Seniors on the margins Aging in poverty in Canada Download this document in PDF format (33 pages, 300 KB)

Table of contents

Preface
Introduction
Definitions

The economic situation of seniors

• The end of income catch-up
• The extent of economic vulnerability
• Income sources
• Expected increase in income inequality

Issues and solutions

• Shortcomings of the OAS and CPP
       Under-subscription
       Late applications
       Late renewals
• Cumulative effects – income-tested benefits
• Retirement savings for low income earners
• Housing costs
• Income of women and immigrants

Conclusion
NACA recommendations
References
Bibliography

Please send your comments, queries or change of address notice to:

National Advisory Council on Aging
Postal Locator: 1908 A1, 8^th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1B4

Tel: (613) 957-1968
Fax: (613) 957-9938
E-mail: info@naca-ccnta.ca
Web site: www.naca.ca

The Division of Aging and Seniors of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides operational support to the National Advisory Council on Aging.

SENIORS ON THE MARGINS... is a series of policy papers presenting NACA opinions and recommendations on the needs and concerns of seniors who are marginalized, or at risk of marginalization in Canadian society.

1st printing, 2005
© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2005
Cat.: H88-5/3-2005
ISBN: 0-662-69055-9

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

Acknowledgement

Thanks are due to Richard Shillington for the research and analysis work he carried out for NACA in the summer of 2004 on Canada's income programs designed to support vulnerable seniors. Dr. Shillington, whose research has focused on health, social and economic policy, has contributed current information on the economic situation of vulnerable seniors as well as the examples cited in this document.

Photos: PHAC, with the gracious collaboration of the Good Companions Centre

Acronyms

The National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) is an arm's length body of citizens appointed by Order in Council to advise the Minister of Health on issues pertaining to seniors' health and the aging of Canada's population.

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