Gerontology in Canada: History, Challenges, Research

This paper introduces some of the key features, interests and responsibilities of gerontology in Canada. It first considers the development of gerontology as a dedicated academic field in the country since the 1970s through to the present day. Second, through the eyes of key studies, it outlines some of the main social challenges faced by academics and officialdom with regard to Canada’s aging population. It focuses third on health care; the current state of, and directions for, clinical practice in relation to older people nationally. Collectively these three discussions provide a broad overview and entry point into the Canadian context of global aging.