Defined pensions largely a thing of the past
WATERLOO, ONT. —The world of retirement income security is rapidly changing—and leaving most Canadians without a security net. In 1986, a sizeable 39 per cent of the labour force had an employer-sponsored pension and most of these (92 per cent) were defined-benefit plans where workers knew clearly the income they would have post-retirement. By […]
Home and long-term care improvements needed to respond to aging population: CMA
Leading health policy researchers and Canada’s largest medical organization say that improved long-term and home-based health-care delivery could go a long way in cutting the costs associated with caring for Canada’s aging population, but federal disengagement on the health file remains an obstacle. The Canadian Medical Association made improvements to long-term care and home […]
Being old is not what it used to be
“Old age is not for sissies,” said Bette Davis. Indeed, it is not, but the images from our childhood of what it meant to be “old” have changed dramatically. Of course, as I enter my 60th year, my perspective on what it means to be “old,” of necessity, shifts. As another popular aphorism, puts […]
Many elderly living at or near poverty line
Statistics Canada says the population over the age of 65 will pass 10.5 million in 20 years. With this demographic greying, governments will face challenges the likes of which Canada has never encountered. But as a country, we’ve known for many years that this demographic shift was coming, and that adequately preparing for it […]
NDP committed to providing modern, progressive vision, inclusive society for seniors
The percentage of seniors in Canada will increase considerably in the coming years. What are they to expect? What quality of life will they have? These are questions that require serious consideration. In a recent speech, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made reference that Canada’s aging population is a problem. In my opinion, whether in […]
Feds committed to seniors, helping them remain active, engaged, informed
Older Canadians play a vital role in Canadian families, workplaces, and communities. Today, one in seven Canadians is aged 65 or over. In less than 20 years, that ratio will be one in four. At the same time, the average life expectancy in Canada continues to increase. As our population ages, we want to […]
Seniors vital to our society, feds committed to their evolving needs, says Aglukkaq
Seniors are the fastest growing age group in Canada, shaping a dramatic demographic shift in our population. It is estimated that by the next decade seniors will account for more than one out of every five Canadians. In recent years, we’ve created many of the conditions necessary for healthy aging. Progress made in health […]
Experts split on whether Canada’s aging baby boomers will mean long slump for housing market
Canada’s housing market could be headed for a long, slow, decline as baby boomers age and fewer young Canadians buy houses in the coming years, says researcher George Athanassakos, but other observers are split about the aging group’s effects on housing. “Baby boomers have affected house prices and interest rates in a positive way over the past 30 years. […]
Time to improve care for the seriously ill elderly
Between 2001 and 2006, the number of Canadians aged 80 years and over grew by 25 per cent. This rapid growth in our senior population is projected to last until 2031, when it is anticipated that seniors will account for between 23 per cent and 25 per cent of all Canadians. The number of […]
Improved labour mobility and immigration reforms needed in an aging society, says University of Calgary researcher
The author of a study sounding the alarm over the impact of the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program on Canada’s labour market says that a prolonged over-reliance on the program could have troubling consequences as more Canadians retire in the coming decades. University of Calgary sociology professor Kevin McQuillan told The Hill Times […]
