Low net worth takes a toll on the health of seniors, Quebec report finds

A new Quebec report released on Tuesday finds that seniors with low net worth are at increased risk of poor health and chronic diseases. The Observatoire québécois des inégalités conducted the study using Statistics Canada data and interviews with Quebec seniors and their service providers. The report recommends boosting employer-sponsored pension plans, increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and expanding direct health care assistance for dental, vision, and other services not covered by the public system.

Low net worth retirees often have to make difficult choices like cutting back on food, transportation, or foregoing medical care. Women, immigrants, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable due to work interruptions, financial struggles, and social isolation.