Canada stands at a critical juncture in what experts are calling a growing elder care crisis. With over 7.2 million Canadians aged 65 and older as of mid-2024, representing nearly one-fifth of the population, the nation faces unprecedented challenges in elder care. The “oldest old” demographic, those over 85, has surged by 30% in the last decade, reaching 900,000 individuals. This demographic shift places immense strain on our long-term care (LTC) systems, home care services, and the unpaid caregivers who form the backbone of elder support, according to a 2024 report by Hart College.
