National Seniors Day
“Aging is quickly changing our world, especially in developed countries such as Canada. There is no doubt that in many ways our seniors fare better than elsewhere…” Jacques Bertrand, Executive Director, HelpAge Canada
Today is National Seniors Day in Canada and the International Day of Older Persons, as recognized by the United Nations.
The government of Canada is honouring the nation’s seniors who have made a difference in their communities.
How are older adults faring? 
National Seniors Day arrives just as the Global AgeWatch Index was released by HelpAge. The report, which monitors the economic and social wellbeing of older adults globally, ranks Canada 4th. Canada took the 5th spot the previous year.
The Index also acts as an indicator for governments, as to how their policies and initiatives geared toward seniors are faring.
Over 1 in 6 Canadians are 64 years of age or older
HelpAge Canada Executive Director, Jacques Bertrand, advises that issues facing older adults affect us all. “On a daily basis, older Canadians still face important issues, from access to services to social isolation. We need to work together to address these issues—they impact us all.”
Other countries rounding out the top five on the Global AgeWatch Index are Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway sits in the top spot.
This week Statistics Canada revealed that for the first time ever the number of people over 65 years old has surpassed the number of those under the age of 15.
Out of a population of over 35 million, 5,780,900 people are seniors in comparison to 5,749,400 people being under the age of 15. In 2011 the number of seniors in Canada was 4,945,055.
What are the economic and social implications?
Older adults in Canada have become the fastest growing population and that rate is four times greater than the national population growth rate.
This has resulted in people staying in the workforce longer. Increased pressure on the healthcare and pension systems are also projected.