No Place Like Home
Every senior deserves to age with dignity and choice, in their communities and on their terms.
— Seamus O’Regan Jr., former Canadian Minister for Seniors
Since 1963, the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) has advocated for the rights and well-being of seniors in Alberta. As Canada’s population ages, the ability of seniors to remain in their homes, often known as aging in the right place, has emerged as a critical policy priority. Aging in the right place preserves independence, dignity, and social connection, while also providing systemic benefits to housing and healthcare systems.
This document will outline some of the key facts surrounding this conversation, explain why aging in the right place matters so much to both the individual and to larger society, give a brief overview of the challenges involved, and tell you how you can take action.
While close to 80% of older Canadians wish to remain at home, according to the National Institute on Aging, only about 18% feel financially prepared for the necessary home modifications.