A new multi-part study conducted by Léger and Little Brothers suggests Quebec isn’t sufficiently prepared for the aging of its population.
By 2033, Quebec will have more than one million people aged 75 and over. The study indicates that many in that age group will experience loneliness and social isolation. It also highlights the growing importance of combating ageism and ensuring older adults maintain a sense of value in society.
“The pandemic years have certainly increased public awareness of the precarious situations experienced by too many seniors, but this momentum seems to have run out of steam over the years. Currently, we hear much less about this key issue for the future of our society,” said Catherine Harel Bourdon, president and CEO of Little Brothers.
In 2025, the first part of the survey suggested that more than two-thirds (67 per cent) of Quebecers believe that the loneliness experienced by people aged 75 and over has increased over the past few years (1,073 respondents).
The second part of the survey, conducted mainly among individuals aged 55 and older, indicated that 85 per cent of respondents believe that people aged 75 and over are not valued by the Quebec population (2,688 respondents).
Both surveys highlight the increasing risk of older adults feeling socially isolated, as well as the fear that as people age, they will no longer be viewed as useful.
“The results of this study corroborate the conclusions of the research conducted by our team in recent years: ageism experienced by older adults remains a societal issue that continues to grow in importance,” said Martine Lagacé, PhD, a full professor at the University of Ottawa and a specialist in aging.
“Although this form of discrimination sometimes takes on insidious aspects, such as invisibilization and indifference, its effects on their well-being are no less considerable. Fundamentally, ageism obscures the benevolent gaze and the value placed on the elderly, those of today and tomorrow. It challenges each of us on the question of how we want to age.”
The issues raised in the study are not being ignored by everyone. A large majority of respondents believe older adults are undervalued and that more must be done to support them.
Little Brothers says it wants to give a voice to older people living in social isolation by encouraging public discussion and awareness initiatives carried out in consultation with other stakeholders in the field, in order to mobilize society around these issues.
“Geriatricians see every day how seniors are a real gold mine of stories; they embody the evolution of Quebec society,” said Dr. Julia Chabot, president of the Association des médecins gériatres du Québec. “Given this wealth, we must provide them with care that respects their dignity and ensure the health-care system is adapted to their needs.”
