A brand new multi-part examine carried out by Léger and Little Brothers suggests Quebec isn’t sufficiently ready for the ageing of its inhabitants.
By 2033, Quebec may have a couple of million individuals aged 75 and over. The examine signifies that many in that age group will expertise loneliness and social isolation. It additionally highlights the rising significance of combating ageism and guaranteeing older adults preserve a way of worth in society.
“The pandemic years have actually elevated public consciousness of the precarious conditions skilled by too many seniors, however this momentum appears to have run out of steam through the years. Presently, we hear a lot much less about this key problem for the way forward for our society,” stated Catherine Harel Bourdon, president and CEO of Little Brothers.
In 2025, the primary a part of the survey prompt that greater than two-thirds (67 per cent) of Quebecers consider that the loneliness skilled by individuals aged 75 and over has elevated over the previous few years (1,073 respondents).
The second a part of the survey, carried out primarily amongst people aged 55 and older, indicated that 85 per cent of respondents consider that folks aged 75 and over should not valued by the Quebec inhabitants (2,688 respondents).
Each surveys spotlight the growing threat of older adults feeling socially remoted, in addition to the concern that as individuals age, they may not be considered as helpful.
“The outcomes of this examine corroborate the conclusions of the analysis carried out by our group lately: ageism skilled by older adults stays a societal problem that continues to develop in significance,” stated Martine Lagacé, PhD, a full professor on the College of Ottawa and a specialist in ageing.
“Though this type of discrimination generally takes on insidious points, equivalent to invisibilization and indifference, its results on their well-being are not any much less appreciable. Essentially, ageism obscures the benevolent gaze and the worth positioned on the aged, these of in the present day and tomorrow. It challenges every of us on the query of how we need to age.”
The problems raised within the examine should not being ignored by everybody. A big majority of respondents consider older adults are undervalued and that extra should be executed to assist them.
Little Brothers says it desires to offer a voice to older individuals residing in social isolation by encouraging public dialogue and consciousness initiatives carried out in session with different stakeholders within the subject, with a purpose to mobilize society round these points.
“Geriatricians see daily how seniors are an actual gold mine of tales; they embody the evolution of Quebec society,” stated Dr. Julia Chabot, president of the Affiliation des médecins gériatres du Québec. “Given this wealth, we should present them with care that respects their dignity and make sure the health-care system is customized to their wants.”