Older Adulthood | Future lives

Future Lives video series

Ageing and the way we think about old age is changing.

Some researchers now use the term “gerontolescence” to emphasize late life as a period of positive transformation.

Thanks to advances in science, medicine, and social policy, many people in Canada are living longer, healthier lives.

By 2050, the number of people over 60 years old will double to over 2 billion globally.

Contrary to popular belief, personal reports of happiness tend to reach their lowest point in midlife, then rise again towards old age.

Many older adults are enjoying a period of renewed self-discovery, and active pursuit of new skills and passions later on in life.

One in four people in Canada aged 65-69 are currently employed, with most citing personal preference rather than need.

Changes in what people plan to do in old age could affect decisions and behaviours earlier in the life course.

How could policy adapt to a growing number of elders’ changing needs and demands in the future?

What does this mean for the life course?