Adapting Canadian Health Care to an Aging Population

Abstract

The first of the Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964 and accounting for approximately one-third of Canada's population, are turning 65 this year (Dobbs 2008). As this generation of Canadians ages, it is estimated that there will be more people in Canada over the age of 65 than there will be under the age of 14 by 2025 (Diachun 2010). Healthcare systems in Canada as well as other Western nations are thus in the process of adapting to an unprecedented increasingly elderly population. In response to this change, our country’s health care providers are gaining insight into the unique set of healthcare needs required by this age group through research. The challenges posed in trying to meet these needs continue to be prominent topics of discussion within the health care community and beyond.