There has been an improvement to the economic situation of Canadian seniors but a large number of seniors still live under difficult economic conditions. Poverty among seniors is not rare, it’s most common in seniors living alone, women over the age of 80, visible minorities and immigrants. Everyone thinks seniors are fine because of retirement plans, but for some people that does not exist.
A good number of seniors are living near the poverty line, so these people can’t access the benefits and they have to try to get by with small budget. Senior revenues come from 3 different places: The Old Age Security Program (OAS), the CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) and private savings. Almost all seniors over the age of 65 receive OAS benefits. CPP benefits come from contribution to a public fund during the working years; this plan also provides benefits in case of disability or death. Seniors with low incomes also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in amounts that vary according to marital status and income.
"Economic security refers to an assured and stable standard of living that provides individuals and families with a level of resources and benefits necessary to participate economically, politically, socially, culturally, and with dignity in their community’s activities. Security goes beyond mere physical survival to encompass a level of resources that promotes social inclusion."
Even though there are a lot of ways seniors can get a bit of money, there are also a lot of expenses they must pay, such as: personal care, doctor bills, prescriptions, nursing, etc. Canada needs policies, programs and services to serve the growing number of Canadian seniors.(Personal Security Index, 2002)
-Jessica
Refrences:
McDonald, L. and A. L. Robb. The Economic Legacy of Divorced and Separated Women in Old Age, SEDAP Research Paper No. 104. July 2003.
Online: http://socserv.socsci.mcmaster.ca/sedap/p/sedap104.pdf
http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf (Aging in Poverty in Canada)
Good post Jessica. I have to admit that before looking into this issue I was not aware of how many eldery are living near the poverty line in financial danger. This is very alarming and troubling! Making ends meet must be difficult for them as they are given little fixed amounts of income but also have to deal with costs of medicine and living expenses. I agree with you that Canada needs to make more programs and services to help the eldery in danger because overtime this polulation will increase. There needs to be a plan to address this issue and the elderly need to have a voice in how to direct the change.
ReplyDeleteLori
Good post!! With the baby boomers starting to retire and our aging population growing, I agree that we need to look into services and programs to help seniors so that they don't fall into the poverty line. Like you said the government helps out a bit with some pension plans but in order to live a happy life without worries they don't provide enough. Our seniors need to have there voice heard over this issue.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post!
ReplyDeleteIt is true that elders are affected by poverty and there needs to be more services and programs to serve seniors here in Canada. We live in a society obsessed by youth culture and we often overlook the elderly and pay no attention to them, they need our help!
-Brigitte Tetrault
what made me surprised in the beginning days of my life here in Canada was the way the senior people especially the older women doing their shopping and other stuffs by themselves. They seemed weak and it was difficult for them to travel but they kept on rolling. The bunch of such women shopping in Good will, Value village and other second hand (used) shopping centers and in free shops is clear enough to see the poverty among the senior women in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteSubas
Its upsetting knowing that those people worked all those years and still live in those conditions. My boyfriend's grandma can't afford renovations on her house which falling apart because of mold and termites. Its hard knowing such a wonderful lady has to live in a house thats falling apart.
ReplyDelete~Joelle
Nice post Jessica! I also agree these seniors have a lot on their plate, such as those expenses to pay for and Canada should help them, because they have done so much for us. We shouldn't overlook them!
ReplyDelete-Hannah
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ReplyDeleteInteresting post. Until this class I wasn't aware of the amount of older people who were living in poverty, or close to the poverty line. It's a real shame that they have to live in bad conditions, especially since they've worked most of thier lives to care and support the younger generations. I agree that more needs to be done, and hopefully there will be even more improvements when it comes to older people and their living expenses and conditions.
ReplyDelete- Jody