Embracing an Aging Population
Role of Private and Non-Profit Sectors
Private Sector
The private sector will always play an essential role in meeting the needs of Albertans of every age by responding to the ever-changing demands of the marketplace. Private sector organizations in Alberta communities offer a wide range of products and services in a variety of areas, including: housing; home support services (such as home maintenance or house cleaning); transportation; insurance; finance, investment and banking; supplemental health care; food and hospitality; and travel and recreation. The private sector is also a key source of innovation, addressing evolving market demands with new and different services.
Employers
Local employers are also important community partners. They offer a range of opportunities where older Albertans can continue to build and contribute skills and experience, mentor younger workers, maintain social linkages and earn income. Many employers also provide access to employer-sponsored benefits, such as life insurance, supplemental health benefits, critical illness insurance and pension plans. Employers also play a key role in explaining how these benefits may change as employees age or when they retire from their employer. An increasing number of Albertans may choose to remain engaged in the workforce in their senior years to earn extra income, maintain their quality of life, have access to employer-supported benefits, or to augment their pension. Older Albertans will be an important source of labour in the future. It will be important for employers to create and sustain age friendly and barrier-free workplaces that support older workers.
Non-profit and Voluntary Sector
The non-profit and voluntary sector also plays a vital role in meeting the needs of aging Albertans and works with governments and other partners to respond to these needs. In many cases, non-profit and voluntary sector organizations deliver services and supports on behalf of the Government of Alberta, to those Albertans who require them. Non-profit and voluntary sector organizations also provide community-based services to aging Albertans based on identified needs at the grassroots level, and deliver these services with the support of other community partners. This sector will continue to play a crucial part in helping the Alberta government identify and respond to aging Albertans in need; and in supporting these individuals through the provision of sustainable services and supports.
