Four Lenses of Population Aging: Planning for the Future in Canada's Provinces

Population aging is a pressing issue that requires governments and society to take action. Patrik Marier's book, The Four Lenses of Population Aging, examines how Canada's ten provinces are preparing for an aging society and highlights the lessons and solutions to the challenges of an aging society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Population aging is a complex and pressing issue that affects governments and society worldwide. It has significant implications for health care, the economy, and various policy areas. In the age of COVID-19, the urgency to confront this reality has become even more apparent. In his book, "The Four Lenses of Population Aging," Patrik Marier examines how Canada's ten provinces are preparing for an aging society. The analysis focuses on a range of administrative and policy challenges, including developing strategic plans, expanding long-term care capacity, and addressing intergenerational, medical, social gerontological, and organizational aspects of population aging.

Marier adopts four lenses to enhance his analysis: intergenerational, medical, social gerontological, and organizational. By comparing the unique insights and contributions of each lens, Marier highlights the vital lessons and possible solutions to the challenges of an aging society. The book draws on over a hundred interviews with senior civil servants and thousands of policy documents, making it a valuable contribution to public administration, provincial politics, and comparative public policy literatures. It provides policymakers and general readers with an informed perspective on a timely and important issue.

One of the key challenges of population aging is the increasing demand for health care services. As the population grows older, there will be a greater need for medical treatments, including chronic diseases, disabilities, and end-of-life care. This will put a significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries where healthcare resources are already limited.

Another challenge is the economic impact of population aging. As the workforce ages, there may be a decline in productivity, which could lead to economic growth and job creation challenges. Additionally, the cost of providing healthcare and social welfare benefits to an aging population can be substantial, particularly for governments with limited fiscal resources.

Population aging also has significant social and cultural implications. As the population grows older, there may be a shift in the social structure of society, with an increase in the number of older adults and a decrease in the number of younger adults. This can lead to changes in social norms, values, and behaviors, as well as challenges in maintaining social cohesion and community engagement.

To address these challenges, governments and society need to adopt a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. This includes developing strategic plans to address the needs of an aging population, expanding healthcare and social welfare programs, promoting active aging and healthy lifestyles, and investing in research and innovation to develop new technologies and solutions to address the challenges of an aging society.

In conclusion, population aging is a complex and pressing issue that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. By adopting a four-lens analysis and drawing on a range of sources, Marier's book provides valuable insights and possible solutions to the challenges of an aging society. It is a timely resource for policymakers and general readers seeking an informed perspective on this important issue.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781442612631