Aging People, Aging Places: Experiences, Opportunities, and Challenges of Growing Older in Canada

The built and social environments of many communities, neighbourhoods, and cities in Canada have not been designed to help Canadians age well, leading to a growing population of older adults. This cutting-edge text provides a rare spotlight on the local implications of aging in Canadian cities and communities, exploring employment, housing, transportation, cultural safety, health, planning, and more to provide a wide-ranging and comprehensive discussion of how to build supportive communities for Canadians of all ages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The Canadian population is aging rapidly, and this is having a significant impact on the country's economic, social, and cultural future. However, many communities, neighborhoods, and cities have not been designed to support aging populations well. This cutting-edge text brings together academic research, practitioner reflections, and personal narratives from older adults across Canada to provide a rare spotlight on the local implications of aging in Canadian cities and communities. It explores a wide range of topics, including employment, housing, transportation, cultural safety, health, planning, and more, to provide a comprehensive discussion of how to build supportive communities for Canadians of all ages.

One of the key challenges facing older adults in Canada is employment. Many older adults are forced to retire early due to health issues or job loss, and this can lead to financial insecurity and social isolation. The text highlights the importance of creating age-friendly workplaces that offer flexible hours, job training, and other support services to help older adults stay in the workforce. It also suggests that governments should invest in job creation programs that target older adults and provide them with the skills and training they need to succeed in the job market.

Housing is another critical issue for older adults. Many older adults live in housing that is not designed to meet their needs, such as homes that are too small, inaccessible, or unsafe. The text highlights the importance of creating affordable housing options for older adults, as well as providing support services to help them maintain their homes. It also suggests that governments should invest in housing infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of older adults, such as accessible transportation and community centers.

Transportation is another important issue for older adults. Many older adults have difficulty accessing transportation, which can limit their ability to participate in social activities and access healthcare. The text highlights the importance of creating accessible transportation options, such as public transportation and ride-sharing programs, as well as providing support services to help older adults navigate the transportation system. It also suggests that governments should invest in transportation infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of older adults, such as accessible sidewalks and crosswalks.

Cultural safety is another important issue for older adults. Many older adults face discrimination and marginalization in their communities, and this can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The text highlights the importance of creating culturally safe environments that celebrate the diversity of older adults and provide them with the support they need to thrive. It also suggests that governments should invest in cultural programs and services that promote diversity and inclusion.

Health is another critical issue for older adults. Many older adults face chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The text highlights the importance of providing access to healthcare services that are tailored to the needs of older adults, as well as providing support services to help older adults manage their health conditions. It also suggests that governments should invest in healthcare infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of older adults, such as long-term care facilities and home care services.

Planning is another important issue for older adults. Many older adults face challenges in planning for their future, such as deciding where to live and how to manage their finances. The text highlights the importance of providing planning services that are tailored to the needs of older adults, as well as providing support services to help older adults manage their finances. It also suggests that governments should invest in planning infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of older adults, such as retirement communities and senior centers.

In conclusion, the built and social environments of many communities, neighborhoods, and cities in Canada have not been designed to support aging populations well. This cutting-edge text provides a rare spotlight on the local implications of aging in Canadian cities and communities, and it highlights the importance of creating age-friendly workplaces, affordable housing options, accessible transportation options, culturally safe environments, healthcare services that are tailored to the needs of older adults, and planning services that are tailored to the needs of older adults. By investing in these areas, we can help to ensure that older adults in Canada can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447352563