CLSA Objectives

Population aging is at the center of the policy debate in many countries. Populations projections show approximately one in four Canadians will be aged 65 and over in 2036 and that the proportion of the oldest seniors (80 years and over) will also increase sharply. Since the large baby-boom generations are approaching retirement, many people will experience the transition from work to retirement. Aging will also affect labour force growth, old age income security expenditures, the health-care system as well as the demand for informal care giving and home care services. Furthermore, a growing number of older Canadians will face the combined effects of a decline in physical function, medical problems and the development of chronic diseases.

This initiative will enable research to move beyond a snapshot of the adult Canadian population, and instead, aim to understand and observe the complex interplay between physical, social and psychological determinants of health over time. This source of data and biological samples will inform how Canadians age and the genesis of age-related disorders.

The overall aims of the CLSA are:

  • To examine aging as a dynamic process.
  • To investigate the inter-relationship among intrinsic and extrinsic factors from mid life to older age.
  • To capture the transitions, trajectories and profiles of aging: successful aging.
  • To provide infrastructure and build capacity for sustained high quality research on aging in Canada.
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