December 13, 2023 – Canada is behind the ageing curve and needs a strategic approach to better meet the needs of its rapidly surging senior population and address the broader implications for our healthcare system, society and economy.
In Verbatim “Health and Ageing,” which is based on a presentation to the federal government, C.D. Howe Institute Fellow-In-Residence and Senior Fellow Don Drummond presents an overview of the future impact of our nation’s growing senior population and seven key elements for a strategy to address challenges.
From 2021 to 2041, the number of seniors (those 65-plus) will increase by 3.8 million people, and those 75-plus will double, while Canadians aged 85-plus will triple.
“Despite population ageing having been foreseeable for decades, Canada is unprepared,” according to the Verbatim. “We must act quickly and purposefully to meet the needs of the inexorably swelling number of seniors and to address the effects of the ageing population on the Canadian economy and society.”
Seven key elements for a strategic approach to tackle this critical issue include: 1) continuing to improve information; 2) being mindful health outcomes are determined by socio-economic and other factors and not healthcare alone; 3) giving seniors their preference and the chance to reap the benefit of lower cost with a sustainable expansion of home, community and social care support rather than now heavily relied upon long-term care; 4) promotion of naturally occurring retirement communities; 5) the need to address health-sector human resource constraints; 6) greater and more efficient efforts to address lifestyle and other factors that are worsening health conditions of seniors and others; and 7) the need for a holistic approach to health services for Indigenous Canadians.
For more information contact: Don Drummond, Fellow-In-Residence and Senior Fellow, C.D. Howe Institute; Lauren Malyk, Communications Officer, C.D. Howe Institute, 416-865-1904 Ext. 0247, lmalyk@cdhowe.org