- Why is Federal Retirees advocating for a National Seniors Strategy?
- Why is a National Seniors Strategy important for seniors?
- Is a National Seniors Strategy only focused on health care?
- There are many immediate urgent actions that are needs to improve seniors’ quality of life. How will a national strategy help?
- There are already provincial seniors strategies, why do we need a National Seniors Strategy?
1.Why is Federal Retirees advocating for a National Seniors Strategy?
Our election priorities are determined by our members and our Board of Directors, who rely on advice and expertise from a variety of subject matter experts. The National Seniors Strategy priority that was approved is part of our mandate to improve the health and retirement security of our members and seniors. This priority was also determined as part our work with Vibrant Voices, of a coalition of other nine seniors groups. Our other priorities include pension income security, pharmacare and veterans’ wellbeing.
2. Why is a National Seniors Strategy important for seniors?
Support for seniors and caregivers is fragmented across Canada. Responsibility falls under various departments and jurisdictions.
While more Canadians are leading healthy, vibrant lives into their senior years, people are more likely to experience economic, health and social challenges in their advanced age.
A National Seniors Strategy would provide the blueprint for an integrated continuum of care to meet the needs of a growing seniors population as well as support a strong economy across generations.
A coordinated National Seniors Strategy, with dedicated funding and accountable goals will ensure that all Canadians can age with dignity.
3. Is a National Seniors Strategy only focused on health care?
There are critical interconnected pillars of a National Seniors Strategy.
- Independent, Productive and Engaged Citizens
- Healthy and Active Lives
- Quality Care Closer to Home
- Support for Caregivers
Parts of the strategy are focused on improving the quality of health care, recognizing and providing support for caregivers as well as ensuring that the health care system is equipped to meet the needs of an aging population. Addressing the social determinants of health, and tackling social isolation and creating age-friendly communities are equally important components.
For more information, including principles we’ve pushed as part of a National Seniors Strategy over the past several years: https://www.federalretirees.ca/en/advocacy/national-seniors-strategy/national-seniors-strategy-the-blueprint
4. There are many immediate urgent actions that are needs to improve seniors’ quality of life. How will a national strategy help?
Government action – and federal leadership and attention – are needed now. Federal Retirees advocate for various retirement security and health care improvements.
This is a national, or federal, concern that will impact most if not all of us. There are now more seniors than youth in Canada. By 2030 seniors will make up 23 percent of the Canadian population. Dedicated funding, common goals across jurisdictions across the country and targets with accountable deadlines are needed to ensure seniors can stay active and healthy in their communities and our health and social systems meet the evolving needs of Canada’s aging population.
5. There are already provincial seniors strategies, why do we need a National Seniors Strategy?
The quality, support and level of care for seniors is inconsistent across the country. A national blueprint with dedicated funding will help ensure that health, social and community support is more consistent across the country. It will also help stakeholders to work together toward common goals so that all Canadians can age with dignity – no matter which part of Canada they call home.