Next Golden age activity gold for society Active living can positively influence Canada's economic situation by increasing productivity throughout the lifespan and by decreasing ill health and dependency during the retirement years, thereby reducing social costs. However, active older adults can and often do make a productive contribution to society for several years longer than their sedentary counterparts. They do so through volunteer work, paid labour and caregiver roles. Supporting children costs more than providing for older people, however, and the proportion of children will decrease as the number of seniors increases.
Poor health seems to be a frequent cause of premature retirement.
Active living not only prevents poor health, it also helps to manage and control chronic conditions. As such, it may very well extend the average period of participation in the labour force. Active older people also depend less on the state. The demand for institutional and home-care services and the burden upon relatives differ greatly between active and inactive individuals, particularly in those over the age of 80. An active lifestyle can prolong independence by maintaining adequate strength, flexibility and aerobic power.