Stereotyping seniors as wealthy does not reflect the reality for many B.C. seniors

By Isobel Mackenzie
Seniors Advocate

VICTORIA – Ageism can take many forms, however like any discrimination it
has, at its core, a desire to stereotype an entire group of people.
On Oct. 1, 2014, we celebrated the United Nations International Day of the
Older Person. This year’s theme “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a
Society for All” should be a reminder to practice inclusion by resisting
the temptation to stereotype anyone, including seniors.

To this end, there has been much discussion in the media recently about
the increased and relative affluence of seniors. Some, such as Maclean’s
Magazine have baited divisiveness with the headline “Old. Rich. Spoiled”.
Throughout the various articles and headlines of late, I have struggled
to find the voice of actual seniors reflected. What I have found instead
is incomplete information that has resulted in a mis-representation of the
economic plight of many seniors.

Statistics Canada pegs the 2011 median income for those over 65 at $23,700.
This means that 50% of seniors in Canada are living on less than $23,700
per year, with the majority living alone. Compare this to the median
income for 35-44 year olds at $43,300 with the overwhelming majority
living in a two-person household sharing costs that are often borne by
the single senior. Here in British Columbia alone, we have over 52,000
seniors who are living on $16,300 per year or less.

While it is true that some low-income seniors live in a home with no
mortgage, they still face property tax, insurance and maintenance and
repair costs all on a fixed income that is often not guaranteed to keep
pace with inflation. Their equity in some cases has either been borrowed
against, or is an insurance policy for future care costs. Additionally,
let’s not forget the 20% of senior households that are rented and face
annual increases against an often stagnant income. Seniors face
health-care costs related to drugs, mobility aids, dental care,
eyeglasses and hearing aids with no workplace benefit plans to defray
costs.

Householders today are enjoying record low interest rates. While this
is a boon for some homeowners, it can be a hardship for the
overwhelming majority of seniors who do not receive a defined benefit
pension plan and must produce an adequate retirement income from savings
and investments. It is important to remember that, whatever wealth
seniors might have (outside of their primary residence) they are usually
required to produce an income from it, unlike people who receive their
income from employment and can allow their wealth to compound.

The issue of the low income and poverty of some seniors is only one part
of the picture. Seniors also make significant contributions to our
communities and our health-care system. We know that the greatest amount
of volunteering is done by seniors. More significantly perhaps is the
millions of hours of care that is provided every year in this country
by seniors to their spouses, and in some cases, their parents. If
seniors didn’t step up each and every day to the needs of their
community, the cost to all levels of government would be staggering.
The contribution of unpaid caregivers over 65, alone is an estimated
four billion dollar savings to the Canadian health care system.

In addition to their contributions of unpaid labour, seniors also
contribute to the costs of their care. In B.C., seniors pay: 80% of
their income toward the cost of residential care to a maximum of
$3092.66; 70% of their income toward the cost of government subsidized
assisted living with a maximum that varies according to local market
conditions; and they co-pay the costs of their home support on a
sliding scale based on income. While it may be fair to question whether
a minority of higher income seniors should benefit from the caps,
it is also very evident that the majority of seniors are surrendering
significant amounts of their income to subsidize their care needs.

The seniors of today, like the seniors of tomorrow, are unique
individuals. Some have money, some do not. Some have good health,
some do not. Some contribute to their community, others less so. Some
need our help, others do not. What is most important is that we
value the uniqueness of seniors just as we do those who are not yet
65 and in so doing, ensure we leave no one behind and create a society
for all.

Isobel Mackenzie was appointed as Seniors Advocate for B.C. in March
2014. Prior to this role, Isobel spent two decades working with
seniors in home care, licensed dementia care, assisted living and
volunteer and community services. Isobel also served with the
Canadian Home Care Association, BC Care Providers and the Medical
Services Commission of BC.