Quality of Life at an Elder’s Collective Dwelling Community: A Case Study of a Toronto Seniors’ Residence

Abstract

Canada is aging rapidly in recent years. Today, about 17 percent of the Canadian population is 65 or older. Although most seniors are aging at home (93 percent), an increasing number of elders are living in collective dwelling facilities or waiting for a vacant spot in such a community. Knowing the challenge in providing elders with satisfactory services in a multicultural society, we conducted a case study to explore elders’ quality of lives in an elders’ residence in Toronto. As the first such study in Canada, our goal is finding evidences for improving the quality of life of the elders. This project employed a qualitative case study method. Face-to-face interview and focus group discussion were the main data collection methods. The data analysis perspective is quality of life. The residence provides the elders an age appropriate lifestyle and socializing activities. Thus, most of its tenants feel at home and satisfied. However, some ethnic minority members experience communication barriers; and there are unmet service demands that require the support of societal resources. These findings are important for developing strategies to close the gaps. Collective dwelling has positive effects on elders’ general health. More resources are urgently needed for improving the seniors’ quality of lives and their subjective well-being. Elder residents’ communities require vital services such as social workers, basic health care, and a subsidized meal plan.