What we know about older people
Here in Niagara, we’ve heard about our aging demographic. We know that more than one- third of our population is over 55 years of age.
Data in the Living in Niagara – 2017 report shows that it’s time for us to address ageism in our community. We can begin by shifting our perceptions of what it means to grow older in today’s context; and by recognizing that we are all people living meaningful lives.
The Living in Niagara Report, published by Niagara Connects, is a triennial measure of quality of life across the 12 Living in Niagara Sectors. The report is built and owned by the Niagara wide community, with contributions of more than 600 data items from 228 organizations, businesses, government bodies, networks and groups.
Data in the report shows that older people in Niagara are contributing economically to our community, through both paid and unpaid work. Statistics Canada data shows that labour force participation of people aged 65 and older is increasing, from 6.1 per cent in 2001 to 13.7 per cent in 2016. It is projected that 40 per cent of the total labour force in Canada could be aged 55 and older by the year 2026.
Volunteer work is another significant contribution that many older people make. Niagara Region seniors services reports that the total value of volunteer contribution to long- term care homes in Niagara exceeded $ 1.6 million in 2016. The average age of a volunteer for Niagara Health is 63.
Older people also invest in the community through charitable donations. The average age of charitable donors in Niagara is 58.
Every day, older people are lending their voice to planning and initiatives across Niagara that are part of a global movement to raise the profile of issues affecting older residents. They do this through senior advisory or agefriendly committees which exist in eight of the local municipalities in Niagara. The work of these dedicated volunteers led to the designation of three Niagara municipalities ( Pelham, Welland and Port Colborne) as members of the World Health Organization Global Network of Age- Friendly Cities and Communities.
These leaders also work together in the Age- Friendly Niagara Network, to implement the five goals of the Niagara Aging Strategy and Action Plan.
Another dedicated group is working to raise awareness about the dearth of programs and services aimed at older LGBTQ citizens, and advocate for training for service providers through Senior Pride Network Niagara.
A focus on alternative housing arrangements that offer affordability, accessibility and supportive services is being driven by older people. The Living in Niagara report highlights the socio- economic benefits of providing residents the opportunity to grow older in their home or community, and maintain their social connections and familiarity with their neighbourhood. The Halton Home Share program is an example of an innovative model that matches an older person in need of help maintaining their home with an individual willing to provide that assistance in exchange for reduced rent.
Older people are learning, sharing expertise, mentoring and developing new skills. For example, Lifelong Learning Niagara creates access to a range of learning options that enhance people’s capacity to live meaningful lives at all ages.
The Living in Niagara – 2017 report reveals that older people contribute significantly to the social and economic fabric of our region. They carry out paid and unpaid work, lend their voice as advocates, give back to the community by investing in charitable causes, act as mentors, help to shift perspectives and create innovative solutions to complex issues, and build their skills through lifelong learning.
Projections show that this segment of the population will continue to grow. It is more important than ever to think and speak about older people in a way that honours and celebrates their contributions to quality of life for everyone.
Paying attention to the current evidence helps us to shift the narrative so that we see older people as vital players in building a stronger future for Niagara.