Seniors and Disabilities

Member's Editorial

Canadians have, overall, achieved longer life spans and better health than ever before. As a result, Canada's senior population is rising quickly. Many seniors, however, acquire disabilities through illness, sensory loss and accidents. A growing number of persons with developmental disabilities are also now reaching their senior years, posing special challenges to established ways of supporting seniors' health and well-being. In addition, Aboriginals generally have much higher disability rates than the total Canadian population. Many older Aboriginals have long-standing disabilities, a problem that is often magnified by difficult social conditions both on and off reserve.

Society's approach to disability has progressed a long way since the 1800s when persons with disabilities were excluded from mainstream activities and kept in a dependent role. Gradually, we have grown to view disability in terms of individuals' capabilities with a focus on maintaining independence. As a result, barriers to independence, and how to remove or prevent them, pose a continuing challenge to policy makers, service providers, seniors with handicaps and their families.

In a report entitled Understanding Seniors' Independence, Report no. 1: The barriers and suggestions for action, NACA pointed out how extensive the barriers are to seniors' independence. The barriers are even greater for seniors with disabilities. They include "problems related to physical or emotional health or health services, community-based support services, family and social supports, attitudes about aging [and disabilities], income, housing, mobility and transportation, communication and information, safety and security, and opportunities for activities of one's own choice." In the light of these challenges, it is important to address several key questions concerning seniors and disability.

First, how is Canada's population of seniors with disabilities changing? What impact will these trends have on existing formal and informal support services? And how can society help informal caregivers fill their demanding roles?

Second, what are some of the key barriers facing seniors with disabilities and how can society remove them? What roles can new technologies and the private sector play?

Third, because seniors with disabilities need a wide range of formal and informal services, how can all the major groups concerned by this issue participate in finding solutions?

Fourth, how can Canada reduce the stereotyping both of seniors and seniors with disabilities? Many seniors don't want to be perceived as disabled, and many persons with disabilities don't want to be perceived as old. What role can the media play in reducing stereotyping?

Last, what role should the federal government play in promoting greater independence for seniors with disabilities?

How Canada answers these, and related questions will affect our society's success in helping seniors with disabilities achieve greater respect, dignity and independence. The way ahead is not easy, but there are opportunities now to develop innovative responses, especially through partnerships among all those concerned.

Patricia Raymaker, NACA member from Alberta