Embracing an Aging Population

Alberta’s population, like the rest of Canada’s, is aging. As of March 2011, there were about 410,000 seniors in Alberta but by 2031, when the last of the baby boomers reach 65 years of age, it is projected that there will be more than 923,000 seniors—meaning about one in five Albertans will be a senior.

An aging population will have profound and lasting economic and social implications for our province, leading to opportunities and challenges across a wide range of areas. Responding to these opportunities and challenges will require the involvement of a variety of partners in areas such as finance, transportation, housing, health, infrastructure, municipal affairs, community services, public safety and others. It will require action on the part of governments, the private and non-profit sectors, communities, families and individuals.

Background

In 2008, the Demographic Planning Commission was established to provide analysis and proposals to prepare for an aging population. The Commission’s findings were used in the development of an Aging Population Policy Framework. This Framework provides a holistic approach to meeting the needs of Alberta’s current and future seniors in effective and sustainable ways. Strategic directions and goals support consistent and coordinated government decision making in eight key areas including: financial security and income, supportive communities, and transportation and mobility.

The Framework’s strategic directions and goals complement existing Alberta government directions and strategies such as the Continuing Care Strategy, Vision 2020, Building and Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce, and the Strategy for the Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying.

• Aging Population Policy Framework
• Demographic Planning Commission