Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - The Chronicle Herald

Aging citizenry will strain regional resources

By Alison Auld / The Canadian Press

Atlantic Canada is facing increased strain on its health-care system and a major shortage of skilled workers over the next two decades as its population ages and fertility rates continue to drop.

But an expert on demographics says the national trends could also lead to big opportunities for the region, which could appeal to a growing number of baby boomers across the country who over the next five to 10 years will be looking for a place to quietly retire.

"When you get to your 50s, you're more likely to want some peace and quiet in your life and that leads to opportunities here in Atlantic Canada," David Foot, author of Boom, Bust and Echo, said in Halifax on Tuesday.  "They tend to be more wealthy, they tend to be well-educated, they can start their own businesses - great opportunities."

Foot, who was speaking at a luncheon on changing demographics, said the slower pace of life, the availability of land, a relatively clean environment and its proximity to the ocean will likely attract 50-something boomers looking for a break from big-city life.

He said the spectre of a large group of people heading into retirement is not necessarily bad for the economy. But he warned that economies and health-care systems should be prepared for it, even ready to take advantage of it.

"The focus (should be) on quality of life for young people in excellence in colleges and universities, and for the aging boomers who will come back here to settle and bring their wealth with them," he said. "Focus on quality of life, don't focus on economic growth."

That could be challenging since statistics show that one in eight people is now over 65 in Atlantic Canada and, in 20 years, that number will rise to one in five.

Baby boomers will enter retirement en masse, putting pressure on the health-care system and possibly sending the economy into a slump since the buying population will decrease. Foot warned that provincial governments should avoid cutting back rural hospitals, since they will be in greater demand as the population ages and requires more regular health care.

Copyright © 2005 The Halifax Herald Limited