OPINION & LETTERS The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5567 Classified Advertising: 845-3824, ext. 224 Circulation: 845-9742 Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: The Oakville Beaver is a division of IAN OLIVER Group Publisher Media Group Ltd. NEIL OLIVER Publisher JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director TERI CASAS Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution ALEXANDRIA CALHOUN Circ. Manager The coming of age While there may be some debate over whether we're getting better, there's no question we're getting older. According to 2006 census data released by Statistics Canada this week, Canada's senior population (those over age 65) leapt by 13 per cent from 2001. For the first time in history Canada has more than four million seniors, while at the other end of the spectrum, the under-15 demographic experienced the greatest decline, shrinking to 17.7 per cent of the population. The median age of Canadians, which has risen steadily, is now 39.5-- in 1966 it was 25.4. Thanks to a low birth rate and the fact Canadians are living longer, Stats Canada projects that within a decade seniors could outnumber children under the age of 15. While the fact seniors today are healthier and living longer than ever before is certainly positive news, the country's aging trend may present problems down the road. For example, there is a 1:1 ratio of people (age 15-24) about to enter the workforce compared to people (age 55-64) about to leave it. This will mean major challenges for employers in the future when it comes to training, turnover and "knowledge transfer." A critical labour shortage is a real possibility, as is the belief many baby boomers, who may not be able to afford retirement, could face a conundrum if their health prevents them from staying in the workforce. These same boomers may also have the added responsibility of caring for dependents. An aging population will also put a strain on a variety of services, particularly those involving assisted living. And who will be around in years to come to provide necessary assistance to today's caregivers? Will the healthcare system and pension plans be able to withstand the pressure of the boomers 10, 15 or 20 years hence? The recent census statistics should not be a cause for alarm, but rather a wake-up call for our politicians -- and society in general. Adopting a proactive approach today in how to handle our aging population tomorrow is not only sensible, but vital. The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Handicapped parking should be used exclusively by the disabled I feel compelled to write this letter in response to the growing number of situations that involve inconsiderate individuals who feel it's appropriate for them to use designated disabled parking spaces when they are not legitimately disabled. While at one of the major financial institutions in downtown Oakville recently, a young couple and their child pulled into a designated handicapped parking space during a busy time when the lot was otherwise full. As I approached them, I noticed no disabled parking permit on display in their car. Since no security attendant was available, I politely proceeded to remind them that they should display their permit sign so as to avoid any question as to the appropriate use of the space. They assured me that they were indeed disabled and had a permit. The situation was about to take an interesting turn. As I momentarily waited to see the permit displayed, they suddenly seemed unable to produce it. It is important to noted that I had not at any time accused them of illegal parking nor had I disputed their claim about being disabled. I simply restated that a permit should be displayed for the qualified use of handicapped parking. The young male drive had gone into the bank (no cane, walker, etc.) and no permit had yet been produced. To simplify the remaining events of the afternoon, the young woman eventually got out and moved the car from the space while her disabled husband was in the bank. This only after directing comments to me such as "Shut up and mind your own business and "If you're a cop, show me your badge and I'll show you my permit." No doubt people wonder why I would take it to be involved in this situation. Simply, my father is a 93year-old war veteran currently in a nursing home with diminishing physical and mental health. As a family, we use his disabled parking permit when taking him out for a meal, a grandchild's sport, etc. Too often we run into thoughtless people who park in handicapped zones so they can do their own personal pickups. If you are one of these inconsiderate abusers of disabled parking, be prepared to answer for your selfish lack of conscience. There may come a time when you or a family member needs a handicapped parking space only to find it appropriated by an undiscerning, able-bodied person. CARL SCOTT Pud BY STEVE NEASE snease@haltonsearch.com The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council.The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206,Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.