That’s the number of siblings Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald’s mother had growing up. An astounding number, even at a time when families were known for having large broods.

While it might seem overwhelming, to say the least, there certainly were benefits to having so many kids, says Dr. MacDonald, the director of financial security research for the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

“My mother came from a family of 14 kids, and suddenly you have much fewer people to do that care for aging parents,” MacDonald says. “These family members are under a lot of financial and mental distress, and that’s a big challenge.”

That challenge is becoming an expensive one. By 2050, the cost of public care in nursing and private homes in Canada will more than triple to $71 billion annually, according to a study by the NIA. Much of this is from the 120 per cent increase in older adults needing care support by 2050, mainly the baby boomers.

Yet while most Canadians prepare for retirement, MacDonald doesn’t see as many preparing for old age. And that’s a necessity as Canadians live longer and longer.

Consider what you want

One of the biggest issues for Canadians is that they continue to leave their choices on aging to the last minute. This winds up putting strain on loved ones, both financially and physically, says MacDonald.

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