Last month, I joined Libby Znaimer on Explained to talk about something close to my heart: how Canadians 55 and better are choosing to age today. It was a warm, honest conversation that confirmed what I see every day at HomeEquity Bank. People are not stepping back from life. They are finding new ways to stay independent, engaged, and happy in the years ahead.
Libby opened by mentioning a familiar stereotype, the idea that people in this age group are “digitally challenged” and slow to embrace technology. A recent Ipsos Survey commissioned by HomeEquity Bank told a very different story. We see Canadians 55 and better using AI, smart apps, and online tools to monitor their health, plan trips, and manage day-to-day tasks. Technology has become something practical and useful, not something to be afraid of.
Wellness That Fits Real Life
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey was around health and wellness. We discovered that eight out of ten people are prepared to spend the same amount or more on wellness than they did the year before, even if it means cutting back in other areas. That tells me people understand how important it is to invest in feeling well.
The types of activities people are choosing are very relatable. There is a lot of interest in pickleball, paddle, golf, walking, swimming, and dancing. I shared with Libby that I have a friend who is turning 70 and throwing herself a Zumba party. It is such a great example of how wellness has become social and fun.
Travel That Works For This Stage Of Life
Travel was another big theme in our conversation. Many people are still very eager to travel but are thinking differently about where they go and how they get there. We are seeing more interest in trips within Canada, from festivals and theatre visits to golf getaways and journeys through the Rockies. There is so much to see close to home, and it can feel easier and more comfortable than long international trips.
At the same time, travel has become more expensive and can be more physically demanding. Planning matters. Questions like “How far can I go at this age?” or “Will I feel comfortable when I get there?” are becoming part of trip planning. That is not limiting. It is simply thoughtful.
Staying In The Home You Love
The part of the conversation that always stays with me is aging in place. Again and again, we hear that people want to stay in the home where they feel familiar and comfortable. That often means looking ahead and asking what it will take to make that possible. In calls with clients, we hear about plans to update kitchens and bathrooms, improve safety, and make outdoor spaces more usable.
Sometimes the changes are small, such as adding railings, removing loose rugs, or improving lighting. Sometimes they are bigger, like redoing a bathroom or redesigning a main floor. All of them are really about the same thing: making sure the home works for the future.
At HomeEquity Bank, we offer the CHIP Reverse Mortgage to help Canadians access some of the value in their home so they can stay there longer and invest in their future. Many people use it to pay for renovations, wellness expenses, or travel that matters to them.
My conversation with Libby reminded me that healthy aging is not a single decision. It is a series of choices about how we want to live, where we want to be, and what we want to keep saying yes to. If you are starting to think about your next chapter and how your home can support it, we are always here to talk through your options.
If you’d like to explore the full conversation or get more insights from the webinar, you can click here to watch the full episode of Explained. I hope it sparks the same inspiration it gave me.
