Canada remains one of the few countries in the world with a universal healthcare system but, shamefully, without national or provincial strategies for older adults.
In addition to this planning failure, this country currently has 50 times more pediatricians than geriatricians working to serve an aging population. If these gaps are not addressed, Canada risks failing a significant and rapidly growing segment of its population.
In 2024, Canadians are living longer due to great advancements in medicine. Yet, according to Dr. Paula Rochon, RTOERO’s Chair in Geriatric Medicine, “we are seeing a diminished quality of life for many older adults, especially women, due to the social and health inequities within our healthcare system.”
Over the last five years, through our Vibrant Voices advocacy consultations with federal and provincial ministers of health and seniors, RTOERO has been pressing the urgency of these issues. Increasingly, we are receiving follow-up calls, from these same ministers, seeking more data and advice on issues related to older adults. We are proud to let them know that our key advocacy issues originate from our 85,000-plus members.
Clearly, RTOERO is moving positively forward on our goal to be the trusted voice on healthy, active living for older adults in Canada.
So, what are we doing to support the health of our members?
In addition to offering our terrific Entente Group Health Plan, we are committed to the reduction of loneliness and social isolation and to promoting healthy nutrition and exercise targeted for our members and older adults across Canada.
Our wonderfully successful 2024 international Future of Aging Summit laid the blueprint for solving the super-aging society that is evolving in Canada.
The RTOERO Board of Directors, districts and staff are aligned in urging government leaders to create comprehensive plans and commit the funding necessary to address the needs of older adults in Canada.
To a healthy future.
Jim
