Seniors in Poverty

Canada’s population is aging which creates a need for responsive policies, programs and services to serve the large number of seniors. Many elderly have health conditions and need assistance with activities of daily living. They need resources and services to provide for their health and care needs. Currently, families are taking a pivotal role in providing care for their seniors. In the elderly population there are many social differences such as gender, class, abilities, racial and ethnic diversities. These factors affect the quality of their lives. Housing and transportation are also issues for the elderly (Neysmith, 2003).

Seniors are considered to be at risk of poverty as they may not have access to resources necessary to age comfortably and in good health. Living near the poverty line is a reality for a good portion of seniors. Although the economic situation of seniors has improved over time many seniors are living under difficult financial circumstances. Risk factors for poverty among seniors are living alone, visible minorities, immigrants and women over eighty. Since the early 1990’s the income for seniors has levelled out, but the gap between other Canadians’ income and that of seniors is increasing. Approximately seven percent of the elderly live below the low income cut-off. It is higher for unattached seniors and women. A factor causing women to be more likely to live in poverty is because many had lower incomes than men when they were employed. The greater life expectancy of women puts them at risk of using up their savings. Women’s pensions are smaller because of the wage difference between men and women. Women often take time away from the workforce to raise children or care for others which is not financially compensated (National Advisory Council on Aging, 2005). The income of seniors comes predominately from pensions such as the Canadian Pension Plan, employer sponsored pensions, Old Age Security and personal savings (The Special Senate Committee on Aging, 2009).

            There are many potential causes as to why seniors are in poverty. One issue for some is the Guaranteed Income Supplement does not supply adequate income to enable the elderly to be living above the poverty line. A second reason is under subscription. Some seniors are unable or unaware of the need to apply for the Old Age Security Program and public pension plans. As a result they do not receive the benefits and the added income. Another source that leads to poverty in seniors is late applications. If people are late in applying for Canadian Pension Plan they only receive eleven month retroactive benefits. This is unfair because the program is based on employee contributions. A forth contribution to poverty is the high housing costs as this is a major expense for seniors (National Advisory Council on Aging, 2005). When seniors worked their income was lower than it is today and therefore the amount going towards their pension was lower. The increase cost of living puts a strain on their limited fixed income. If seniors have health problems and need to buy drugs this would further put a strain on their income as they may not have the same health benefits as when they worked. Seniors have other expenses in their life such as bills and basic living costs that would put a strain on their financial stability and flexibility.

            Veterans Affairs Canada delivers programs to senior veterans. Veterans are assessed for services and benefits including disability pensions, financial support, homecare, health benefits and services (The Special Senate Committee on Aging, 2009). There mandate is to provide assistance and support the veterans who fought for the country through health and social services, legal assistance and recognition (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011). These services and benefits are designed for veterans and their families needs. The Canadian government is the in the process of changing their financial contribution to support veterans. The New Veterans Affairs Charter is based on the values respect, integrity, service, accountability and teamwork (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011). It is designed to help those who fought in the line of duty by providing financial security and it offers programs for veterans to live independently. The programs are also extended to their families. The pension system provides veterans with a monthly cheque of about $800 a month with some health care benefits (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2011).

            There are many different opinions about the New Veterans Charter from the standpoint of senior veterans. The article Veterans across Canada hold protests over planned budget cuts and benefits outlines government cuts to the budget of the Veterans Affairs Canada. Dozens of veterans protested as they see the government is lacking compassion and respect. John Labelle is one who suffers from this budget cut. He is a senior who served for thirty-eight years in the navy. Labelle believes the treatment by the government is unfair. Many believe the government needs to treat them and their families with more respect. Many feel ignored. The Harper government could remove three $300 million or more out of the $3.5 billion budget.  Previously veteran’s benefits were tax free with lifetime pensions. The government promised to add 2 billion to improve the benefits but the money will be distributed among two generations and is taxable. Over the years as this money is spread out it is easy to see the harm and inequality for veteran seniors as they will be left with little money (The Canadian Press, 2011). This could have a significant impact on some of the senior veterans as it is their source of income. It may cause some to be in danger of being in poverty.

            Solutions to this problem could be best addressed by looking at the issue from the perspective of all seniors and specifically veteran seniors. It is important to give the seniors a voice by asking and respectfully listening to them about how this budget cut has affected them. They should be asked what they think the government should do and what could be done to best meet their needs so they do not live in financial danger. The seniors should be heard and they should actively direct and assist implementing the changes to take place. Another thing that needs to be done is there should be more hospital and respite staff available to the seniors to help take care of them. Since some of them may be financially disadvantaged healthcare may be an issue so there needs to be more healthcare workers available to meet their needs. As the seniors suffer financially the family will take a primary role in supporting the elderly. It is important to support and empower the families so they have the resources and the abilities to best take care of the elderly.

Lori

References

National Advisory Council on Aging. (2005). Seniors on the margins: Aging in poverty in Canada. Ottawa. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H88-5-3-2005E.pdf

Neysmith, S. (2003). Caring and aging: Exposing the policy issues. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 182-199). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

The Canadian Press. (2011). Veterans across Canada hold protests over planned budget cuts and benefits. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved  November 15, 2011, from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/veterans-across-canada-hold-protests-over-planned-budget-cuts-and-benefits-133287613.html

The Special Senate Committee on Aging. (2009). Canada’s aging population: Seizing the opportunity. Ottawa. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/402/agei/rep/AgingFinalReport-e.pdf

Veterans Affairs Canada. (2011). Mandate, mission, vision and ethics. Retrieved from http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/mandate

Veterans Affairs Canada. (2011). New veterans charter. Retrieved from http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/facts-fait/new-veterans-charter