Shingles remains a significant but often overlooked health risk for older Canadians. In a recent Global News story, Reverend Dianne Parker of Nova Scotia shared her experience after developing shingles in her early 70s while undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer. The overlapping illnesses made an already difficult time even more painful. “The pain was worse than childbirth,” she recalled. Her story underscores the importance of improving awareness and prevention. A report from the NIA estimates that about 130,000 shingles cases occur in Canada each year, costing the health care system $67–$82 million annually. Yet despite NACI recommendations that adults aged 50+ receive the shingles vaccine, fewer than four in ten Canadians have received even one dose. The NIA’s report, The Overlooked Issue of Shingles Infections in Older Canadians and How to Address It, calls for stronger awareness, improved vaccine access, and coordinated action to help protect older Canadians. 📺Watch the Global News story globalnews.ca/video/11705458… #HealthyAgeing #ShinglesAwareness #Vaccination #PublicHealth

💉 Inconsistent vaccine coverage across provinces makes it harder for older Canadians to know what’s available and where to get vaccinated. The NIA’s new Provincial and Territorial Vaccine One-Pagers for Adults 65+ (2025/26) make it simple. These one-page resources outline: 📋 Which vaccines are nationally recommended 💰 Which vaccines are free 💬 Where to get vaccine questions answered 🔎 Find your province or territory and see what’s covered: 🔗 niageing.ca/provincial-terri… #ShinglesAwarenessWeek #OlderAdults #HealthyAgeing

⏳ Retirement readiness is slipping for many older Canadians New findings from the 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey reveal growing uncertainty about retirement among Canadians aged 50+: • Only 29% of working older adults say they can afford to retire when they want (down from 35% in 2022) • 43% say they cannot afford to retire when they want • 22% have saved $5,000 or less for retirement. Those in poor health and with inadequate incomes are the most uncertain, highlighting rising financial vulnerability among ageing Canadians. 🔗 Learn more: niageing.ca/reports/perspect… #AgeingInCanada #RetirementReadiness #NationalPensionAwarenessWeek #CostOfAgeing #FutureOfRetirement

💉 Toward Harmonized Adult Vaccination Schedules Across Canada Vaccine-preventable diseases, including influenza, continue to place significant pressure on our health systems. Older adults experience the greatest burden of severe illness and hospitalization. Vaccination is not only about preventing infection. It plays a critical role in preserving independence, reducing strain on healthcare systems and supporting healthier ageing across populations. The @IFAgeing Consensus Statement calls for better alignment of adult vaccination programs across jurisdictions, expanded access through modernized delivery systems and the meaningful inclusion of patient voices to strengthen public confidence. A more coordinated approach can help improve equitable access for older adults and other at-risk populations. The National Institute on Ageing was pleased to participate in the virtual Think Tank that informed the development of this national consensus statement. 🔎 Learn more: vaccines4life.com/wp-content…

📉 Perspective on Ageing New findings from the 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey show a growing share of Canadians 50+ are feeling less positive about ageing. • 57% report positive feelings toward ageing, down from 62% in 2024 • Negative views are most common among those in poor health and with inadequate incomes 👥 Perceptions of ageing in society are mixed: • 47% feel older adults are sometimes overlooked or dismissed • 16% say older adults are often seen as a burden • Only 13% say older adults are generally respected and valued • 20% say societal views vary widely 🔗 Learn more niageing.ca/reports/perspect… #AgeingInCanada #Ageism #HealthyAgeing #NIA