65 Or Older Demographic in Canada

• Health-related stress: managing chronic illnesses, more frequent medical appointments, cognitive changes, and concerns about mobility or independence.
• Financial stress: fixed or reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and uncertainty about pension/CPP benefits.
• Loss and bereavement: increased risk of losing partners, friends, and family, leading to grief and social isolation.
• Loneliness and social isolation: decreased social networks due to retirement, mobility issues, or living alone.
• Caregiving stress: caring for a spouse or peers, balancing health needs with personal time.
• Sleep and energy disruptions: insomnia, sleep apnea, nocturia, and irregular routines impacting daytime functioning.
• Medication management: polypharmacy risks, side effects, and adherence challenges.
• Transition stress: adapting to retirement, downsizing, or moving to assisted living or long-term care. -COVID-19 and infection anxiety: ongoing vulnerability to infections and heightened caution.
• Accessibility and technology gaps: difficulties with transportation, digital literacy, or accessing telehealth services.

Tips for workplace or community support (where relevant):

• Offer flexible, task-focused opportunities or volunteer roles that leverage expertise and reduce social isolation.
• Provide access to caregiver and eldercare resources, financial planning referrals, and health coaching.
• Facilitate peer support groups or mentoring circles for older adults transitioning to retirement.
• Ensure clear communication about health benefits, medication management resources, and transportation assistance.
• Promote mental health check-ins and stress reduction programs that are accessible offline or with simple tech options.

Recommended digital resource:

• October: can be used to host group sessions on aging well, caregiver stress, and sleep, plus self-paced content for older adults and their families.