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20 Nov 2017

Care for Seniors: 3 Challenges of Rapidly Aging Suburbs

   

Topics: Home Care

As Canada continues to age, more concern about care for seniors comes to the forefront of the public conscience. Many people are already aware of the challenges a larger senior population poses to the healthcare system and the tax base. People are increasingly aware of the social effects of a larger number of older people.

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One major concern is senior housing. As people age, they tend to decline in health. While some people will become ill, others will suffer from health conditions that limit their independence and mobility.

As a result, a mix of housing options for seniors is needed. Some seniors will need to move to long-term care facilities, while others will remain at home. There are still many challenges, however, particularly in areas where the population is rapidly aging.

The Greying of Suburbia

Cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto aren’t nearly as grey as the surrounding areas. Suburban areas, such as Brampton and other bedroom communities in the GTA, are rapidly aging.

Most older people are actually in relatively good health, and many prefer to remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible.

1. Location, Location, Location

Many seniors live outside of major urban centres. While those in rural areas also need services, the rapidly aging suburbs and bedroom communities of Canada pose problems in the delivery of care for seniors.

The problem is the location of seniors versus the location of services. Centres such as Toronto and Montreal are better equipped to provide the services seniors need. These cities, however, tend to have younger populations.

Services must move closer to those who need them, but this can be a challenge. Facilities may not exist. Different municipalities may not have the budget to support expanded care for seniors. There may also be fewer qualified professionals in the area, and they may not want to move from other places.

2. Built for Cars

Another pressing problem is the suburban dependency on the car. Many of the senior citizens living in these areas moved in the 1970s and 1980s when they were much younger and much more mobile. They were easily able to hop in the car and commute into the city.

As they age, however, more people will require mobility services and public transit options. Cities are much more easily navigated for those who experience mobility issues. Many older people will lose their licences. Some may just not want to drive anymore. They then face limited options for accessing care for seniors.

The danger is a large number of seniors becoming isolated in areas with limited options for public transit. They may, in effect, be cut off from the services they need.

3. Land Use and Housing Types

Suburbia typically has been populated by large detached homes, both bungalows and multi-storey housing. Land use featured large yards and properties requiring upkeep. All of this is ideal for younger people.

Seniors may struggle with upkeep of large yards. Multi-storey homes can present problems for those with mobility challenges. Stairs pose a particular problem.

Land use patterns, which favoured “sprawl,” also mean housing tends to be segregated from stores and services. Even when the grocery store is still in the same neighbourhood or town, it may be difficult to reach without the use of a car.

A Shift in Thinking

One way to approach the issues and challenges presented by rapidly aging suburbs is to shift how they’re thought about. Employing different patterns of land use and different housing types can help build communities. Creating public transit could reduce the risk of people being cut off from care for seniors.

As the population continues to age, these challenges and more will need to be addressed.


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