Canada, like the rest of the world, is experiencing an unprecedented demographic evolution that will see one in four Canadians 65 and older by 2030. At the same time, the current lower birth rate has already created a smaller cohort of younger people and a shortage of workers to replace the retiring War Babies (born between 1939 and 1945) and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1965). Immigration alone cannot fill the gap between supply and demand. Older workers are needed.

CARP recommends a federal/provincial/territorial national strategy to create an environment that embraces older workers – including anti-ageist policies, flexible hours (for those who need it), training and re-training, etc.

The value of older workers is beginning to be recognized. Now it’s time for government and businesses to take action.