Canada Is Increasingly Aging

Many Canadians anticipate retirement as a time to finally rest, calm down, and quietly enjoy life. While the golden years might be some of the finest years of one’s life, there are also substantial problems. Because of their age and living circumstances, older folks encounter particular challenges. Here are some of the most prevalent issues that elders experience in Canada.

Physical Health Issues

Many elderly persons have excellent health and are physically and cognitively capable of functioning far into their golden years. However, the biological processes of aging cause greater physical and mental health issues in the elderly than in younger age groups. Muscles and bones deteriorate as we age, we lose sight and hearing, and movement is sometimes restricted. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, affects around 10% of persons over the age of 65, up to 32% of those 85 and older.

Mental Health Issues

Approximately two-thirds of all adults 65 and older need help with at least one “daily living” task, such as showering or making a meal, due to physical or mental health concerns. Many older persons find it difficult to accept declining health because they worry about how long they will be able to perform the activities they like and fear losing their independence.

Health Care Costs and Nursing Home Care

If the elderly have more health issues, it stands to reason that they will need more health care. Older people see the doctor and stay in the hospital more often than younger people. Medicare covers certain healthcare expenses for seniors, but the majority must pay for roughly half of their medical bills on their own, which may amount to thousands of dollars each year. The aging population in Canada is a major challenge for our economy and government finances that cannot be ignored