CBC pensioners are fortunate to be part of a relatively small group of retirees with the security of a defined benefit pension plan. But that doesn’t mean we’re immune to today’s challenges. Like all older Canadians, we are affected by rising costs, access to care, and the risk of isolation.
A newly released survey from the National Institute on Ageing (https://niageing.ca) highlights just how significant these challenges are. Within the next year, Canada will officially become a “super-aged” nation, with more than one in five Canadians over the age of 65. This shift will affect every part of our society — from health care and housing to pensions, work, digital access, and social connection.
Some of the findings are particularly concerning:
- Positive feelings about aging dropped sharply, from 62% in 2024 to 56% in 2025 — the largest year-over-year decline since the survey began.
- More Canadians say they can’t afford to retire when they want to. That number has risen from 37% in 2022 to 43% in 2025, putting retirement further out of reach for many.
- Social isolation and loneliness remain alarmingly high. Forty-three percent of older adults are at risk of social isolation, and nearly six in ten experience loneliness.
There are a few modest bright spots, such as improved access to dental care and slightly better access to a regular primary care provider. Still, the overall message is clear: Canada needs a more comprehensive, coordinated strategy on aging — one that brings affordability, health care, attitudes toward aging, and social connection together under a single, thoughtful approach.
Early next month, a small delegation from the Pensioners National Association will be in Ottawa meeting with government decision-makers. These meetings are part of a broader shift in how we work — being more proactive and more visible on the issues that matter most to retirees.
The timing couldn’t be more important. Seniors in Canada are facing growing pressures, and the choices being made now will shape retirement for years to come.
While our immediate focus will be on ensuring the government lives up to its commitments made to the CBC, our longer-term goal is bigger than that. We want to build strong, ongoing relationships so we are seen as credible, serious advocates for pensioners on the major issues facing Canada’s aging population.
We agree with the National Institute on Ageing that this survey serves both as a snapshot of how older Canadians are doing and as a practical tool to guide better, evidence-based decisions in a rapidly aging society.
Our meetings in Ottawa are about adding our voice to that conversation — and more importantly, about being part of the solution. We want to help shape policies that support retirees today and strengthen Canada for generations to come.
Dan Oldfield, President