The cost of living crisis: Seniors affordability. We need to take action NOW.
The Economic Challenges Facing Canadian Seniors: A Call to Action
Seniors in Canada are facing an affordability crisis, and it’s getting harder for them to keep up. Rent, groceries, and basic necessities are more expensive than ever, and for those on fixed incomes, there’s not a lot of room to adjust. But this isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, independence, and the kind of community we want to live in.
Lets start with housing
Housing is one of the biggest concerns. In 2021, 38.8% of senior renters were spending more than 30% of their income on housing. That’s a massive financial strain, especially when you factor in rising costs for everything else. And it’s not just about affordability—many seniors are getting priced out of their communities as rental rates climb. From 2021 to 2023, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in major cities jumped by over 20%, pushing more seniors toward precarious housing situations.
This financial pressure isn’t just inconvenient; it’s affecting seniors’ health. Stress over housing costs has been linked to increased anxiety and depression, and for many, it means having to make impossible choices. Do you pay rent or buy healthy food? Cover the bills or get the medication you need? Food inflation has been brutal in the past few years, with prices rising by 22% since 2020. Fresh produce, dairy, and protein-rich foods are getting more expensive, leaving many seniors with cheaper, less nutritious alternatives. And that has real consequences, more hospital visits, and a lower quality of life.
This means trouble at home
Here in Winnipeg South Centre, a big segment of our population is over the age of 65, making affordability a local issue we can’t ignore. If we don’t take steps to ensure seniors have stable, affordable housing and access to essential services, we risk leaving them behind. We’re not talking about charity—we’re talking about making sure the people who built this country aren’t struggling just to get by.
This conversation isn’t just about policy—it’s about how we value seniors in our society. Too often, they’re treated as an afterthought, rather than as the architects of the world we live in today. They built the institutions, businesses, and communities we rely on, and now, they’re facing economic conditions that threaten their independence. We must respect their contributions and ensure they can live with dignity.
Affordability solutions are URGENT
So, what’s the solution? We need real action on affordable housing, with policies that regulate rent increases and expand options for seniors. We need dedicated seniors' centers that provide a range of services to help combat isolation and support aging in place. And we need to strengthen programs that ensure healthcare, transportation, and financial assistance are keeping up with rising costs.
Other countries, for example, have tackled this issue head-on with dedicated seniors' centers—community spaces designed specifically for older adults. In places like Japan and parts of Europe, these centers offer affordable meal programs, social activities, fitness classes, and healthcare support all in one place. In Canada, we have community centers with some senior programming, but nothing as comprehensive as the hubs seen elsewhere. If we’re serious about supporting older adults, we should be seriously looking at these models and bringing them here.
Seniors deserve better, and addressing these challenges isn’t just about fixing today’s problems—it’s about setting the stage for how we care for future generations. The affordability crisis isn’t going away, and if we don’t act now, more and more Canadians will face these struggles as they age. It’s time to step up, push for change, and build a future where growing older doesn’t mean struggling to survive.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7799385/
https://www.manitobahumanrights.ca/education/pdf/guidelines/guideline_housing.pdf
https://corealberta.ca/news/high-inflation-putting-extra-strain-on-seniors-advocacy-group
