Senior Housing Issues

As Canada continues to age, more awareness and concern about care for seniors comes to the forefront of the public conscience. Many people are already aware of the challenges a larger senior population poses to the healthcare system and the tax base. People are increasingly aware of the social effects of a larger number of older people.

One major concern is senior housing. As people age, they tend to decline in health. While some people will become ill, others will suffer from health conditions that limit their independence and mobility.

As a result, a mix of housing options for seniors is needed. Some seniors will need to move to long-term care facilities, while others will remain at home. There are still many challenges, however, particularly

While those in rural areas also need services, the rapidly aging suburbs and bedroom communities of Canada pose problems in the delivery of care for seniors.

The problem is the location of seniors versus the location of services. Centres such as Toronto and Montreal are better equipped to provide the services seniors need. These cities, however, tend to have younger populations.

Services must move closer to those who need them, but this can be a challenge. Facilities may not exist. Different municipalities may not have the budget to support expanded care for seniors. There may also be fewer qualified professionals in the area, and they may not want to move from other places.

2. Built for Cars

Another pressing problem is the suburban dependency on the car. Many of the senior citizens living in these areas moved in the 1970s and 1980s when they were much younger and much more mobile. They were easily able to hop in the car and commute into the city.

As they age, however, more people will require mobility services and public transit options. Cities are much more easily navigated for those who experience mobility issues. Many older people will lose their licences. Some may just not want to drive anymore. They then face limited options for accessing care for