Children, Seniors and Social Development
Health and Community Services
June 23, 2017
Provincial Government Preparing for Changing Demographics
The Provincial Government acknowledges the findings released by the Auditor General today on the changing demographics in Newfoundland and Labrador and recognizes the importance of a continued focus on our aging population.
Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the most rapidly aging populations in Canada. Presently, the median age is greater than 45 and about 19 per cent of the population is aged 65 and over. In the next 10 years, this is expected to increase to approximately 27 per cent.
The Auditor General also identified areas where there is a tremendous amount of collaboration and work already underway among a number of Provincial Government departments to improve how programs and services are delivered. Through initiatives such as the Age-Friendly Transportation Program, annual healthy living assessments, affordable housing options, expanded primary health care teams and an Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, to name a few, many government departments are collectively working to ensure that programs, policies and services address the changing demographics.
According to the World Health Organization, this population trend is enduring and significant population aging will be experienced for the next 40 years.
Quotes
“People are living longer, living healthier and contributing to their communities, families and work lives for longer periods than in previous generations. Our government has an enhanced focus on our older adults in an effort to chart a path forward to ensure they remain healthy, active, engaged citizens, living in their own homes and active in their own, age-friendly communities for as long as possible.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The Department of Health and Community Services is pleased that the Auditor General has undertaken this work. The department has already begun to incorporate demographic projections into its planning to help ensure sustainability for the future delivery of health care. As an example, population projections are informing long-term care planning and workforce demographics are being examined to ensure government can continue to meet the health care needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Learn More
Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework - www.cssd.gov.nl.ca/seniors/phapf/
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Emily Timmins
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 693-1292
emilytimmins@gov.nl.ca
2017 06 23 3:15 p.m.