Seniors have more knowledge, resources and skills than ever

A recent report by Statistics Canada paints a new picture of the changing face of Canada’s seniors. The report, entitled “A Portrait of Seniors in Canada,” not only concludes that seniors today are much more numerous than they were twenty years ago (4.2 million vs. 2.4 million), but that those numbers will represent an increasingly-significant portion of Canada’s population – leaping from 13.1 percent in 2006 to a whopping 21.2 per cent (over one-fifth of the population) by 2026.

Aging baby boomers, coupled with low fertility rates and increased life expectancy, are among the reasons cited by StatsCan for the surge in the elderly population.

Given that those over 65 are at a much higher risk for developing osteoporosis, the report has serious implications for the future of osteoporosis management in Canada. Health professionals will need to be better equipped to deal with the rapid surge in the older population, and the increasing number of risk factors experienced by those over 65.

“A Portrait of Seniors” also provides conclusive evidence that seniors are living longer today. Coupled with earlier retirement, most Canadians will see their “senior” years last for an average of 20 years. Such a wide age range represents a vast group of people, whose corresponding needs will also become more diverse.

In the fight against osteoporosis, the report offers encouraging news: seniors are, on the whole, better-educated, more active, and lead less stressful lives than in the past. This indicates that Canadian seniors will have increasing access to, and interest in, the many resources that will best help them reduce their risk and manage osteoporosis.

• For more information on how many people are affected by osteoporosis, and the most effective ways to reduce your risk, please visit our section About Osteoporosis
  
  
• To view the StatsCan report in its entirety, please click here.