Check out the National Institute of Aging 2024 survey results
Just released, the Perspectives on Growing Older in Canada outlines the findings of the largest national research initiative to focus solely on the experience of older adults (defined as 50+ years of age).
Conducted by the Environics Institute of Survey Research with a representative sample of approximately 6,000 Canadians is a rallying cry for change. The insights and data from the survey allowed researchers to inform policy makers and stakeholders while shedding light on the day-to-day realities of older adults attempting to live their life to the fullest.
The report confirms that Canadian seniors face a number of challenges that range from social isolation and financial insecurity to barriers in securing timely healthcare to meet their needs.
The key findings are expressed across three dimensions 1. Social well-being, 2. Health and independence and 3. financial security.
Social well-being
• Connection: 39% of Canadians engage in social and recreational activities at least weekly. For those who don’t participate as often as they’d like, financial restrictions are the most likely cause.
• Ageism: 1/10 Canadians aged 50+ report unfair treatment or discrimination due to their age.
• Social networks: 32% of older Canadians report a strong social network, while 36% experience weak social networks. Weak social networks are common when there is financial instability.
Health and independence
• Aging in place: A majority (80%) of older adults want to remain in their home for as long as they can.
• Health care accessibility: One in ten Canadians could rarely or never access the needed services and treatments in 2024. However nearly two-thirds reported being able to access them most of the time.
• Access to care: For the minority of Canadians who report needing home or community-based care less than half of them were able to access the necessary care all or most of the time.
Financial security
• Well-being: Most Canadian’s report stable financial well-being. Those who face financial challenges are most likely to be aged 50-64 years and are without good health or a workplace pension.
• Retirement readiness: For those aged 50+ who are still working, only one in three of them feel financially ready to retire. One in four Canadians have saved $5,000 or less for retirement.
• Material Deprivation: The Material Deprivation Index (MDI) is a recently developed indicator of poverty in Canada. The 2024 MDI shows that one in five older Canadians experience poverty-level standards of living.
For a copy of the report and policy implications visit: https://www.niageing.ca/reports-2
Images: CanStock.
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA)
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) aims to improve the quality of life for older adults and the systems that affect their livelihood by sharing information and shifting perceptions on aging. Through research, policy advocacy, stakeholder consultation and innovation they aim to reduce stigma around growing old in Canada. Their mission is to create a Canada where older adults are “valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence”.
