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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-09-02, Page 31Cornnaunity News GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1987—PAGE 9A In the above picture Joe Hackett serves Jim Steffler a hod dog at the Goderich flea market at the Huron Historic Jail. Besides, hot dogs, he sells pop and ice cream. Below a large crowd was on hand for the flea market. Next week is the final week for bargains at the market. (photos by Ted Spooner) Aging society will put dem Canadian society is changing and the im- pact of that change will never major ramifications at all social, political and economic levels. Canadians are living longer and the birth rate continues to decline creating a population with a growing percentage of older people. In 1981, the elderly (persons aged 65 years or older) nun& up 10% of tlee count( y's population. In just forty years, projections indicate that this group will double to almost 20% and that the average age of the Canadian society will also continue to climb. In political terms, this means shift in thinking, especially in the areas of social policy and programs. The elderly currently represent almost 14% of eligible voters and are among the most active in exercising that franchise. They are also beginning to exert an influential lobbying force. In 1986, senior citizens groups were successful in forcing the federal government to reverse its policy of de -indexing the Canada pension. As the number of senior citizens continues to grow. they will exert an even more signifi- cant influence on political parties, at all government levels. Issues like mandatory retirement, and assistance for those on fix- ed incomes, will become government priorities, as will health care and dying with dignity. The impact of an aging society, however., is not limited to • political considerations. Currently, the elderly represent an income market in excess of $20 billion, more than 10% of all incomes in Canada. As the figure climbs, manufacturers and major retailers can be expected to orient more and more of their marketing direction towards captur- ing as share of this market. Nowhere will there be a more dramatic change than in the area of health care services for the elderly. The need for more health care will in- crease at an even more rapid rate than the elderly themselves. Already underserviced, it is expected that health care services ds on system specifically oriented to the elderly will in- crease by 50% in less than 15 years. They will use over 50% off general hospital beds, 75% of long term hospital beds, 35% of psychiatric beds and 40% of the country's total health care budget. Meeting a need will take a concerted effort at all levels of Government and a major change in the way society thinks of the elderly. Too -long ig-- nored, the elderly- are a growing segment of Canada's population, with special needs and unique perspectives. For a long time the emphasis in Canada has been on the young. Politically, socially and economically our society has been dominated by a concept of youth. But, within forty years, that focus, indeed the very nature of our population, will radically change. For the first time in our history the majority of Canadians will be over 35 years old and our society will not only reflect that change but will be forced to deal with the unique challenge it creates. More money allocated to combat spread of AILS, Elston announced TORONTO—The Ontario government will provide additional ' funding of $12.5 million over the next two years to combat the spread of AIDS, Health Minister Mur- ray Elston announced recently. "AIDS is spreading through all ages and both sexes in our society," Elston said. "Until effective treatment or a vaccine is developed, the only way to check the spread of the deadly virus is through prevention and control programs." The expanding AIDS initiatives will stress prevention through a major public awareness -campaign, and control through public health measures. Ontario's 43 public health units will receive about $6 million over the next two years to step up AIDS control by increas- ing such programs as education for the general public and high-risk groups, and expanding the monitoring of the disease through such measures as contact tracing and risk group -analysis. The local health units will also strengthen their teaching role in .public forums and in schools, as well as cousell- ing those who "test positive for the AIDS antibodies—now more than 2,500 people in the province. About $3 million will be spent on public information and awareness programs. The Ontario Public Education Panel on AIDS (OPERA) and the Provincial Advisory Committee of AIDS (PACA) have been asked to adviseand assist the ministry in the developmentof new educational programs. In addition, about $1.2 million will be us- ed by TV Ontario to develop video pro- grams and educational packages on AIDS for the training of teachers. Another $800,000 will :go to local com- munity AIDS programs, such as the -AIDS Committee of Toronto, for services in- cluding counselling and support. groups, LEVI'S SELLABRATION educational conferences and workshops and AIDS information centres. About $700,000 will be spent on the province -wide toll-free AIDS hotline (1-800-268-8400) announced by Health Minister Murray Elston. Callers will be given authoritative information about AIDS and told about services available in their communities. A special AIDS office will be created in the Ministry of Health at a cost of $800,000. The section will track AIDS infection pat- terns, support research and better coor- dinate provincial AIDS education programs. Levi's Regular Fit Jacket a .Re . 568, 3999 Red Tab Bleached Jeang Red Tab Jeans Boys Reg 3398 24?9 36. 9827?9 Re . 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