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The Aging Population

Canada’s population is aging, but it’s unclear what impact this will have on individuals, our society and the social and health services on which we depend. Rising healthcare costs and population aging have fuelled debate about the financial sustainability of Canada’s healthcare systems. Many Canadians are concerned that the situation may impact their ability to access the health services they need when they need them.

Seniors have special healthcare needs due to the unique health realities they face (chronic conditions, frailty and end-of-life issues, as examples). Health services and associated policies will need to adapt to address these needs. But what needs to change? By when? And how?

CHSRF is working with stakeholders across Canada to identify the key challenges and opportunities population aging poses for Canada’s healthcare systems, as well as to propose constructive solutions to meet the healthcare needs of seniors and all Canadians.
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We’re getting older!

It’s time to develop policies that will sustain healthcare

This report from CHSRF, Better with Age: Health systems planning for the aging population, is a synthesis of what we heard from more than 200 policy-makers, healthcare executives, researchers and citizen representatives during six roundtables across the country. The main message? Now is the time to formulate policies and implement sustainable reforms that will improve healthcare for the growing number of older Canadians—and the population as a whole.
» Read the report, Better with Age: Health systems planning for the aging population

Don't plan for seniors; Plan with seniors

A conversation about healthcare with older Canadians
On February 21, 2011, CHSRF hosted a public engagement event in Vancouver – Better with Age: Your Healthcare Experience – to bring clarity to the question of what citizens want from their healthcare as they age. The event facilitated dialogue engaged 15 invited citizens from the Vancouver area who represented a variety of perspectives (caregivers, experience with long-term care, hospital care, homecare, and end-of-life care), and who had a primary perspective as a citizen rather than as a healthcare professional or administrator. A key message? Don't plan for serniors; plan with seniors.

» Read the report - Better with Age: A conversation about healthcare with older Canadians
» View the guide used to facilitate the conversation (PDF, 7.67 MB) 

More CHSRF publications and resources

Other Resources

CHSRF contact:
Jennifer Verma
Director, Policy
Tel. (613) 728-2238 ext. 348

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