These program were established decades ago, and do not constitute fulfilment of Beijing commitments. Over the first few decades, these programs did have a significant impact of decreasing poverty among seniors, particularly among men who had been active in the paid labour force. For unattached seniors, the poverty rates in 1996 were 45.4 percent for women and 29.3 percent for men. There is no evidence that within the past five years, the percentage of older women living in poverty has been in any way reduced. On the contrary, because of the trend toward the privatization of health care, older women are picking up more of the costs for some medical and other services.
Illness is more common.
Violence against women and children is more prevalent. Alcohol abuse is more common. Fewer children graduate from high school. Far fewer go on to colleges and universities. The homes of Aboriginal people are more often flimsy, leaky and overcrowded.