Older Canadians feel positive about aging but are concerned about social isolation

While some groups admitted they were struggling as they age, the National Institute on Ageing found optimism was common. Its survey found among Canadians 50 and older, 63% felt positive about growing older and 72% said they had enough income for their savings to avoid major problems in the future. Other results show:

• The oldest respondents were most likely to view the future in a positive light compared to those aged 50-79;
• Those who reported their health to be "fair" or "poor" felt they were much more likely to be at a risk of social isolation and the survey found 41% may be at risk of social isolation. Those between 50 and 79 were more likely to be at risk of social isolation and having less satisfactory relationships. Those 80 and older were less likely, at 30%, to be at risk of social isolation; and
• Over a quarter of all respondents struggled to access the healthcare they needed over the past 12 months.

The NIA warns that around one-quarter of the country’s population will be 65 years and older in the next 10 years and that policymakers will need time to make changes to adjust for this demographic change.