Aging-in-place and the spatial distribution of older adult vulnerability in Canada. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Channer, Natalie S.; Hartt, Maxwell; Biglieri, Samantha
• Is Part Of: Applied geography. Volume 125(2021)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Aging -- Aging in place -- Age-friendly cities -- Older adult -- Canada; Geography -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2020.102357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-6228

Abstract

Abstract: Rapid population aging is underway across the entirety of Canada. With the proportion of older adults increasing and the majority of the older generation planning to age in place, understanding how older adult vulnerability differs spatially is paramount to developing targeted policy interventions and creating a more age-friendly society. Our study examines the locational differences of older adult vulnerability through statistical and spatial analysis. A nationwide neighbourhood analysis of Canada ( n = 55, 003) found that older adult vulnerability differs considerably in urban, suburban, and rural neighbourhoods. Rural areas have the highest proportion of older adults, whereas urban areas are far more diverse. Spatial analysis of neighbourhoods in Toronto ( n = 3702) identified clusters of older adult vulnerability. The findings highlight opportunities to target aging-in-place health, social, and built environment initiatives to support Canadians as they age. Highlights: Canadian older adults disproportionately live in rural areas. Canadian urban areas have the highest proportion of low-income older adults. Canadian suburban and urban areas have more diverse older populations than rural. Adults aged 85+ in Toronto are spatially concentrated in a few isolated clusters. There is evidence of an urban-suburban older adult vulnerability divide in Toronto.