The beginning of the new millennium seems a good time to reflect upon issues
in gerontology as many Western countries are experiencing population
ageing and the challenges it entails. In comparison to Europe's 14 per cent
average (Population Reference Bureau 2000), Canada is a relatively young
country with only about 12 per cent of the population over age 65 (Statistics
Canada 1999). Nonetheless, population ageing is a driving force in Canadian
gerontology. In this paper we discuss current thinking in gerontology in
Canada and how it reflects our approaches to research and development of
public policy. We begin with an overview of national policy and research
perspectives. We provide examples of research programmes addressing key
issues: population ageing and the welfare state, rethinking independence, and
quality of life issues from the Canadian perspective. Finally, we discuss the
values that provide the context for the development of approaches to funding
which affect the scope and direction of our research. Information sources
include national policy documents, recent publications by Canadian
gerontologists, and articles from the Canadian Journal on Aging 1998–2000.