We are getting older. I don't mean you, the reader, or me, the writer. I mean Canada in general.

Ever take a stroll through Cherry Hill area and wonder why you are the only person under 65? Well get used to it because there is going to be a lot more of that in years to come. Statistics show that seniors constitute the fastest growing population in Canada and their growth will account for close to half the overall population in the next four decades. Another key factor is that life expectancies have steadily increased as well. One startling stat I stumbled upon is that by 2020, one in five Canadians will be over the age of 65. That's only 11 short years from now!

The elderly face many challenges when it comes to maintaining a well nourished state. They often lack strength or mobility to shop. They may be housebound or even worse - institutionalized. Some seniors are poor, and as we know, protein is not cheap. Worst of all, they may suffer from depression or decreased cognition which are often neglected factors for this particular age group.

Physiologically, as we age we will eventually have a slow decline in cardiac output, muscular size and strength and many other bodily functions that we often take for granted. This also means that our bodies won't respond in the same fashion to exercise stimulus as they once did. However the good news is that exercise and nutrition will still provide the countless benefits that can improve the quality of one's life.

So take note all you personal trainers, fitness consultants, aerobics instructors, nutrition specialists, and physiotherapists. It isn't only the hospital doctors that will be getting visits from the elderly. You will all be seeing an influx of seniors throughout your professions in the years to come. Oh and did I mention that the majority of them have quite a bit of money to pay you? So play nice with the oldies and you might just see your paycheque get fatter!