WELLINGTON COUNTY – As the global population ages, an increasing number of older adults are grappling with the climbing expenses.
For some, the dream of a peaceful retirement is cut short due to rising costs, fixed incomes and a increasing food insecurity.
“They don’t get that much money,” said Centre Wellington Food Bank chair Jackie Andrews.
“Most of them [older adults and seniors] are on a fixed income, so they have the old age pension and CPP, but that’s not really very much money.”
The scope of the issue
According to Statistics Canada, 18.9 per cent of the country’s population is over the age of 65. And while the number may seem small, it is growing everyday and is expected to double by 2030.
Challenges such as ever-changing tariffs, the rising cost of living, and the challenge of living off of a fixed income all contribute to the financial struggles of our older adult population.
Food insecurity
Part of the rising costs includes food, with more older adults turning to local food banks for support.
“In 2024 the food bank supported 450 families and served 1,049 individuals,” said Andrews.
“That is 3,888 visits all together, which is up 44% since 2022 and unfortunately, our numbers just continue to grow.”
Amongst those served, 87 were older adults aged 65 years and older. Of that number 48 were women and 39 were men.
“Most of our seniors are on fixed incomes making it difficult to make ends meet,” said Andrews.
Transportation
Another expense for seniors is transportation. There are many seniors who either don’t have a vehicle or are unable to drive one due to physical or mental restrictions.
In those cases a simple trip to the grocery store or a quick trip to the post office can be costly.
“Other than a friend with a car, is a taxi, and it costs $20 one way from Fergus to Elora,” said Andrews. “So if you want to go grocery shopping or something like that, and you live in Elora, then it’s $40 to start with, and then you can go from there.”
While there are other community transportation options aside from a taxi or an Uber, they can be ill-fitted to older adults.
“Community resource, which is sponsored by the township and the county, I believe. If you’re under 65 and you give 72 hours notice, you can get a ride, which is great, but as soon as you turn 65 you don’t have that privilege anymore. You still pay the taxes for that privilege, but you don’t get to have it,” Andrews told the Advertiser.
Other options such as the Ride Well program require a strong grasp of technology, something Andrews says can be challenging for older adults.
“They need to have a cell phone so they can have the Ride Well app on their cell phone to book, and then when they pay for it, it comes out of their bank account,” said Andrews.
“So the senior has to be skilled enough to put the app on their phone and have it hooked up to their bank account.”
Everyday essentials
While the food bank is most notably known for supplementing meals for individuals and families, it also supplies a list of personal items and everyday essentials that those living on a fixed income may not be able to afford.
“But the other thing, like the toiletries, how much does it cost to buy shampoo, to wash your hair, toothpaste, deodorant, you know the little things like that, cost so much money,” said Andrews.
Other items include laundry soap, paper towel, toilet paper, warm clothing in the winter as well as shoes and boots for those still able to walk to appointments and shops.
Where to get support
It is no secret that everybody is feeling the pinch of today’s rising costs, however those on fixed incomes are most vulnerable.
Those seeking support can contact the food bank at 519-787-1401 or the Victoria Park Seniors Centre at 519-846-9691 ext 277.
