In 2022, there were 31,864 seniors aged 65 and over in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, or 21% of the population, an increase of 6% in 10 years.

According to a recent portrait from the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Observatory, this population group will become even more numerous in the next 20 years.

The Quebec Institute of Statistics (ISQ) estimates that seniors in the region are expected to make up 27% of the total population in 2041.

People aged 65 to 74 make up more than half of seniors. Women also currently outnumber men, although this ratio has declined over the years.

The average total income of the region’s senior population is $36,200, lower than the provincial average of $40,960.

Older women receive 70% of men’s total income, figures that worry the president of the Regional Advisory Table for Seniors, Ghyslain Bergeron.

The portrait does not show an ideal life for people aged 65 and over with fairly accurate numbers.

We’re talking about 30% who still find it difficult to live on a low income. Women are particularly affected if they are widowed or alone. Income also affects the living situation. Seniors want to stay in their own home, which is not so easy when you are alone or [même] as a couple from 65 years or from 80 yearshe said.

Additionally, staying at home requires transportation, and in a rural setting it is not always easy to access health services. As for housing, due to rising rental prices, there are many elderly people in the region who cannot even move to improve their situationexplains Ghyslain Bergeron.

He also regrets the long waiting times for a place in the CHSLD or in nursing homes. We do not promote greater improvement in the lives of seniors through co-publishingregrets Ghyslain Bergeron, who is not surprised by the figures presented to him.

Given the expected increase in this population group, the official expects the authorities to improve the services offered.

In addition, Ghyslain Bergeron emphasizes, the aim of the portrait is to better understand the challenges and identify possible solutions to enable older people to live a better life in the region.

Thanks to this portrait, the organization can present itself to the relevant authorities and call on them to take action. We have sent a communication to the Minister responsible for Elders, Sonia Bélanger, to inform her of the situation. We will also inform our deputies in the region and also meet or discuss with the MRC prefects what they plan to do to improve services for seniors.emphasizes the manager.