Key Takeaways
- A recent survey by the National Institute on Aging found that optimism about aging among Canadians has decreased, with 57% of respondents reporting positive feelings about aging, down from 62% in 2024.
- Financial insecurity and loneliness are major contributors to this decline, with 43% of respondents saying they cannot afford to retire when they had hoped to, and 59% experiencing loneliness.
- Social isolation and loneliness remain "stubbornly high" and unchanged over the last four years, with 43% of respondents at risk of social isolation.
- Access to primary care is still a concern, with 32% of older adults lacking a primary care clinician.
- The survey highlights the interrelated nature of these issues, with financial insecurity perpetuating challenges in accessing healthcare and exacerbating social isolation and loneliness.
Introduction to the Survey
A recent survey conducted by the National Institute on Aging has revealed a decline in optimism about aging among Canadians. The survey, which polled over 6,000 adults aged 50 and older, found that 57% of respondents reported positive feelings about aging, down from 62% in 2024. This decrease is attributed to financial insecurity and loneliness, which are dampening the outlook of many Canadians as they approach their golden years. According to Talia Bronstein, director of policy at the National Institute on Aging, the survey’s findings highlight the growing concerns of older adults who are struggling to afford retirement and are experiencing social isolation.
Financial Insecurity and Loneliness
The survey’s results show that a growing number of Canadians are struggling to afford retirement, with 43% of respondents saying they cannot afford to retire when they had hoped to, up from 38% in 2024. This financial insecurity is exacerbating social isolation and loneliness, with 59% of respondents experiencing loneliness and 43% at risk of social isolation. Dr. Jillian Alston, a Toronto geriatrician, notes that these issues are interrelated, with financial insecurity perpetuating challenges in accessing healthcare and exacerbating social isolation and loneliness. "You’re more likely to be feeling more lonely or less engaged if you’re financially insecure," she said. "It’s probably going to amplify the challenges with getting to and accessing your healthcare, and then you can see that it seems like it’s a vicious cycle."
Overlapping Pressures After 50
The survey found that the youngest group of older adults, those aged 50 to 64, are struggling the most with isolation, with one in four saying they were very lonely and almost half saying they were at high risk of isolation. This cohort is facing overlapping pressures of employment, caregiving, and emerging health challenges, which are contributing to their feelings of loneliness and isolation. Laura Beamish, a 54-year-old woman from Fort St. John, B.C., is familiar with these pressures. As her mother’s main support, she is also dealing with her own health challenges and has had to put her retirement plans on hold. "There’s a lot of uncertainty," she said, citing the economy and geopolitics as concerns that keep her at home during the long winters.
Lack of Access to Primary Care
The survey also highlighted the issue of access to primary care for older adults. While there was a modest improvement in the number of respondents with a primary care clinician, with 68% reporting having one, up from 60% in 2024, Dr. Alston notes that this still falls short. "That still means just under a third of older adults are lacking a primary care clinician who’s their sort of quarterback in terms of managing their health and well-being," she said. Elaine Storey, a 71-year-old woman from Fraser Lake, B.C., is one of those who lacks a primary care clinician. She has to travel to a health clinic with rotating providers, and the closest major hospital is a two-hour drive away. When she twisted her knee last November, she didn’t seek medical attention for a month, and by then it was badly swollen.
Conclusion
The survey’s findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by older adults in Canada. By addressing financial insecurity, social isolation, and access to primary care, policymakers can help improve the outlook and well-being of Canadians as they age. As Hannah Alberga notes, "There’s no manual for this aging business. There’s no set rules." However, by acknowledging the interrelated nature of these issues and working to address them, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for older adults to thrive.
