Seniors contribute to our economy and community and we need to support their independence

• Metro Vancouver seniors exercise more than the average Canadian senior, with more than half (53%) being physically active, and this rate increased 20% from 2007 to 2009.
• This is much higher than Montreal at 42%, Calgary at 40% and Toronto at 38%.
• More of our seniors are eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables – up 16% in two years from 2007 to 2009, with the North Shore leading the way.
• However, fewer of our seniors have good or full functional health when compared to Toronto and Montreal.
  Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey

The bottom line

Too many of our seniors struggle to meet their basic needs.

• The poverty rate has declined steadily for the last four years as of 2007, but is still 2.5% higher than 2000 levels, and higher than both Montreal and Toronto.
  Statistics Canada and Community Foundations of Canada
• The average monthly rent for independent living suites was $2,597; suites that provide more healthcare services rented for an average of $4,681. (This statistic excludes nursing homes and long-term care facilities.)
  CMHC, National Seniors’ Housing Survey
• Seniors’ median income from all sources was $22,300 in 2007. Many pension plans and investments were hit hard by the recession, and statistics show many seniors depend on that income: 55% received income from private pension plans and 63% had investment income in 2007.
  Statistics Canada
• In 2007, 24% of our seniors were still working.
  Statistics Canada

Getting around

For some seniors, getting around town is a challenge.

• Our transit service – the bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express – is accessible but 44% of the bus stops are not. Stairs or curbs can be an insurmountable barrier for seniors with walkers or wheelchairs.
• While the number of accessible bus stops increased 8% over the last year, there is still a long way to go.
  Translink’s Access Transit Stakeholder Update July 2010

People who feel a strong sense of belonging within a community are healthier, both physically and mentally.

• In our region, 77% of seniors feel a very strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging to their local community, up 3% from 2005 to 2009.
• Vancouver experienced the largest increase, with sense of belonging surging 14% from 2005 to 2009.
• Our seniors feel a stronger sense of belonging than those in Toronto, Montreal or Calgary.
  Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey