According to the Government of Canada Action for Seniors Report, by 2030 seniors will number over 9.5 million and make up 23 percent of the total population. We have long known that the demographic trend over the last couple of decades has been leading to a much larger proportion of our society being over 65.
This is a trend seen all over the world.
According to the WHO, Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
Infographic from Help Age International
Life expectancies are increasing globally, however there is no evidence that a longer life necessarily means a better one. For example, according to WHO's report, Ageing and Health,
while rates of severe disability have declined in high-income countries over the past 30 years, there has been no significant change in mild to moderate disability over the same period. This means we are doing a good job to eradicate widespread severe biological problems, but persistent and slower issues persist.
We are facing an important time in our collective history. Modern science and bio-technology have progressed to a point where we can live longer, however we have not done enough to find out what to do with those extra years. How do we monitor and address declines in physical and mental capacity to ensure we remain valued members of society?
We need to reframe our view of the senior demographic. Just because we have decided to make 65 the legal retirement age, does not mean life ends after our work does!
Say Hello to Jack
Hello Jack is designed with seniors in mind. We understand the demographic trends seen globally, and want to do something about it!
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