Edmonton Seniors Isolated in Suburbs a Growing Problem

Did you know that two thirds of the Canadian population live out in the suburbs? Ever since suburbs became a "thing" in post-World War II North America, these sprawling neighbourhoods have served a purpose — providing roomy yet affordable housing for Canadian families.

A new report issued by the Institute for Research on Public Policy published that statistic and went further to say that Canadian seniors represent at least 16% of our population and a large majority live in suburbs. By choice, most likely, as many moved to a suburban neighbourhood in Edmonton when they had growing families and are now attached to their home, no matter how isolated they are and no matter how mobile or immobile they have become. The thought of selling their Edmonton home and moving is more daunting that the loneliness they may be experiencing.

Glenn Miller prepared the public policy report and he says that municipalities in Canada should examine this problem and take action especially since our senior populations are continuing to rise.

Miller acknowledged that many seniors stay in their suburban homes until such that that a health crisis or economic circumstances force them out. Until that time, their home may no longer be meeting their needs. He said that the suburbs are "no place to grow old."

Canadian suburbs are tailored for the car. Residents have to take a car everywhere — for groceries, to school or work and to the local transit hub. That methodology works for families but not for folks who are growing older and are no longer able to drive.

Neighbourhood amenities are typically not within reach and may be served by bus but walking to the local stop and waiting as long as 15 minutes for service isn't feasible for an older person either. Brand new communities are following a new urban philosophy with walkable streets and centrally-located shops and services but most suburban neighbourhoods will take years to transform to this newer model.

Mid-century neighbourhoods built in a grid pattern provide much better access to amenities but communities built after this period of time have cul-de-sacs and curvy crescents which mean longer walks to more primary roads when amenities are.

Homes in the 1950s and older are also smaller and easier to keep up that some newer suburban homes.

Miller noted that amenities in older neighbourhoods are centralizing because populations are growing smaller and there's no longer that critical mass to support amenities such as the corner store.

Loneliness as Dangerous as Smoking

This observation made the rounds lately on social media. Another study out of Brigham Young University suggests that loneliness can cut life just as short as obesity can.

A National health report said that six million people in Canada are living in isolation even in the middle of big cities. Andre Picard writes in the United Church Observer about an incident in Ontario where a senior with dementia wandered out of her home in winter, got lost, and froze to death.

Miller notes in his report that municipalities should be seriously looking at land-use as it pertains to our aging population. Zoning rules often make it too difficult to convert existing structures into a care facility or multi-family independent living facility.

Aside from the work and planning it takes to sell their home and pack up all their belongings, seniors are reluctant to move because in most cases they have to leave a neighbourhood they know and love. Many assisted living facilities are far from familiar surroundings and are often out in new subdivisions.

Age-friendly is a new buzzword in Canadian municipalities where eight aspects of a neighbourhood need to be identified to support aging-in-place. Those aspects include housing, transportation, community and health support, civic and social participation.