadians re-enter or stay in the work force.
Community involvement
A large percentage of seniors want to be active and engaged in their community, often through volunteering. Thirty-six percent of seniors perform volunteer work, with volunteers over 65 contributing about 223 hours a year, compared to the national average of 156 hours. In fact, in 2012, baby boomers and senior adults contributed more than 1 billion volunteer hours. The Government supports a number of programs and initiatives to encourage and recognize volunteer work by seniors.The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) helps seniors to both benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their community through social participation and active living. NHSP funding supports community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues like social isolation and intergenerational learning.
Community-based projects engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. Pan-Canadian projects help seniors and community members to recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Pilot projects provide support to help address seniors' isolation through better social support networks and resources, and community interventions. They also identify intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop interests and share their knowledge and experience with others.
Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13 000 projects (1 770 community-based projects in 2013–2014 alone) that have helped seniors in hundreds of communities across Canada. Economic Action Plan 2014 proposed an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support projects that enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. This is in addition to the $45 million the program receives annually.
"This funding allows us to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse amongst immigrant communities. This network has created a welcoming and participative environment that engages both seniors and professionals in a dialogue about elder abuse awareness."Additionally, the Government provided approximately $130,000 to the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada for activities that promote volunteering among young retirees, encourage community leadership among seniors and promote positive intergenerational relations.
In 2012, an award ceremony took place to celebrate the first recipients of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, which were created to recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and communities. Two of the three award recipients in the Community Leadership category were seniors.
Seniors are volunteering more often.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities and organizations across this country. They are selfless and inspiring Canadians who provide their time, energy and experience for no other reason than to promote the well-being of their fellow citizens."
Supporting Canadians who are balancing caregiving and working
The Government recognizes the important contribution made by caregivers who provide unpaid support and care to members of their families and communities—often balancing this with other family responsibilities and holding down a job. As Canada's population ages, the contributions of these individuals both as employees and caregivers will only grow in importance. Economic Action Plan 2014 announced the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan (CECP), which will help maximize caregivers' labour market participation. The CECP has established an Employer Panel for Caregivers which will help identify successful and promising workplace practices that support caregivers. The Panel held its first meeting on June 23, 2014."Our government's innovative initiative to address the issue and advance discussions and measures will be important in the lives of many Canadian families. They will be better equipped as a result of their employers' openness in this regard. Thank you for this great initiative!"In addition to launching the CECP, the Government is providing support in other ways for family members who take on the important and critical role of caregiver for family and friends with chronic health conditions or disabilities. The Government invested $2.85 million in Mount Sinai Hospital's Reitman Centre Training Institute for Health Professionals for a project that helps those caring for family members with dementia stay connected to the workforce. In January 2012, the Government implemented direct support for family members who are caregivers of infirm dependent relatives, through the Family Caregivers Tax Credit.
The Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary income support to Canadians, including older workers and seniors, who are between jobs. The program provides up to six weeks of Caregiving benefits and leave for people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is seriously ill, with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. Families are the building blocks of society, and one of the most important investments that the Government can make is to help families, wherever possible. In June 2006, eligibility was extended to include additional family members and others considered as "family" by the gravely ill individual. In January 2010, the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act extended access to self-employed Canadians, on a voluntary basis.
Helping seniors to age in place
In 2011, 92 percent of seniors in Canada lived in a private home. Recent Government of Canada investments in affordable and social housing, age-friendly communities, support for caregivers and programs to combat homelessness are helping seniors stay in their own homes and remain physically and socially active.In July 2011, a federal-provincial-territorial framework for the Investment in Affordable Housing was announced. It provided a $1.4 billion combined investment toward reducing the number of Canadians in housing need. Between April 2011 and March 2014, close to 184 000 households, including seniors and/or people with disabilities, benefitted from this funding.
The Government continues to work with provinces and territories to develop and implement solutions to housing. Economic Action Plan 2013 included a commitment of more than $1.25 billion over five years for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Affordable Housing Centre. The Centre has created more than 25 000 affordable housing units since 2006, including 10 773 units for seniors.
Also through CMHC, the Government provides ongoing subsidies of $1.7 billion annually for an estimated 600 000 low-income households living in existing social housing, both off- and on-reserve. Some examples of on-reserve programs include the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program and the Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program. Many of these households are occupied by seniors. Additionally, more than $2 billion over two years (2009–2011) was invested to build new housing and repair existing social housing for low-income Canadians. This included $400 million for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors and $75 million for the construction of housing units for people with disabilities. This funding resulted in the creation of over 9 000 new affordable units for seniors and people with disabilities.
Seniors can face many challenges that place them at high risk of homelessness. Through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the Government aims to prevent and reduce homelessness among vulnerable groups, including seniors. Between April 2007, when the HPS was launched, and March 2014, over $378.2 million was invested in programs to prevent and reduce homelessness among these groups, with over $2.7 million invested exclusively in projects for seniors. Economic Action Plan 2013 announced nearly $600 million over five years (2014–2019) in funding for the HPS, focused primarily on a Housing First Approach. With the introduction of Housing First, along with continued investments to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, the renewed HPS will better help support communities in reducing homelessness.
"The At Home/Chez Soi report shows that Housing First can work for seniors experiencing mental illness and homelessness. Housing First provides more than a home, it opens a door to a brighter future. The Government's renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, with a shift to Housing First, is great news."Since 2007, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in partnership with the World Health Organization, has played a lead role in the development and promotion of the Age-Friendly Communities initiative across Canada. This initiative supports communities in designing programs, structures and services—such as well-lit sidewalks, accessible transportation and socializing opportunities for seniors—that help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. Today, more than 900 communities across Canada are working toward making their communities more age-friendly.
Additionally, to meet the unique challenges of those living on-reserve, the Assisted Living Program provides funding for non-medical, social support services for seniors, adults with chronic illness, and children and adults with disabilities (mental and physical) so that they can maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Supporting safety, security and emergency preparedness measures for seniors is also important. The Government has a number of programs and initiatives that help seniors stay safe. In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) produced the Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security, a publication that offers information about recognizing abuse, addressing personal safety and avoiding frauds and scams. The publication is available on the RCMP website.
PHAC has worked with stakeholders from the emergency management and gerontology sectors to develop practical information that helps communities and emergency responders assist at-risk seniors in an emergency situation. In 2012–2013, the Government invested $600,000 for the final year of a four-year project, led by the University of Ottawa, to identify ways to improve emergency preparedness among seniors and other at-risk populations.
Healthy and active aging
Seniors are living longer and healthier lives than previous generations. Between 2014 and 2036, the average life expectancy for a 65-year-old is projected to increase by 1.8 years for women (to 88.8 years) and by 1.9 years for men (to 86.5 years). Despite this increased longevity, recent statistics tell us that 90 percent of Canadians aged 65 and over live with at least one chronic disease or condition, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, diabetes, dementia, arthritis or obesity. Chronic health conditions require more focus than ever before to ensure effective health care support and good health management.In response, the Government has committed to steadily increasing health transfer payments to the provinces and territories, reaching at least $40 billion by 2020–2021. It also supports research and delivers programs and initiatives to develop innovative care support systems, promote healthy aging and help prevent and manage chronic diseases and conditions.
Innovative care support
The Government plays a leadership role in supporting health care innovation to improve patient care, with investments of over $1 billion in various programs.Palliative care, which impacts many seniors as both patients and caregivers, is one area of focus for innovation in health care. In 2012, the Government provided one-time funding of $3 million to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models. In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government invested $3 million in funding to the Pallium Foundation of Canada to provide training for front-line health care providers.
This increase in support and investments in palliative care has far-reaching benefits. Not only does it support health care professionals, but also families caring for a sick or elderly parent.
The Government also provided funding to a number of national-level organizations to help improve care for seniors, including:
- the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation, in collaboration with Bone and Joint Canada, to promote best practices in hip fracture care, improve access to surgery and enhance post-operative support for hip fracture patients when they return home; and
- the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to develop and distribute national educational standards for Personal Support Workers (PSWs), who provide the majority of personal supportive care to seniors in home, community and long-term care facility settings. Ensuring that PSW graduates across Canada have a standard set of skills and knowledge makes recruitment and retention easier for employers, while reducing complications for PSWs who want to work in different provinces.
Promoting healthy aging
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for Canadians aged 65 years and older. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of Canadian seniors experience at least one fall each year, with falls often causing disability, loss of independence or even death. The Government has taken action to help prevent fall-related injuries by ensuring families and health care providers have accurate, up-to-date information on fall prevention.In 2012–2013, PHAC distributed a variety of information materials, including:
Supporting mental health
As our aging population grows, an increasing number of seniors will experience or be at risk for mental illness, including suicide and depression, as well as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has estimated that, in 2011, as many as 747 000 Canadians were living with Alzheimer's or related dementias, and that by 2031, this figure could increase to 1.4 million. The Government recognizes that these illnesses significantly impact individuals, as well as their families and caregivers.In collaboration with key partners such as the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health and the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, the Government is working to raise awareness and increase knowledge about seniors' mental health. The Government also supports research in identifying and treating mental health illnesses, as well as in ways to provide better support for patients and their families.
Research
The Government is taking a leading role, both nationally and internationally, in learning about and treating Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. To date, the Government has:- invested $825,000 to identify methods for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and to increase our understanding of the linkages between Alzheimer's disease and other diseases of the nerves and brain using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative;
- worked with Canada's neurological health charities and invested $15 million over five years in a National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions, which includes Alzheimer's disease. This study is providing some of the evidence that is needed to make future program, service and policy decisions; and
- participated in the G8 Dementia Summit, which brought together health ministers from G8 countries in 2013 to discuss how to better coordinate efforts and shape an international approach to addressing dementia as an important public health issue. During the Summit, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to working with like-minded countries to find ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia, and to improve the quality of life, care and treatment of those affected and their families.
- $23.9 million over five years for the Technology Evaluation in the Elderly Network located at Queen's University to develop and share information about the use of various technologies in the care of seriously ill elderly patients; and
- $800,000 for nine research projects on Health Services and Systems for an Aging Population to expand and exchange knowledge about care for older Canadians and to promote healthy aging.
Over the next 20 years, 50 000 men and women aged 45 to 85 will be followed as part of the study. The CLSA collects information on the changing biological, medical, psychological, social, lifestyle and economic aspects of people's lives as they age. Information from the CLSA over the next 20 years will help improve the lives of people in Canada and around the world.
Combatting elder abuse
It is estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of older adults in Canada experience some form of abuse and that only one in five incidents of abuse are reported. The Government of Canada has taken unprecedented action to support seniors and combat elder abuse, whether emotional, physical, financial or through neglect.Awareness is one of the keys to preventing elder abuse. The Government of Canada continues to focus on increasing awareness of the signs of elder abuse and providing essential information on available resources and supports. From 2004 to 2013, the Government awarded over $18.3 million in funding to organizations across Canada for more than 460 projects that focus on elder abuse awareness.
The Government of Canada's highly successful advertising campaign, "Elder Abuse—It's Time to Face the Reality," launched in 2009, has been aired regularly on television, with print and online components, and has significantly increased awareness of elder abuse. A 2011 public opinion survey showed that, following the television awareness advertising campaigns and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities, 91 percent of Canadians have a basic level of awareness of this issue.
Information-sharing is another key to elder abuse prevention. The Canada.ca/Seniors website provides links to a variety of resources about preventing elder abuse, including the elder abuse advertisement and a booklet about powers of attorney and joint bank accounts developed by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.
To better protect seniors from mistreatment, the Government put into force the Protecting Canada's Seniors Act in January 2013, which amends the Criminal Code of Canada so that age is considered an aggravating factor for criminal sentencing purposes. In addition, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government further supports seniors by implementing the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which will give statutory rights to victims of crime.
"The YWCA Community Action on Elder Abuse project complements existing national awareness projects and strengthens the capacity of front-line staff and volunteers."
Ensuring seniors have access to information, services and benefits
Service Canada provides information on a wide range of federal programs related to seniors, such as the CPP, OAS, GIS, disability benefits for veterans and the Veterans Independence Program, which helps veterans remain in their homes and communities by providing financial assistance for services like housekeeping, personal care and health and support services provided by a health professional.More than one-third of all Service Canada's clients are seniors, a proportion that is expected to increase as the population ages. As such, ensuring that seniors have access to the information and services they need is a key priority for the Government of Canada.
Keeping the needs and preferences of seniors in mind, the Government is working to deliver information to seniors through a wider range of methods. In 2013–2014, Service Canada's Mobile Outreach Service staff provided information about the CPP, OAS, and GIS by delivering over 1 000 information sessions to more than 24 000 service delivery partners, caregivers and seniors.
To help seniors living in isolated areas, Service Canada organized outreach activities in rural Francophone communities in Eastern Ontario. While seniors learned about CPP, OAS and other programs, it also provided some relief to their caregivers. The participants expressed their gratitude for having an in-person visit and the opportunity to ask questions about services and benefits available to them.
Finally, the Canada.ca/Seniors website is a central resource for seniors, their families, their caregivers and supporting service organizations, offering information on federal, provincial, territorial and some municipal government benefits and services for seniors.In March 2013, a revamped version of the website was launched, featuring a new section called Information for Seniors. This section links to seniors-specific information provided by provinces and territories, as well as some municipalities. It also includes links to 2-1-1, a 24-hour telephone help line and website (211.ca) that provides information in over 100 languages about health and social services in many communities.
In December 2013, the Information for Caregivers portal was added, which provides helpful information to Canadians who are providing various forms of care to a senior. These two portals—Information for Seniors and Information for Caregivers—feature an interactive map that helps users find information more easily.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the proportion of seniors in Canada, as well as their average age, is projected to increase sharply over the next few decades. Issues of concern to seniors will evolve as a result and will require further policy action. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of older Canadians, now and in the future.Today's seniors have more choices for living, working, retiring and staying active. The Office of the Minister of State (Seniors) will continue its important work together with departments and agencies of the federal government, as well as other levels of government and stakeholders whose work touches the lives of Canada's seniors. Working together, we will ensure that seniors continue to play a strong, productive role in all aspects of Canadian society.
Annex A: Relevant Sources
- 211
- Actuarial Report (26th) on the Canada Pension Plan
- Affordable housing centre
- Age credit
- Age-friendly communities
- Allowance
- Allowance for the Survivor
- Assisted living program
- Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan (CECP)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
- Caregiving benefits and leave
- Elder abuse awareness
- Elder abuse—It's Time to Face the Reality (video)
- Employment Insurance
- Fairness for the Self-Employed Act
- Family caregivers tax credit
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum
- First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program
- Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS)
- Housing first approach
- Information for Caregivers
- Information for Seniors
- International Social Security Agreements
- Investment in affordable housing
- National Seniors Council (NSC)
- National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions
- National Seniors Day
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
- Old Age Security (OAS) pension
- Older Workers at Risk of Withdrawing from the Labour Force or Becoming Unemployed: Employers' Views on How to Retain and Attract Older Workers
- On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program
- Pension income tax credit
- Planning Your Retirement
- Post-retirement benefit (PRB)
- Power of attorney and joint bank accounts
- Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards
- Protecting Canada's Seniors Act
- RCMP website
- Safe Living Guide: A guide to home safety for seniors
- Canada.ca/Seniors
- Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security
- Stair Safety at Home
- Targeted initiative for older workers
- ThirdQuarter Initiative
- You CAN Prevent Falls
- Your financial toolkit
---------------------------
How
in the World Will We Care for All the Elderly?- from 2012
All
over the world, people are living longer than ever before and posing caregiving
challenges that span the globe.
We
think of this phenomenon as particularly true of wealthy “first world” countries
like the United States. But it’s not.
Consider
these facts, drawn from a fascinating new portrait of global aging published by the United
Nations Population Fund:
Developing
countries in Africa, Asia and other regions are experiencing the most rapid
aging of their populations, not developed countries like those in Europe or
North America. “Today, almost two in three people aged 60 or over live in
developing countries, and by 2050, nearly four in five will live in the
developing world,” the report says. (While 60 isn’t considered an entry point
into older age here, it’s the cutoff used by the United Nations.) Developing
countries are also seeing the fastest growth in the ranks of the “oldest old” —
in this report, those 80 years old and above. By 2050, an estimated 280 million
people in developing countries – most of them women, who tend to live longer
than men – will be in this category, compared with 122 million in developed
regions. Of course, this is the population group most likely to become frail by
virtue of age and illness and to require the greatest assistance.
Here
are some other facts that made my head spin: Almost 58 million people worldwide
will turn 60 this year. By 2050, there will be more old people than children
under the age of 15 for the first time in history.
Witness
this nugget: “Worldwide, more than 46 percent of people aged 60 years and over
have disabilities and more than 250 million older people experience moderate to
severe disability.”
But
as middle-aged adults leave rural areas for economic opportunities in the city
– this is happening in Africa, large parts of China and other regions — older
adults are left behind to tend to grandchildren and take care of themselves as
best they can, without the aid of adult children.
What
this means is that the old are taking care of the old in many instances.
------------------
Healthcare
for older people is undergoing major changes in developed countries, due to
population ageing and reforms that shift care from hospitals/long-term care
facilities to the community. Besides, relatively few medical students are
pursuing careers in healthcare for older people (Frank et al. 2006,
Hauer et al. 2008, Petterson et al. 2012, Capaciteitsorgaan 2013 ). In 2030,
nearly 25% of the European population (Eurostat European Commission 2013) and
20% of the American population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2013) will consist of adults 65 years and over. ...
------------------------
Sizing
up the demand for long-term care in Canada
----------------------
Long Term Care Can be Bedlam
Visiting you got to see who never had
visitors, who called upon the Almighty long and loudly and whose personality
was transformed in the grip of Alzheimer’s. You also learned that residents
wore 12-hour diapers and got a bath once a week
Once I was distressed enough at the
patient/staff ratio I got in touch with a provincial representative. A day or
two later I was told the ratio complied with requirements under legislation.
Never mind the empty hallways and unheard pleas.
response- letters to editor on long term
care and treatment of caregivers and patients
---------------------
READER’S CORNER: Long-term-care staff
ill-treated
--------------------
Senior Care-
Physical Environments for Long-term Care
Ideas Worth Sharing
Table of Contents
Location Matters 27
Space Matters 37
Staff matters 45
Features Matter 53
Food Matters 63
Locks and Doors matter 71
Clothes and Laundray Matter 81
--------------------
Long Overdue: Improving Seniors Care in
Canada
Recommendations to address the growing needs of an aging population
Recommendations to address the growing needs of an aging population
Addressing the seniors care labour
shortage.Changes to existing policies and programs needed to meet the critical
shortage of front-line workers.
To the general public, the term “health
workers” evokes doctors and nurses. While this does not do justice to the
multitude of people who make a health system work, it does reflect the public’s
expectations: encounters with knowledgeable, skilled and trustworthy providers
who will help them get better and who will act in their best interests.”Working
Together for Health the World Health Report 2006 World Health Organization
-----------------------
NOVA SCOTIA MINISTER’S EXPERT ADVISORY
PANEL ONLONG TERM CARE
---------------------------
Long
Term Care- Nova Scotia
Long-term
care facilities licensed and funded by the Department of Health and Wellness
provide services for people who need ongoing care; either on a long-term basis
(permanent placement) or short-term basis (respite care).
There
are two types of long-term care facilities available, nursing homes and
residential care facilities.
What
are nursing homes?
Nursing
homes are important options for people who have difficulty performing everyday
tasks such as, dressing, bathing and toileting. Nursing home placement is
appropriate for people who are medically stable but have nursing needs that
cannot be met through home care.
What
are residential care facilities?
When
Home Care does not meet the needs of a person and nursing home care is not
required, a residential care facility may be the solution. Residential care
facilities provide people with personal care, supervision and accommodation in
a safe and supportive environment. (People living in residential care
facilities must have the ability to self-evacuate in the event of an
emergency.)
-----------------------
How Do Different Cultures Take Care of Seniors?
Posted
On 10 Oct 2016
By :
Dana Larsen
Related
Articles:
------------------
Not
Your Mother’s Senior Center: Senior Centers Today
The
roughly 74 million baby boomers currently in the United States are redefining
what aging looks like and what it means to be a senior. Because their outlook
on aging has a focus on staying mentally and physically fit, senior centers are
making changes to attract the boomer population and accommodate their
interests.
--------------------------
Living
arrangements
In
most developing countries, older people, whether or not widowed, typically live
with their families in multi-generational households. The concept of living
alone is alien and dreaded. For example, only 8% of older Chinese men and 10%
of women live alone, more than two-thirds live with children, rising to
four-fifths of the oldest old (25).
Eighty-eight percent of Ghanaians live with younger relatives (18). In the United Kingdom, conversely, only 25%
of older persons live with younger family members, most living alone (35%) or
with their spouse (40%) - interestingly, historical evidence suggests that
extended multi-generational family units have always been the exception,
children always having tended to leave home and set up their own household when
they marry.
Family
support
All
over the world, the family remains the cornerstone of care for older people who
have lost the capacity for independent living, whether as a result of dementia
or other mental disorder. However, stereotypes abound and have the potential to
mislead. Thus, in developed countries, with their comprehensive health and
social care systems, the vital caring role of families, and their need for
support, is often overlooked. Conversely, in developing countries, the
reliability and universality of the family care system is often overestimated;
older people are among the most vulnerable groups, in part because of the
continuing myths that surround their place in society (26).
---------------
How
the elderly are treated around the world
The
U.S. and U.K.: Protestantism at play
Western cultures tend to be youth-centric, emphasizing attributes like individualism and independence. This relates back to the Protestant work ethic, which ties an individual's value to his or her ability to work — something that diminishes in old age. Anthropologist Jared Diamond, who has studied the treatment of the elderly across cultures, has said the geriatric in countries like the U.K. and U.S. live "lonely lives separated from their children and lifelong friends." As their health deteriorates, the elderly in these cultures often move to retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Western cultures tend to be youth-centric, emphasizing attributes like individualism and independence. This relates back to the Protestant work ethic, which ties an individual's value to his or her ability to work — something that diminishes in old age. Anthropologist Jared Diamond, who has studied the treatment of the elderly across cultures, has said the geriatric in countries like the U.K. and U.S. live "lonely lives separated from their children and lifelong friends." As their health deteriorates, the elderly in these cultures often move to retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
---------------------------
Families
Caring for an Aging America.
In
response to this awareness of need for caregiving on the part of the older
adult and/or family members, one or more family members typically emerge as the
caregivers. Who ends up being a caregiver within a family is often shaped by
existing relationships, gender roles, cultural norms and expectations, and
geographic proximity as well as a host of other factors (Cavaye, 2008). For example, African American
caregivers are more likely to be non-spouses compared with white, non-Hispanic
caregivers (NAC and AARP Public Policy
Institute, 2009; Pinquart
and Sörenson, 2005). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
individuals are more likely to care or be cared for by a non-relative than
non-LGBT individuals (Fredriksen-Goldsen
et al., 2011). Ultimately, one or more family members may take on
the caregiving role and its varied responsibilities.
-----------------------
Global Health and Aging - WHO- American publication
Preface
The world is facing a situation without
precedent: We soon will have more older people than children and more people at
extreme old age than ever before. As both the proportion of older people and the length of life increase throughout the world, key
questions arise. Will population aging be accompanied by a longer period
of good health, a sustained sense
of well-being, and extended periods
of social engagement and productivity,
or will it be associated with more illness, disability, and dependency? How
will aging affect health care and social costs? Are these futures inevitable,
or can we act to establish a physical and social infrastructure that might
foster better health and wellbeing in older age? How will population aging play
out differently for low-income countries that will age faster than their
counterparts have, but before they become industrialized and wealthy?
This brief report attempts to address some of these questions. Above all, it emphasizes the
central role that health will play moving forward. A better understanding of the changing relationship between health with
age is crucial if we are to create a
future that takes full advantage of the
powerful resource inherent in older populations. To do so, nations must develop
appropriate data systems and research capacity to monitor andunderstand these
patterns and relationships,well-being. And research needs to be better
coordinated if we are to discover the
most cost-effective ways to maintain healthful life styles and everyday
functioning in countries at different stages of
economic development and with varying resources. Global efforts are
required to understand and existing knowledge about the prevention and
treatment of heart disease, stroke,
diabetes, and cancer.
Managing population aging also requires
building needed infrastructure and institutions as soon as possible. The longer
we delay, the more costly and less effective the solutions are likely to
be.
Population aging is a powerful and
transforming demographic force. We are only just beginning to comprehend its
impacts at the national and global levels. As we prepare for a new demographic
reality, we hope this report raises awareness not only about the critical link
between global health and aging, but also about the importance of rigorous and coordinated research to close
gaps in our knowledge and the need for action based on evidence-based policies.
------------------------------
United Nations- World Aging Population
------------------
wow brilliant article....
Growing Old in America: Expectations vs. Reality
Overview
and Executive Summary- 2015
-----------------
The
Meaning of “Aging in Place” to Older People
Purpose:
This
study illuminates the concept of “aging in place” in terms of functional,
symbolic, and emotional attachments and meanings of homes, neighbourhoods, and
communities. It investigates how older people understand the meaning of “aging
in place,” a term widely used in aging policy and research but underexplored
with older people themselves.
Design
and Methods:
Older
people (n = 121), ranging in age from 56 to 92 years, participated in
focus groups and interviews in 2 case study communities of similar size in
Aotearoa New Zealand, both with high ratings on deprivation indices. The
question, “What is the ideal place to grow older?” was explored, including
reflections on aging in place. Thematic and narrative analyses on the meaning
of aging in place are presented in this paper.
Results:
Older
people want choices about where and how they age in place. “Aging in place” was
seen as an advantage in terms of a sense of attachment or connection and
feelings of security and familiarity in relation to both homes and communities.
Aging in place related to a sense of identity both through independence and
autonomy and through caring relationships and roles in the places people live.
------------------
