Boomers Tsunami

In 2006; the first wave of baby boomers hit age 60. Retirement is closing in ... and so is the growing awareness that governments must prepare for the tusnami that is sure to hit the health care system as boomers enter their high-utilization years. Life expectancy in Canada is among the best in the world, largely due to our provincial health programs which we have come to take for granted. Will they sustain the needs of our aging population or crumble?

and care in the community. "Aging in place" is the utopic goal, but premature downloading of care from hospitals to home care without adequate funding to support it has resulted in surging rates of emergency calls to 911.

The wake up call has been sounded for boomers to shift from retirement planning mode to advance planning for emergencies and future care.

This generation has transformed every stage of life from the introduction of disposable diapers to mini-vans. Now they are a generation entering the utilization years. This new mature consumer will demand more from the health care system such as alternative and complementary therapies . They will have researched information and expect active involvement in personal health care matters for themselves and

their aging parents. While Canadians are living longer we are simultaneously heading toward a future in which chronic disease, and Alzheimer's Disease will be pervasive.

Our government is in uncharted waters as provinces begin the process of revamping ailing health care systems focused on disability and treatment in institutional settings to one focused on wellness,