D. Little, MD, CCFP, Lecturer and Academic Fellow, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto; Director of Medical Education, York Community Services; 2002 Royal Canadian Legion Scholar in Care of the Elderly, Toronto, ON.
Seniors are one of the fastest growing population groups in Canada.1 Approximately 20% of our population is over the age of 65, and this phenomenon has been referred to as the graying of the population.1,2 Families often play a central role in the lives of older people. Lifes rhythms and seasons are usually marked within the context of the family.3 Whether independent or dependent, older people view the family as integral to their daily life and wellbeing.4 When dependent, the family offers crucial support,3 especially in cases of dementia. Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most common cause of severe intellectual deterioration in the aging.5 Approximately 8% of people over 65 years and 35% of people over 85 years suffer from dementia.6 The majority of patients with dementia live in the community and are cared for by family and/or friends.7 However, research into and the clinical application of family therapy techniques and principles in older people and their families has been slow to develop.
