Poverty in Canada has been seen in the mix of all different groups of people, seniors being one of these groups. To the surprise of it there are still many seniors in Canada who are living in poverty and falling through the cracks of society. It’s been said about 5.8% of seniors ages 65 + especially is (Yalnizyan, 2011). Although the poverty rates among seniors have dropped over the years there’s still more we must do to make this not exist completely. The percentage dropping from 29% in 1976 down to 4.7 per cent in 2007(Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).
These senior's income when retired come from 3 sources. “The first source of income is the OAS. Almost all Canadians over the age of 65 receive OAS benefits, which provide an average income of $450 per month. Seniors with low incomes also receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in amounts that vary according to marital status and income. Other financial benefits are provided by the provinces and territories to beneficiaries of the GIS, such as drug insurance, access to subsidized housing, etc” ( National Advisory Council On Aging, 2005). However these individuals are still living in poverty, 36% who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement are as well living in poverty (Williams, 2008). This then leaves these individuals to continue working because the funds they are receiving isn’t cutting it for them, so there left to take matters to their own hands and figure it out by themselves. Because in reality no one wants to admit they are poor and in need of more money.
As a country when it comes to poverty rates in Canada we rank the second lowest, the Netherlands being the lowest rate. However we can’t rest our success by this rate (Amdur, n.d.). There’s still more action that needs to take place on this matter. I believe there should be a fund created to help and address seniors when they retire, especially single seniors. Because they are in desperate need and have a much higher poverty rate than elderly couples and the poverty line is much deeper for them then senior couples. (Battle, Torjman, & Mendelson, 2011).
In the end we need to help them and encourage them to not be ashamed to seek out for help because asking for money help isn’t something one should be embarrassed about, even if one is a senior. As well these individuals could use a break. Everyone should for that matter deserve one and not have to work hard labor their entire lives.
- Hannah
References:
Amdur, S. R. (n.d.). Canadian senior poverty is low but rise is worrying. Seniors Daily Online. Retrieved from http://www.seniorsdaily.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1819&Itemid=35
Battle, K., Torjman, S., & Mendelson, M. ( 2011, March 2). A simple way to help Canada’s poorest seniors. The star. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/947639--a-simple-way-to-help-canada-s-poorest-seniors
Edgar, W. (2008, February 20). Poverty Among Seniors. Carp. Retrieved from http://www.carp.ca/2008/03/06/poverty-among-seniors/
National Advisory Council on Aging. (2005). Aging in poverty in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Retrieved from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf
Yalnizyan, A. ( 2011, April 2). How to wipe out seniors’ poverty, no extra charge. The Globe And Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/how-to-wipe-out-seniors-poverty-no-extra-charge/article1967092/
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