Introduction

This booklet presents highlights of a report by the National Advisory Council on Aging – 1999 and Beyond, Challenges of an Aging Canadian Society. The report – published in this, the International Year of Older Persons – takes stock of seniors' situation today and examines what lies ahead. How will the next generations of seniors differ from the current ones? How will today's trends translate into tomorrow's challenges and opportunities? What will this mean for us as individuals and as a society?

NACA believes that the implications of an aging society will be profound and enduring. Seniors, like any age group, want a full and active role in Canadian society. Our goal is to help shape our society in ways that maximize the advantages of an older population while meeting the challenges.

It's up to everyone – individuals, governments, business, community organizations and the voluntary sector – to anticipate the challenges and take the steps needed to meet them. Some steps can be taken by one sector acting alone, while most would benefit from joint or combined action.

This booklet, and the full report, look at the facts and recent trends, and suggest actions that will help Canada move along the path toward an older yet healthier, more caring, and more equitable society-one that strives for fairness in giving all age groups a chance to meet their human development potential needs and fulfil their aspirations.

You can obtain your free copy of the report "Highlights - 1999 and Beyond: Challenges of an Aging Canadian Society," in several formats:

• on the internet in HTML format
• on the internet in PDF format
• upon request: diskettes / large print / audio-cassette / braille

• on the internet in PDF format
• upon request: diskettes / large print / audio-cassette / braille

For more information, call or write to:

National Advisory Council on Aging
Address locator: 1908A1
Ottawa, ON
K1A 1B4

Tel.: 613-952-7606
Fax : 613-957-7627
E-mail: info@naca-ccnta.ca