Embracing an Aging Population

Clarifying and articulating the Government of Alberta’s roles and responsibilities as they relate to an aging population will help individuals, families, communities and municipalities plan and prepare for the years and decades ahead. In the context of an aging population, the Government of Alberta has roles in three key areas:

1. Setting province-wide policy directions concerning seniors and an aging population.
2. Facilitating collaboration among individuals, communities and governments to meet the needs of seniors.
3. Providing supports and services to Alberta’s seniors.

1. Setting province-wide policy directions concerning seniors and an aging population.

The Government of Alberta plays an important role in setting province-wide policy directions that convey how the province will position itself to prepare for a growing aging population. This includes:

• providing provincial leadership in identifying and responding to the opportunities and challenges associated with an aging population;
• coordinating and aligning provincial policies to address the needs and priorities of Alberta’s aging population;
• encouraging and supporting communities in raising awareness about the changing needs of Alberta’s aging population;
• supporting the creation of age-friendly environments in Alberta communities; and
• fostering the development of a province-wide culture that respects and values the opportunities and benefits of an aging population.

2. Facilitating collaboration among individuals, communities and governments to meet the needs of seniors.

The Alberta government also works collaboratively to support municipal governments, community partners, individuals and families in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in meeting the needs of Albertans throughout their lives. This includes:

• raising awareness among Albertans about planning for their futures as they age, and informing and encouraging them to prepare for their senior years;
• working with the private sector, the non-profit and voluntary sector, municipal governments and other community partners, in new and existing partnerships to identify and respond to the changing needs and priorities of Albertans as they age;
• undertaking initiatives that enable and support Albertans in maintaining self reliance and independence as they age; and
• supporting Albertans who require assistance in providing care to aging family members.

3. Providing supports and services to Alberta’s seniors.

The Alberta government also has a role in the provision of effective, efficient and affordable programs and services that have a meaningful impact in improving outcomes for Albertans as they age. In some cases, these programs and services are delivered directly by the Alberta government; in others, they are delivered by community partners, on behalf of government, to provide assistance to those seniors most in need. This also involves supporting programs and services that are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of an aging population, including seniors of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities. The Alberta government is responsible for:

• supporting senior Albertans who cannot meet their basic needs;
• delivering programs, services and supports that are efficient and effective in achieving desired outcomes for Albertans as they age, and are affordable on a sustained basis;
• collaborating with community partners to support the provision of coordinated and integrated supports and services for senior Albertans who need them; and
• assuring that appropriate standards and mechanisms are in place to protect seniors who may be vulnerable due to a variety of circumstances.