PHOTOMONTAGE THE PRESS
Like an electric shock, the pandemic has revealed to us the fragilities of Quebec society. Among them, the situation of people aged 65 and over.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
By 2066, the elderly will represent almost a third of the Quebec population. A demographic change of this magnitude needs to be prepared. Whether it’s our health care, the world of work, the impact on our public finances, the design of our streets and our cities, and even our attitudes, we are seriously behind in all these areas.
Honestly, we have a vision of old age that is sorely lacking in creativity and imagination. And that no longer corresponds to reality. Because people today are living longer and healthier lives. The researchers even speak of a second adolescence which would occur between the ages of 50 and 75.
But when we talk about old people, we lock them into a monolithic block. As if from the age of 65, we entered the long corridor of oblivion that leads us straight to the cemetery.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
In England, the daily The Guardian also devotes a column to people who have changed their lives after 60: reorientation, return to school, change of career. Many of them are embarking on a “second” life. These days, TV commercials for a sports training center show a white-haired man spiritedly heading to the gym. Another government ad, this time on the radio, reminds us of the rich contribution of seniors who volunteer.
In short, it is time to stop seeing the elderly as vulnerable beings who live on the margins of the active population. Old people are part of society, they contribute to it. And all the studies say it: when our life has meaning, we live longer and healthier. We must take note of it. Quebec is ripe for a collective reflection on what it means to age today.
It is time for our government to hold an assembly on old age.
In 10, 20 or 30 years, old people will probably be even more different than those we meet today. Better educated, fitter, at ease with technology and social networks, more epicurean, more independent… they will profoundly change our conception of old age. And they will have other needs than those we are trying to meet today.
No more “soft eating” in residences and bingo games! Who knows, maybe they’ll claim the right to smoke their joint while listening to their old Jean Leloup or Cowboys Fringants albums? They will ask their doctors for something other than a mountain of pills to deal with the minor sores that come with age. The truth is that everything remains to be invented.
During the pandemic, we have prevented older people from controlling their own lives. Let’s give back the power to the elderly to decide for themselves!
During these states general, it will be necessary to give the floor to all the actors of society, not only to the managers of CHSLDs and health. We invite the world of arts, education, housing, food, travel, leisure. And invite the future old, those who are 40 and 50 years old today, so that they share their vision of old age.
Because that is the real question. How do we want to age? Let’s put an end to infantilization, discrimination and the vague contempt reserved for the elderly.
It’s time to recognize that at 65, 75, 85 or 95, you can still contribute to society. And that society is richer from this contribution.