The Canadian Retirement Guide

Book excerpt: People over 65 years old constitute the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. By 2011, as the first baby boomers turn 65, seven million Canadians will be senior citizens. And by 2041 it is estimated nearly one in four Canadians will be over 65. The aging population will radically change society as individuals face the challenges of growing older, caring for parents and often times for children still at home. As our life spans increase so do our options for how we will spend our later years. However, this large group of elders is facing a crisis. Many have made few if any plans for retirement. Without clear goals, plans to support dependants and means of paying for financial commitments, in addition to increasing health risks, retirement could be a time of misery and uncertainty. The Canadian Retirement Guide solves that problem. It sets up a process by which we can plan for retirement as a family, taking into consideration the retiree, the spouse and those who depend on them. Topics covered include estate planning, wills, taxation, how to choose financial professionals, your role as a caregiver, physical and mental health issues, and the different challenges facing us as we enter our golden years.