Transcript No Slide Title

Getting Ready for the
Boomers:
Impact of an Aging
Population
Valerie White RSW
Chief Executive Officer
Nova Scotia Department of Seniors
November 6, 2008
The Impact of Population Aging
on:
• Society
• Community Development
• Recreation
How can we plan for the coming change?
Getting Ready for the Boomers
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NS Department of Seniors (History and Mandate)
An Aging Population and the Health Implications
Nova Scotia’s Aging Population
Department of Seniors Response to our Aging
Population
• Who are Baby Boomers and Zoomers?
• The Impact of an Aging Population on Society,
Community Development and Recreation
• How can Nova Scotia Plan for the Coming Change?
Leadership
Honourable
Rodney
MacDonald,
Premier of Nova
Scotia
• NS Seniors’ Citizens
Secretariat established in
1980 by an Act of the Nova
Scotia Legislature
• NS Department of Seniors
was created in September
2007 by Order in Council.
– Minister of NS Dept. of
Seniors and Chairperson
of the Seniors’ Secretariat
The Honourable Carolyn
Bolivar-Getson
Nova Scotia Department of Seniors
• Seniors Citizens Secretariat (became the NS Seniors’ Secretariat)
established in 1980 by an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislature.
• Ministers of Seniors’ Secretariat
- Honourable Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (Chairperson)
-The Honourable Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion & Protection
-The Honourable Chris d’Entremont, Minister of Health
-The Honourable Karen Casey, Minister of Education
-The Honourable Jamie Muir, Minister of Service NS and Municipal Relations
-The Honourable Cecil P. Clarke, Attorney General and Minister of Justice
-The Honourable Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services
Department of Seniors
Mission Statement
The mandate of the Department of Seniors is to
facilitate the planning and development of
services and programs for seniors by:
• coordinating plans, policies and programs
presented by departments of the provincial
government
• developing plans, policies and programs for and
with seniors in partnership with the responsible
departments of government, other provincial
groups and voluntary seniors' groups
Department of Seniors
• Provincial Department responsible for seniors.
• Serves as a single entry point.
• Provides information and consultation for
seniors and government.
• Role includes consultation, coordinating,
planning, policy development and development
of programs and services for seniors.
Department of Seniors
• Leads the implementation of Nova Scotia’s
Strategy for Positive Aging and the Elder Abuse
Strategy: Towards Awareness and Prevention
• Provides information about programs and
services for seniors
• Listens and responds to the concerns of seniors
and others by working to develop solutions to
issues and problems
Department of Seniors
• Publications
• Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia
• Elder Abuse Strategy: Towards Awareness and
Prevention
• Programs for Seniors (annual directory)
• Directory of NS Seniors’ Clubs and Councils
• Seniors’ Statistical Profile
• Quarterly Newsletter
• Senior Abuse E-Bulletin
• Seniors’ Literacy Networks
• Health Literacy Manual
A guide (2005) for
planning for Nova
Scotia’s aging
population over the
next 10 to 15 years.
Strategy continued…
• More than 1,000
Nova Scotians
provided direct
input into creating
• Strategy contains
vision, guiding
principles, nine
goals, 190 societal
actions
• Strategic Goals
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Celebrating Seniors
Financial Security
Health and Well-Being
Maximizing Independence
Housing Options
Transportation
Respecting Diversity
Employment and Life
Transitions
– Supportive Communities
Senior Abuse Awareness and
Prevention
Nova Scotia Seniors’
Secretariat:
Elder Abuse Strategy:
Towards Awareness and
Prevention
November 2, 2005
Senior Abuse Awareness and
Prevention
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•
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Provincial Senior Abuse Advisory Committee
Presentations
Toll Free Line – June 15, 2007
Printed materials – June 2007
Awareness campaign- 2008
– TV PSA - Financial
– Bus ads - Halifax, Kings Co., Sydney
– Radio message
An Aging Population
One of the most dramatic demographic trends in the
world today is the aging of our population.
Reasons for this trend include:
• the aging of the “Baby Boomer” population;
• increases in life expectancy;
• changes in fertility patterns and;
• the out-migration of youth in certain geographical
locations.
(http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/health/ruralhealth/agingpop/1)
Overall Health Implications of an
Aging population
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Increases in diseases and disabilities associated with aging and the consequent
need to provide care for chronic physical and mental health problems
•
Changes in the skill sets of health care providers required to respond to the needs
of our aging population
•
Changes in the delivery of health care services, particularly increased long-term
care beds/facilities (6% of seniors are in long-term care)
•
An increase in the number of caregivers (unpaid family and friends) and the need
to provide supports to those caregivers
Over the next decades, our aging population will challenge health and social
service leaders and policy-makers to respond to the above implications.
(http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/health/ruralhealth/agingpop/1)
Nova Scotia’s Aging Population
• Nova Scotia has the highest percentage of
seniors in Atlantic Canada and the second
highest in Canada
• Seniors are the fastest growing segment of
Nova Scotia’s population
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
[More than 700 Nova Scotians turn 65 each month]
• Although the total population of Nova Scotia
is expected to grow by only 3% between
2005 and 2026, the seniors’ population is
projected to grow by 80 %
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
Nova Scotia’s Aging Population
• Seniors will comprise 25% of Nova Scotia’s
population by 2026
• The ratio of women to men drastically
increases with age so that in the 85+ age
group, there are 277 women for every 100
men
• Guysborough County is the oldest county in
Nova Scotia with 20% seniors; Halifax is the
youngest at 11.3%
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005, p. 13)
The Department of Seniors
Response to an Aging Population
•
The publication of two Strategies to guide Nova Scotia’s work to
respond to the needs of an aging population
-Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia
-Elder Abuse Strategy: Towards Awareness and
Prevention
•
Ongoing work with the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers
Responsible for Seniors, F/P/T working groups work to identify and
address issues that impact our aging population and advise the F/P/T
Ministers accordingly
•
Regular consultation with the senior population at our Spring and Fall
Consultation during which we consult with seniors clubs, councils and
organizations to learn about the issues that impact seniors lives
The Department of Seniors
Response to an Aging Population
• Regular consultation with the Group of IX. Group of IX
members have a province-wide mandate and are affiliated
with a national parent organization. Their role is to
strengthen the voice and presence of seniors in government
decision making.
• The development of three new grant programs in 2008
-Positive Aging Fund
-Age-Friendly Communities Program
-Senior Safety Grant
Positive Aging Fund
• supports non-profit community based organizations
in their delivery of programs which advance the
Strategy for Positive Aging by promoting the health,
well-being and community participation of seniors
• available to a maximum of $10,000 and will cover
up to 100% of the project’s costs
Deadline for applications: November 21, 2008
Grants awarded: January 12, 2009
• The Age-friendly notion originated from a
project of the World Health Organization
(WHO) – the Age-Friendly Cities project
which held consultations in 33 cities in 22
countries. Halifax, NS was one of the sites
included in the consultation.
• A ‘Checklist of Essential Features of Agefriendly Cities’ was developed so that cities
can assess their level of ‘age-friendliness’.
(World Health Organization, Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities, 2007)
• The Age-Friendly Rural & Remote Communities
Initiative was a project of the FP/T Ministers
Responsible for Seniors. The goal was to identify
concrete indicators of an age-friendly community
and produce a practical guide to stimulate
advocacy, community development and policy
change to make communities age-friendly.
• Eighty-six Nova Scotians (seniors, caregivers and
service providers) were involved in both projects
through focus groups.
Age-friendly Communities
Program
• assists municipalities to create and adapt accessible
structures and services to promote healthy active
aging. This age-friendly initiative is based on the
Department’s national and international work on
age-friendly communities
• available to a maximum of 50% of the project costs
up to $5,000; municipalities must match the funds
contribution
Deadline for applications: December 15, 2008
Grants awarded: January 12, 2009
Senior Safety Grant
• A new initiative of the Departments of Seniors and Justice. The grant will
support:
• the enhancement and/or expansion of existing Seniors’ Safety Program’s
services;
• the expansion of Seniors’ Safety Programs to areas not currently served and;
• professional development for program coordinators will also be supported.
• Seniors’ Safety Programs promote education and awareness about crime
prevention, senior abuse, safety and health issues and enhance
communication between seniors and police. Seniors’ Safety Programs
advance the Elder Abuse Strategy by providing resources and supports that
respond to elder abuse.
• available to a maximum of $20,000
Deadline for applications: November 7, 2008
Grants awarded: November 19, 2008
Who are Baby Boomers and
Zoomers?
• Baby Boomers refers to those born during the post-war
population boom between [1946-1964]. The baby
boom peaked in 1957.
(Strategy for Positive Aging, 2005. p. 16)
• Baby Boomers are now 44-64 years of age; this has
caused the demographic shift, which requires us to
respond to the needs of an aging population
• Zoomers is the new term for Baby Boomers coined by
Much Music creator and new CARP (Canadian
Association of Retired Persons) Executive Director,
Moses Znaimer.
Zoomers
• Zoomer is the re-launch of the well respected
CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons)
magazine
• Zoomer is the new state of mind of Boomers
(Zoomer No.1 October, 2008)
(Zoomer No.1 October, 2008)
• Zoomer refers to an “optimistic attitude that
combines a desire for new experiences with a sense
of purpose and value…(it)…recognizes the
challenges of aging (and actively advocates for
remedies to them), but also insists that aging
doesn’t have to mean retreating from life.”
(Zoomer No.1 October, 2008, p.12)
Zoomers
• Zoomers speak to, “…an attitude, an energy
level, a sense of passion and purpose…)
(Zoomer No. 1 October, 2008 p.12)
• “A Zoomer isn’t an idea we have to live up
to; it’s a better way of expressing where
we’ve been all along”
(Zoomer No. 1 October, 2008 p.12)
Zoomers
• Znaimer calls the Zoomer mindset, “…a new
vision of aging for Canada.”
(Metronews, October, 16, 2008)
• Znaimer says, “The old vision had to do with
the big ‘D’s – decline, disconnection,
disassociation, followed by death.”
(Metronews, October, 16, 2008)
• Znaimer wants Zoomers to embrace life and
recognize that they are and have been active
participants in their families and communities.
Who are Zoomers?
• CARP’s Vice President of Advocacy, Susan Eng
says, “…(Zoomers)…are choosing to work longer
than traditional retirement age. This is because
many are living longer, healthier lives.”
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
• “The Zoomer group – which comprises both Baby
Boomers who are still under the age of 50 and the
rest of the 50-plus population – represents over 14
million people in Canada. No other age group
comes close in sheer numbers”.
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
Who are Zoomers?
• Zoomers are the largest market for several
industries, including travel, real estate, health
and beauty, automotive, home renovation and
financial services.
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
• Eng says, “Zoomers account for more than
half of all consumer spending and more than
70 per cent of all money in savings
accounts.”
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
Who are Zoomers?
• Eng adds, “And as Zoomers look to make
lifestyle changes, flexibility in working
conditions such as part-time, seasonal and
telecommuting (will) be attractive to
workers.”
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
So how are Zoomers different from
today’s generation of seniors?
• Zoomers want to be meaningfully engaged in their
communities
• Zoomers are more physically active, recognizing the
importance of physical activity in order to address
today’s chronic health challenges
• Zoomers want to be employed longer; their improved
longevity allows this
• Zoomers are a major contributor to our economy
accounting for a substantial amount of consumer
spending in various industries
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Society
• We have discussed the health implications of an
aging population and we have a picture of who
Baby Boomers and Zoomers are.
• So what is the impact of an aging population on
our society?
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Society
• Population aging will dramatically
impact numerous sectors of our
society such as health, community
development, the labour market,
recreation, the media, the nonprofit sector and volunteerism and
public finances.
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Society
• Increased demand on the health care system
• Increased need for community development strategies to respond to the
needs of aging communities
• While a significant number of workers will retire, older workers of today
want to remain in the labour market longer
• Increased recreational activity among the senior population to prevent
chronic health problems and address isolation
• We are already beginning to see a shift in the media representation of
Baby Boomers
• Seniors today want to be more engaged in their communities through
active and ongoing volunteerism
• Increased demand on the health care system and other areas of
government which will need to respond to our aging population, will
impact the financial resources of governments at all levels
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Society
CARP believes that proactive changes to employment related social policy would
help employers retain Zoomer workers in the labour market.
CARP believe these polices should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Encourage continued employment by relaxing pension and other rules;
Allow early pension payments while continuing to work as done in 2007 budget;
Allow contributions to CPP past 65;
Remove mandatory retirement nationwide – by 2009, all provinces except New
Brunswick will have removed it but there is no change announced yet for
federally regulated industries;
Change labour codes to protect workers over 65 years of age;
Enact and enforce anti-ageism policies.
(http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7)
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Society
• The impact will require the ongoing
coordinated efforts of all levels of
government and all sectors to:
-improve the health and independence of Canadians in later life;
-ensure the participation of seniors in economic and social life;
-strengthen the supportive role of communities and;
-sustain government programs to benefit all members of society
(Canada’s Aging Population, Health Canada in Collaboration with the Interdepartmental Committee on Aging and Seniors Issues, 2002)
The Impact of an Aging Population
on Community Development
• The out-migration of youth in some communities
coupled with an aging population means a
dramatic shift in community demographics.
• Specific impacts include:
- increased involvement of seniors in community
volunteer organizations
- increased involvement of seniors in community
development initiatives
- increased need for community developers to
consider the needs of their aging population
-increased need to adapt the ‘Age-friendly’
notion of communities to ensure services are
accessible to our aging population
The Impact of an Aging Population
on Community Development
• The province of Nova Scotia has a
Community Development Policy which
recognizes, “…that sustainable communities
are crucial to the future strength and
prosperity of the Province.”
(Nova Scotia Community Development Policy, p. 1)
The Impact of an Aging Population
on Community Development
• Principals of the policy include: Local
Leadership; Government Support;
Collaborative Approach; Balance; Respect
for Local Values; Social Inclusion;
Transparency and Accountability;
Partnerships and Shared Interests; Common
Vision; Focus on Community Assets and;
Volunteerism.
(Nova Scotia Community Development Policy, p. 1)
The Impact of an Aging Population
on Community Development
Specifically Social Inclusion is defined as:
“All community members, regardless of
gender, age, disability, race, culture,
language or social and economic status have
the opportunity to become engaged in the
community development process and are
able to access its social and economic
benefits.”
(Nova Scotia Community Development Policy, p. 1)
The Impact of an Aging Population
on Community Development
• Given the principal of Social Inclusion,
government and community members will
need to be cognizant of the needs of an aging
and diverse senior population and develop
programs and services to meet their needs.
• This means involving seniors directly in the
planning of programs and services to meet
community needs.
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Recreation
• The impact of population aging on
recreation requires us to be pro-active
and forward thinking in our response to
the needs of our aging population.
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Recreation
• An increased involvement of seniors in physical activities in
order to prevent chronic health challenges
• Increased knowledge required of fitness instructors about the
physiology of aging
• Requires government policy makers and community members
to work collaboratively to support the development of and
access to recreational programs
• Increased awareness by municipalities and towns about the
concept of an ‘Age-friendly’ community in order to promote
the recreational pursuits of the senior population
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Recreation
•
Some of the key recommendations in the Recreation Nova Scotia
*Connecting Seniors to Active Living Project – Executive Summary
include:
-the development of a population-based physical activity strategy for
all ages including seniors
-the development of a physical activity education and awareness
campaign geared towards older adults
-the need to consider the specific needs of low-income seniors by
offering affordable programs and reduced-fee structures
-the development of in-home activities or home-care exercise
programs for seniors unable to attend community programming
-the need to advocate for by-laws and legislation requiring
developers to provide green spaces and sidewalks
(a project of the Department of Seniors, Health Promotion and Protection and Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation, May, 2007)
The Impact of an Aging
Population on Recreation
• In June 2005 Premier Rodney MacDonald
(then Minister of Health Promotion) made a
commitment following a request by the
Board of Directors of Recreation Nova
Scotia (RNS) to develop a Recreation Policy
for the province of Nova Scotia.
• In response, the Department of Health
Promotion and Protection is chairing an
inter-departmental government committee to
develop a Recreation Policy for the province.
How can Nova Scotia Plan for the
Coming Change?
• Utilize the Strategy for Positive Aging and the
Elder Abuse Strategy: Towards Awareness
and Prevention to guide our work with the
senior population over the next decade
• Continue our work with the F/P/T Ministers
responsible for seniors working groups
• Involve seniors in the policy development
process by engaging them regularly to learn
about the issues that most impact their lives
• Be creative and strategic in the development
of polices and programs that meets the needs
of seniors today and into the future
How can Nova Scotia Plan for the
Coming Change?
• Promote inter-generational programs and
activities that foster respect and
understanding between youth and seniors
• Involve all age groups in the planning of
policies and programs to meet community
needs
References:
•
Natural Resources Canada, The Atlas of Canada
http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/health/ruralhealth/agingpop/1
•
Strategy for Positive Aging In Nova Scotia, Seniors Secretariat Province of Nova Scotia, 2005
•
World Health Organization, Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities, 2007
•
Zoomer No.1 October, 2008
•
Metronews, October, 16, 2008
•
CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) website
http://www.carp.ca/article_display.cfm?documentID=3047&CabinetID=263&LibraryID=70&cityID=7
•
Canada’s Aging Population, Health Canada in Collaboration with the Inter-departmental Committee on
Ageing and Seniors Issues, 2002
•
Nova Scotia Community Development Policy, Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development, 2004
http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cdpolicy/docs/NovaScotiaCommunityDevelopmentPolicy.pdf
•
Bursey, Alison (MA), Recreation Nova Scotia Connecting Seniors to Active Living Project – Executive
Summary, Nova Scotia Department of Seniors, Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion, & Protection,
Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation, May, 2007
Birth of the Zoomer
“Body of a 65-year-old
Mind of a 45-year-old
Libido of a 25-year old
Heart of a teenager”
Moses Znaimer
(CARP magazine, April 2008)
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you
don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Mark Twain
(Zoomer, No .1, October 2008 p.17)
Valerie White, CEO: (902) 424-6322
E-mail: [email protected]
Nova Scotia Dept.of Seniors
1740 Granville Street, 4th Floor
PO Box 2065, Halifax, NS B3J 2Z1
Phone: (902) 424-0065
Toll-free: 1-800-670-0065
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (902) 424-0561
Website: www.gov.ns.ca/scs
Senior Abuse Line: 1-877-833-3377
Thank You!