TRENDS

Tracking Trends:

* Canada's population is aging

* Canadians are living longer
  ** However, gains in life expectancy have added to the years in which seniors experience health problems

* Seniors are leading more active lives

* The living standards of seniors have improved over the last 20 years

* The stereotypes of aging are being redefined

* The baby-boom generation (born between 1945 and 1965 and the largest population group) is entering retirement years, bringing wealth, vigor and political clout

* Seniors are choosing the right to age in the place of their choice

* More than 70% of Canadians over 45 have given thought to where they want to live

* Seniors prefer to stay close to home

* The majority want to stay in Canada

* Nearly all of British Columbians plan to stay in BC

* Residents of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are more inclined to move - some choosing British Columbia

* Reasons for relocation include: weather, financial considerations and proximity to family and friends

* The balance is shifting between the young and the old in British Columbia, where the seniors now outnumber the young

* An increasing number of seniors are living alone and that percentage rises with age

* Community based housing solutions will continue to rise to provide independent living

* Family caregivers are in a crisis: financially, mentally and health wise

* The sandwich generation (those that provide care to under-age children and older adult family members) is growing

* The volunteer sector helping seniors is also aging

* Doctors, nurses and health professionals are facing challenges as they are aging themselves

* Technology is becoming an important tool in providing care

* Smaller family sizes and geographic mobility are reducing the traditional family support for seniors

* Women as the traditional primary caregivers are participating more in the workforce, reducing the time to help aging parents

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