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Introduction Now that we have considered so many of the current challenges in health care, social positioning, and

financial realities, we will look at some of the innovative responses that current experts are working on. The

Government of Canada, like so many other countries, is working hard to reshape, rethink, and regroup to

prepare for the challenges presented by the country's changing demographics and needs, in the pursuit of

quality care, ethical responsibility, and respect for the older population. This module will focus on a recent

plan that is centred on positive change.

Topics and Learning Objectives

Topics Population demographics, health care, and the economic and social impact on urban and rural settings

Resources for social support and health care

Policies related to older adults, current and needed

Learning Objectives By the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Appreciate the major and unique demographic shift currently happening in the country where you live or

work.

2. Examine the social changes that the demographic shift will incur.

3. Discuss changes and responses necessary to address changing needs.

Required Readings

Readings

Sinha, Samir. (2012). Living Longer, Living Well.

Assignments

Discussion

Read Dr. Samir Sinha’s report, which was submitted to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

and the Minister Responsible for Seniors (Ontario Government), called Living Longer, Living Well.

Give your opinions about the possibilities presented by the models suggested. You'll find the

report here and in Additional Materials.

Read and respond to others on the Discussion Board.

Government and Aging Policy Programs for the elderly make up the largest part of the welfare budget. The elderly depend on welfare

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benefits for most of their income. This budget will increase as the population of seniors grows but will continue

to fall short of their needs. As a result, the state has already started to redefine its role in providing income

support. There is constant debate over removing Old Age Security (OAS) or means testing it, so that the

middle-class senior would lose this right, which was previously always afforded to Canadian citizens. Doing this

will create a new welfare state composed of middle-income seniors.

Instead, more government planning is required to redistribute wealth between the young and the aged and to

decrease government funds to the middle class—while ensuring that they do not suffer financially as a result. Seniors need more government agencies set up to explore new ways to control the budget and plan and

implement proposed changes.

W hat Can a Senior Do? Lobby for programs that meet senior needs or save the government money, such as:

The health-promotion model

Home care

Educational programs

Senior-housing programs

Heath care changes to promote aging in place

Political Activism What motivation will fuel future political activism among seniors, since it remains very low at present? In the

future, political activism among seniors will be improved by:

Higher levels of education

Better health care

Organizations that support activism

More free time

An increased number of seniors, which creates a large voice

Better incomes

Increased social programs for seniors