Issue 78 – 25, November 30th, 2025
Housing Challenges for Older Adults
The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors (FPT Seniors Forum) back in 2021 approved “Supportive Housing for a Diverse Seniors Population” as a key priority of work for its 2022-2025 work cycle. To reinforce this theme as a crucial priority, Employment and Social Development Canada commissioned a report on behalf of the FPT Seniors Forum to examine the core housing needs, housing conditions and challenges of diverse older adults in Canada.
As Canada’s population ages, more seniors are facing serious housing challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 Canadians (about 19%) are 65 or older, and this number is expected to grow to about 1 in 4 by 2043. Many of these seniors live in homes that are either too expensive, not suitable for their needs, or in poor condition. These issues impact their safety, independence, and quality of life.
One way to measure housing problems is through what’s called “core housing need.” This means a home that either costs more than 30% of a person’s income, doesn’t have enough bedrooms or too many for the household, or needs major repairs to be safe and livable. Many seniors living in rental homes, especially those in subsidized housing, face these issues regularly.
The challenges faced by older adults are varied. Many struggle with the high costs of their homes, which can take up most of their income. Others live in homes that are overcrowded, old, or damaged, making daily life more difficult. Living alone increases feelings of loneliness and can make it harder to do everyday activities like shopping, cleaning, or getting medical help. Racialized seniors and Indigenous elders often face additional obstacles, such as living in overcrowded homes or lacking housing options that respect their cultural traditions. Seniors living in rural or remote areas may find it difficult to access healthcare, transportation, banking and community services, which can further limit their independence and well-being.
Most seniors in Canada live in private homes, like single-family houses or small apartments, but some reside in assisted living facilities or nursing homes where they can receive help with daily tasks. Many seniors prefer to “age in place”, that is, to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. However, staying in the same place depends heavily on the availability of accessible, affordable, and safe housing. Homes should be designed or modified to accommodate health issues or mobility challenges, with features like ramps and wider doorways, so seniors can live comfortably and safely.
Housing for diverse groups of seniors also presents unique challenges. Immigrant seniors, for example, often face language barriers that make it harder to find suitable housing or access services. Indigenous elders, especially those living in remote northern communities, may have to deal with overcrowded homes or long distances from healthcare facilities. Additionally, seniors who identify as LGBT+ can experience discrimination or lack inclusive housing options, which can impact their safety and well-being.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened many of these issues. Lockdowns and restrictions increased feelings of loneliness among seniors, especially those living alone or in long-term care facilities. Seniors with strong social connections or living in community settings generally fared better during this difficult time. Many received extra financial support from government programs, which helped some with housing costs. However, this assistance sometimes made it harder for some seniors to qualify for other types of social support later.
To address these challenges, significant efforts are needed. Building more affordable, accessible, and culturally respectful housing is essential. Homes should be designed or adapted so that seniors can live independently for as long as they wish, close to healthcare, shops, parks, and loved ones. Governments and communities must work together to develop diverse housing options tailored to the needs of all seniors, including Indigenous, immigrant, and LGBT+ populations.
Planning for better housing today is vital for ensuring that seniors can live safely, comfortably, and with dignity in their communities. As the number of older adults continues to grow, investing in suitable housing will help reduce reliance on costly healthcare and long-term care facilities, ultimately supporting healthier, happier aging for everyone.
Read more - Housing supply needs and challenges for a diverse seniors population in Canada - Canada.ca
Canada’s Benefit System Can Impact Seniors
Many seniors in Canada get money from the government to help pay for their daily needs. These payments include programs like Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). These benefits are very important because they help seniors with low or fixed incomes live better lives.
The programs for seniors are designed to help those who don’t have much income. To make sure benefits go to people who need them most. But there is a problem. When seniors decide to earn extra money by working part-time or doing small jobs, their benefits can be reduced or stopped entirely. This is called a "claw back." A claw back means that for every dollar a senior earns from work, they might lose a big part of their government benefits. Sometimes, they might lose over 75 cents of benefits for each dollar earned. This makes earning extra money seem less worthwhile.
High claw backs can keep seniors in poverty because they don’t get enough incentive to earn extra income. It can also limit their ability to save for the future or enjoy a more comfortable retirement. It can also make life more stressful because they have fewer options to improve their financial situation. Changing the rules could help seniors have more choices and a better quality of life.
Experts believe the government could make changes to the rules. For example, they could allow seniors to earn some money without losing their benefits, or they could reduce the percentage of benefits that are taken away. Allowing seniors to earn a little more without penalty could encourage them to work or do small jobs, which would help improve their quality of life.
More than 2.6 million seniors now have some form of gainful employment, almost a million new seniors participating in the workforce since the Covid pandemic.
Read more - Price of Earning More: The Hidden Tax on Parents and Senior Canadians – C.D. Howe Institute
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - (December 3rd)
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in 1992. Each year on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects disability affects people around the world.
More than 1 billion people in the world have a disability. At 15 percent of the world's population, persons with disabilities account for the world's largest minority. Furthermore, one out of every seven people is affected by disability.
For many years, discrimination, lack of access to services, lack of social support, and ignorance about disability have been some of the main challenges persons with disabilities face. Even in today’s age of inclusivity, these challenges continue.
In 2006, the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD declared accessibility and inclusion as fundamental rights for persons of disabilities. Unfortunately, much still needs to be done for these rights to be recognized.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - (December 6th)
It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On December 6, we remember:
- Geneviève Bergeron
- Hélène Colgan
- Nathalie Croteau
- Barbara Daigneault
- Anne-Marie Edward
- Maud Haviernick
- Maryse Laganière
- Maryse Leclair
- Anne-Marie Lemay
- Sonia Pelletier
- Michèle Richard
- Annie St-Arneault
- Annie Turcotte
- Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination.