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Introduction
The Second World Assembly on Aging (April 2002) provides an opportunity
for all the countries of the world to come together to reflect on the
impact of aging not only on individual nations but also globally. It is
an opportunity to celebrate the enormous gains in longevity witnessed
in the twentieth century and to anticipate the challenges of the new millennium.
Canada is positioned well to respond to these challenges and its federal
government remains committed to building a strong society for all ages.
At the start of this new century, Canada faces significant aging of its
population as the proportion of seniors increases more rapidly than all
other age groups. In 2001, one Canadian in eight was aged 65 years or
over. By 2026, one Canadian in five will have reached age 65.
Population aging is a complex issue that concerns not only the well-being
of today's older Canadians but also broader areas and sectors affecting
the total population, such as health, labour markets and public finances.
It affects and engages communities, all levels of government and all sectors
of society.
The challenges of an aging Canadian society will require continued efforts
to:
- iimprove health, well-being and independence in later life;
- facilitate the participation of older Canadians in economic and social
life;
- strengthen the supportive environments within communities; and,
- sustain government programs benefiting Canadians of all ages.
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Canada's seniors are a diverse population. Issues related to their
overall health and well-being may vary depending on their place
of residence (urban, rural, or northern areas), their gender, their
ethnocultural background as well as if they are among Canada's Aboriginal
peoples. The federal response to population aging recognizes and
responds to this diversity through a wide range of policy and program
initiatives.
This document is intended to provide an overview of population
aging in Canada and of the major issues that must be addressed as
both the number and the proportion of seniors increase in Canadian
society. It also provides information on how the federal government
is responding to these issues.
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The first section of the document presents statistical information on
seniors in Canada, outlining the characteristics and diversity of Canada's
older population, while the second section describes a number of the key
steps being taken by the Canadian federal government in collaboration
with partners to address important aging issues.
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