The research paper by Marie Beaulieu and Charmaine Spencer describes ageing and older adults' relationships of dependence and interdependence from a psychosocial and legal perspective, paying particular attention to assumptions about ageing that are entrenched in the law. Donald and Norma Poirier's research paper examines the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of various legislative measures in place to combat elder abuse, in particular financial exploitation. As the Commission conceives of and undertakes further research in this area, the web site will be updated accordingly. Although each individual's experience of ageing is unique, certain trends can be observed in the population of adults who are over 65. For example, seniors today are living longer, healthier and more independent lives than they did in the past.
Women continue to live longer than men do.
Older women can expect to live at least 20 years on their own. Women over 65 are more than twice as likely to live alone than are men in the same age group. The proportion of seniors living in extended families, such as with their sons or daughters, has decreased steadily from 16 per cent in the early 1970s to 7 per cent in 1996. Contrary to popular belief, caregiving for most ageing persons is provided by one's spouse and not one's children. In 1996, the proportion of seniors in each province living in institutions ranged between 5 and 10 per cent of the total senior population.