The Population Of Canada And The Proportion Of Seniors

As our population ages there is becoming a greater need to accommodate and care for them. Statistics Canada did a census in 2016 that states that "13.0% of the population is aged 65 and older." Although many people aged 65 can still function independently and do not require much help. As they become older however, their needs will change as their health declines (Ivan, 2018). The local community has seen a shift in needs as elementary schools and high schools are amalgamated to adjust for low numbers of students. On the other hand the number and size of the local Nursing and Retirement Homes has grown. "32.0% of people aged 85 and older lived in collective dwellings such as nursing homes and residences for senior citizens" (A Portrait of

I have identified the aging population (greater than 55 years of age) in Chatham/Kent, Ontario (in a community I am familiar and work within); a population on the rise and with minimal government and Ministry of Health support that enables seniors to maintain quality of life,

Over the next 50 years ageing baby boomers will have great impact on the Canadian economy in the area of health care. Baby boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964 increased the demand for elementary schools, high schools, post- secondary education and family housing. By 2062 many baby boomers will turn 100, now that they are aging, the demand for health care, death services, retirement homes and medicine is increasing. From 2015 to 2062, there is a predicted cost of $7.2 trillion that will be spent in health care for senior citizens. For funeral services for the baby boomers in 2015, there is an estimated cost of $2.8 trillion, and old pension cost of $1.3 trillion. The senior

Beatty and Berdahl point out that policymakers and researchers have not paid enough attention to Abriginal seniors’ health care needs. Both authors seek to understand what health care challenges Aboriginal seniors face in Canada what policy methodologies are required to increase the wellbeing and health of Aboriginal seniors in order for them have a better quality of life and respect their culture and needs. Therefore, the authors suggest that policymakers should include four factors to take in considerations: socioeconomic situation, jurisdiction, underutilization of health services available in urban context and elder abuse.

Maturing of the population is likely a standout among the most examined and debated subjects in Canada today. While a few experts gauge the most noticeably awful as far as expenses to open administrations and work market deficiencies, others contend that Canada is very much prepared to face this social and demographic change - and that individuals shouldn 't stress that much over the developmental rate of seniors in the population.

There is diversity among all Canadian, hence there is differences among the aging population. Not all seniors are aging well and have the appropriate programs and services to meet their needs. Some seniors are victims of abuse and some are living in isolation and poverty. Some seniors suffer from chronic illness and other socio-economic factors limit the amount of money they can put away for retirement. Hence these middle and low income elderly retirees will have to depend mainly on the pension plan that is offered between the age of 60- 65. The age of 60-65 is regarded in Canada as the age of retirement. This paper will focus mainly on the disadvantaged older populations. The disadvantaged older populations are those who are currently

According to Statistics Canada, aging population has steadily increased since the mid-1960. The age of 65 and older comprised 15.7% of the country’s population. Promoting health in these aging population is very crucial to minimise the severity of health complications that might occur in the long run. Gerontological Nursing involves the care of aging people and emphasize the promotion of the highest possible quality of life and wellness throughout the lifespan (Eliopoulos, c2014 p73). Aging people need Gerontological Nurses who are knowledgeable and willing to promote health and optimum quality of life with the consideration of their core needs such as physiological balance, connection and gratification (Eliopoulos, c2014 p78).

The health sector in Canada has experienced a lot of challenges regarding to the seniors who are increasingly coming into being. This has posed a challenge to the Canadian health sector in general, although through proper health strategies the number has posed no challenge to the Canadian government so far. Provisionally, the health sector has taken a different approach in ensuring that the old aged are taken care of appropriately. The analysis of the different provinces strategies is therefore important in ensuring that the sustainability of the old aged population is achieved. According to the national statistics in Canada in 2011, the population of seniors who are aged 65 years and above was 153,705. Nova Cotia had the highest number of seniors totaling 16.5% of the population with Saskatchewan following with a percentage of 14.87%. However, by 2036, it is expected that the Newfoundland and Labrador will have the highest proportion of seniors.

The Ageing population in comparison to labor productivity and developments within Canada is reaching crisis level. Population analysts have explained that Canada needs an immediate overhaul of its migration policy to be able to contain the looming crisis caused by the ageing generations (Gazer, 2016). Currently it is estimated by 2021; approximately more than 17% of the total Canadian population will be over 65 years of age. Gazer (2016) explains that this represents an approximate 7 million people with the number projected to increases to almost 20 million representing 22.6% of the entire Canadian population. Government departments, state corporations, institutions and private organization require adequate professional

In detail, in 1940, the proportion of people aged 65 or more stood at 5% in Japan, approximately 7% in Sweden and 9% in the USA. In the following years, the proportion of elderly in both USA and Sweden rose dramatically and reached a peak of 15% and nearly 13% respectively in 1980. But the proportion in Japan declined slightly over the same period.

Ageing is becoming a priority issue in Canada, and healthcare systems are investing large amount of money to enhance the quality of life for baby boomers. The present life expectancy in Canada has reached 80.9 years (Public Health Agency, 2011). According to this estimation, older adults will make up to 18% of the total population by 2021; an equivalent to 6.7 million people. (Rivard & Buchanan, 2006; Smith, 2012). This data highlights the probability of problems that can be caused due to the increased ratio of dependent population which are an older adults. Physiological changes associated with an aging make older adults more reliant on health care services for the treatments and better quality of life while ageing. It is estimated that 74-90% of older adults struggle with at least one chronic condition in Canada (Smith, 2012). The accompanying cost with these diseases are $ 190 billion out of which $ 90 billion is goes directly toward treatment measures (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011). As a result, the healthcare system is facing many complex challenges relating to improving quality of life for baby boomers and lowering health care costs.

Now than ever, the senior’s demographics, who are sixty-five and older is accounting for an ever-increasing population in Canada. According to Statistics Canada (2018), in 2036, seniors are projected to account for 23% to 25% of Canadian population (p.1, para.2) Why should the demographic shift in the senior community should be a concern? As the Canadian populations is aging, it may lead to a numbers of elder abuse incidents. According to Alberta Health, elder abuse is a social and a public health issue which undermines senior’s dignity and sense of security, and it damages lives and relationships (2010, p.3, para.3). In one way or another, most people at least interact on daily basis with a senior’s member. Indeed, seniors are vital piece

As many people know the baby boomers are entering into retirement and are classified as seniors. There are some who are unwell and others who are active seniors. Some are financially well off where others are financially struggling. Within Canada there are some non-profit agencies or government programs which try to help seniors, but there are always struggles due to the growing population and rising costs.

Both scientific and medical researchers should not ignore information on rates of health service utilisation by older populations; medical and social expenses incurred on both individuals and families; as well as cultural and socioeconomic influences on the health of the ≥ 60s population. A hierarchy of data collection modules will have to be established - from systematic data collection procedures for descriptive data to comprehensive data like that found in OECD countries. Less developed regions should be able to link population-based data and administrative health information with socioeconomic and health service data in order to analyse how health programs, interventions and policies relate to health outcomes of the older individuals. Last, but not least, countries in these regions need to establish cross-national and regional panel studies in order to compare health and attributing factors for the elderly population across regions and countries.

One of the greatest challenges of the twenty first century will be the tremendous increase in the number of older adults throughout the world. Elderly people are the most rapidly increasing age group in Canada. In 2000 there was about 3.8 million Canadians were 65 years older. Statistics of Canada projects that by 2021, it will get doubled (Hick S., 2010, p.270). It is sure that this demographic trend will affect most part of our society, especially the health care needs and the delivery of health services. There will be a huge increase in the issues that affect the older Canadians. It is important that future health care professionals especially the social Service workers should be prepared to meet the needs of the increasing aging population across the globe. This paper examines the main problems faced by senior population in Canada, the different social work theories related to ageism and the different roles, values, knowledge and responsibilities needed for gerontological social work practice.