From the editor
For the first time in history , there are now more seniors living in Canada than children , according to the latest Canadian census .
Just over 5.9 million people - or roughly 16.9 per cent of the country ’ s population - were older than 64 years of age in 2016 , while 5.84 million Canadians - or 16.6 per cent of the population - were children under age 15 .
And the proportion of seniors , which has been steadily increasing for the past four decades , is expected to continue to increase rapidly until about 2031 when all Baby Boomers will have reached aged 65 , demographic projections suggest . Statistics Canada says seniors could represent up to one-quarter of the total population in 2036 .
This is all very useful information to eyewear companies as they work to design and market frames , sunglasses and lenses that meet the demands and preferences of this important demographic .
This issue of Optical Prism magazine is focused on the Baby Boomer generation , defined by Stats-Can as people born between 1946 and 1965 . We take a look at the new frames , sunglasses and active eyewear that are popular among today ’ s seniors , which are generally more active and on-the-go than seniors of year ’ s past .
But we also discuss the topic of eye health for this demographic . For example , in this issue , we hear from Dr . Michael Nelson , vice-president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists about what the CAO refers to as the “ emerging vision crisis ” in Canada .
Since the occurrence of all four of the major eye diseases that contribute to blindness increases with age , the CAO has presented recommendations to a federal standing committee on how the Canadian government should be making eye health and vision care for seniors a “ public health priority .”
We have asked Dr . Nelson questions about the emerging vision crisis , such as why Canadians should care about it and how the Canadian government should be addressing it .
Also in this issue , officials with several not-for-profit organizations give their best advice to seniors who are concerned about vision loss . We hope you enjoy this issue of Optical Prism magazine .
As always , please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check in often at opticalprism . ca for all of the latest news and product information from the eyewear and eyecare industries .
Denis Langlois , Editor .
6 OPTICAL PRISM October 2018