Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of seniors live at home (90% in 2016). While the election campaign is in full swing, and focuses more on health care and services for seniors, it is important to remember that there are prevention and health promotion actions that have been proven to maintain the autonomy of the elderly. The two years of the pandemic have exacerbated risk factors for social isolation and raised important questions about their place in our society.
The Direction régionale de santé publique (DRSP) in Montreal invites the political class to prioritize prevention and health promotion among seniors, to promote their inclusion in society and to invest today to limit the health costs of tomorrow . Population aging is accelerating in Quebec and it is in Montreal that the greatest number of seniors live. In 2041, there will be nearly half a million people aged 65 and over in the metropolis.
It is clear that their living conditions are more precarious than those of other regions of Quebec and other large Canadian cities: more of them live alone and in poverty, with insufficient social support. They are more tenants and of immigrant origin. Combined with the effect of age, these vulnerability factors increase the risk of illness and disability.
Our studies show that more than a third of seniors have reported a deterioration in their physical or mental abilities during the pandemic, especially among the oldest (85 years and over). The pandemic has also aggravated the scourge of ageism: stereotypes and discrimination have emerged even more acutely. Again, research shows that ageism has significant consequences for the physical and mental health of seniors. It is imperative to act.
In a recent publication, the DRSP of Montreal makes recommendations for collective commitment to seniors living in the community and targets five priority investment areas.
Implement a government strategy for a healthy citizen old age. And this, by mobilizing concerted actions on the living conditions and health of the elderly living in the community. Efforts are particularly needed to provide them with a decent income to meet the unbridled increase in the cost of living. It is also important to facilitate job retention for people aged 65 and over by introducing supportive tax measures and working conditions adapted to their needs.
Focus on a diversified supply of housing adapted to the needs of seniors. Housing, in addition to being a fundamental right, is a central determinant of the health and well-being of the population. It is imperative to develop more quality social and affordable housing, close to services, intergenerational and adapted to the needs of the elderly to ensure their participation in community life and support at home.
Include seniors in decision-making that affects them. It is about seeing them as partners with rich experience and expertise.
Increase investments in health promotion and prevention. To do this, we will use existing levers, such as the government health prevention policy (PGPS) and the update of the national public health program (PNSP), to be published in 2025.
Implement supportive local networks. These networks would be supported by community organizations, municipal services and front-line health and social services. They would make it possible to mobilize the entourage of seniors (family, friends, neighbours, services) at the neighborhood level to respond quickly to the needs of daily life and provide support. They involve increased support from community organizations that are recognized and adequately funded.
The DRSP de Montréal will continue its commitment with its partners, including the Citizen Council of the Réseau Résilience Aîné.es Montréal, in order to ensure the implementation of effective actions to support healthy old age within an open society, united and plural. Let us give ourselves the means of our ambitions to face the challenges of aging by ensuring the social participation of the elderly in our community.
This is a commitment to brighter days for seniors and the community as a whole.
* Also signed this text: Paule Lebel (medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine), Réjean Hébert (geriatrician and medical consultant in public health), Barbara Fillion (occupational therapist in public health) and Marie-Chantal Gélinas (occupational therapist in health public).