We all require and use various types of health care services. However, studies show seniors are generally far more likely than those in younger age groups to be hospitalized. Seniors, for example, were three times more likely than those aged 45-64 to be hospitalized in 1998. Hospitalization rates also rise substantially among older seniors, with people aged 75 and over, who are 75% more likely to be hospitalized than those 65-74.

According to the 2001 Census population by age and gender data, the median age of the Greater Vancouver Regional District's population reached an all-time high of 37.5 in 2001, up from 35.5 in 1996.

Bearing this in mind, there is the Baby Boom generation, the many people born from 1946 - 66. It is crucial that the current health care facilities meet the needs of the baby boomer population. When the baby boomers turn 65 years old, it is no doubt that there will be a great demand of health care facilities if the current health care system is not prepared for the future aging population of baby boomers.

The rapid growth in the size of the senior population is also expected to continue well into the future. Statistics Canada has projected, for example, that by 2021 there will be almost 7 million seniors, who will represent 19% of the total population. By looking at the city of Vancouver alone, in 10 years, the number of Vancouver residents aged 65 and up is expected to jump by 11.4 per cent, from 71,873 to 80,061 according to Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation¡¯s statistics. It¡¯s a growth rate that¡¯s almost four per cent higher than the general population¡¯s-7.8 per cent.

Moreover, the life expectancy of Canadian seniors has risen substantially over the course of the last century. As of 1997, a 65-year-old person had an estimated remaining life expectancy of 18.3 years, roughly half a year more than in 1991, three years more than in 1971, and five years more than in 1921.