Posted: Saturday, February 13, 2021 12:33
The number of Canadians over the age of 65 now outnumbers those under 15. Population data collected in 2019 found that 17 per cent of the population was over the age of 65 and the number is increasing at a rapid rate.
In 2018, the federal government announced an investment of $75 million for a Healthy Seniors Pilot Project to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities while promoting healthy aging.
Some specifics were made public on February 12, 2021 as the governments of Canada and the province of New Brunswick launched 39 applied research projects.
“Because we have the second-highest proportion of people over the age of 65 in Canada, and a measurably higher proportion of women over 65 relative to the Canadian average, New Brunswick is an ideal environment in which to promote innovative approaches to support seniors and healthy aging,” said the province’s Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “The various projects approved under this initiative will help us learn more about the effects of aging on our population and the findings will benefit all jurisdictions in the country.”