For All Ages... and Abilities

By Raymond D. Cohen

Any of the several articles on aging included in this issue will tell you that our national population of seniors is growing rapidly. In fact, in just a few years, according to Health Canada’s Division of Aging and Seniors, the average lifespan worldwide will increase by almost two decades. The number of people over age 60 will grow from one in 14 to one in four!

To raise international awareness of seniors, their needs and their vital role in society, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 1999 the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP).

Canada, whose population of older people is among the fasted growing worldwide, will be participating in this important event. The theme for the year in our nation is "Canada, A Society for All Ages." The event will be an opportunity for Canadians to focus on the ways our country’s economic, social and cultural facets will change as they are impacted on by our older citizens.

It is with optimism that we offer congratulations to the Honourable Flora MacDonald and Mr. Don Harron, co-chairs of a national committee to stimulate and coordinate Canada’s participation in the International Year. These two prominent Canadians, along with 13 other members of the Canada Coordinating Committee for the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP), were named on June 12, 1998, by Canada’s
federal/provincial/territorial ministers responsible for seniors.

We at the Canadian Abilities Foundation acknowledge the importance of this year-long celebration to our readership. The extent of overlap between disability issues and concerns related to seniors has always been considerable. But now, as the new millenium looms, and as the demographics between older Canadians and people with disabilities converge, the issues shared between these two populations are becoming even more significant.

Mobility, health, employment, literacy, poverty, marginalization, vulnerability... these are just a few of the areas which leap to mind when considering issues of common ground between seniors and people with disabilities. We also know that the incidence of disability is much higher among older people than the general population -- in fact, it is the increase of seniors, added to the growing number of adults with disabilities who reach a ripe old age, that has been largely responsible for the rise in rates of disability across the country these past few years.

The Winter 1998 issue of ABILITIES addresses aging and disability in three articles and with three approaches. "Silver Linings" (page 46), our special feature on elder abuse and aging with a disability, is written by Managing Editor Lisa Bendall and made possible by Health Canada’s National Clearinghouse on Family Violence. Seventy-four-year-old artist and disability advocate Marty Shultz, who shares her perspectives on aging in the article, is also depicted on our cover this issue.

The Roeher Institute brings you "Aging and Disability" (page 24), by Mary Bunch, in our Forum section. In this article, The Roeher Institute examines some of the policy directions in the area of aging which are suggested by the research this organization is presently conducting.

And finally, we are very pleased to welcome the first of four articles on OPPORTUNITIES 45+ to appear in the Forum section of ABILITIES, "Older Workers with Disabilities" (page 33). OPPORTUNITIES 45+ is the name of an important employment initiative launched by One Voice, The Canadian Seniors’ Network, with the support of Human Resources Development Canada. OPPORTUNITIES 45+ reflects the commitment of One Voice to improving the quality of work force participation among older Canadians -- both with and without disabilities.

The Canada Coordinating Committee of the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP) aims to build "a better Canada for citizens of all ages" by fostering understanding of and respect for the older people in our communities. Its objectives include encouraging all sectors of society to accept diversity, and opening up the way for more development of aging-related products, technology and services -- which can only enhance the resources available for people with disabilities.

To find out more or get involved, you can check out the national IYOP website at http://iyop-aipa.ic.gc.ca. The website includes
information on IYOP events across Canada and internationally, and allows individuals and organizations to link up around the world. Or call the Canada Coordinating Committee at (613) 954-5815.