Supporting your Aging Workforce

September is Healthy Aging Month - a reminder that aging well isn’t just personal, it’s something workplaces can and should support. With more Canadians working longer, employers are seeing multigenerational teams that include many employees over 50.

As employees age, they face unique health, financial and caregiving challenges. Certain employee benefits can make a huge difference. 

• Extended Health Coverage: Beyond the basics, extended health plans are vital for aging employees who may need more frequent access to prescription drugs, vision correction, hearing aids, physiotherapy, or mental health support. These benefits help employees stay healthy, productive, and engaged at work while reducing out-of-pocket expenses that can otherwise create financial stress.

  
  

• Preventive Care: Regular screenings, vaccinations, and wellness checks become increasingly important as employees get older. Preventive care not only helps catch health issues early but also reduces long-term costs for both employees and employers. Offering strong preventive care benefits signals that the organization values proactive health and wellbeing.

  
  

• Dental Care: Oral health is often overlooked, but it’s closely tied to overall health, especially as employees age. Continued access to dental benefits helps prevent serious health complications, reduces absenteeism, and ensures employees can maintain their quality of life. Retaining dental coverage is a meaningful way to support older members of the workforce.

  
  

• Long-Term Disability & Critical Illness: These benefits provide crucial financial protection if an employee faces a serious illness or injury. For aging employees, this coverage offers peace of mind, knowing they and their families will be supported if they can’t work for an extended period. For employers, it demonstrates a commitment to long-term security and care

  
  

How should you get started? Here is a 3-step approach for any employers looking to offer greater support to their aging workforce. 

1. Audit your current benefits and identify gaps for aging employees.

2. Survey staff to understand what support would matter most.

3. Work with your benefits advisor to tailor programs for a multigenerational workforce.

Want help? Get in touch with Shannon and let’s take a deep dive into thinking strategically about your benefits plan.