• And older person sitting on a bench and looking out across the ocean.

A toolkit meant to help Autistic adults as they transition to life after 60

Challenges of Aging

For Autistic individuals, aging may be more challenging for many reasons:

  • Increasing sensitivity to sensory issues can lead to avoidance of activities that may otherwise be enriching. Be ready with strategies to lessen sensory discomfort, or find alternative opportunities.
  • Less mental flexibility regarding changes can make events like starting a new schedule or changing homes very distressing. Proactive planning is key here.
  • They may have less patience with expected social skills and decreasing energy to mask autistic traits. This may result in evading social outings and increasing isolation.
  • Difficulty communicating may mean that disclosing health-related issues is difficult. This could result in delayed treatment for loss of abilities, pain, illness, or injury.
  • Some may not recognize their body is gradually aging, and then be suddenly fearful when something abruptly makes them notice. Changes like they can’t hear, see, or move as well as they used to, or are experiencing pain.
  • Although all older adults are likely to experience an increased need for access to medical services, some who are Autistic may have trouble waiting their turn, and navigating our complex medical system. Those with intellectual delay may not always understand why they have so many appointments.
  • Those on the spectrum can become very attached to items regarding their special interests. The idea of downsizing and giving up these objects, which they consider essential, could cause extreme distress and meltdowns.
  • Scams and con artists are a huge problem for everyone. They can happen in person, through the mail, by phone, or via computer (online). Older adults are particularly vulnerable, especially if they live alone. Autistic older adults can be even more susceptible, because of social communication challenges, which are common to autism.

Strategies for Aging

As you become an older adult, or support your Autistic loved one at this stage, being proactive might be your number one strategy. Here are some ideas:

  • Before any big changes are made, think about planning what you want your later years to look like. Consider where it makes sense to live, what support you may need, your financial situation, which people you want to spend time with, and what activities might bring you happiness in daily life. If planning for a loved one, involve them as much as possible, keeping in mind the mantra ‘nothing about us without us.’
  • Schedule regular checkups. Reviewing where you’re at both physically and mentally is especially important for those who struggle with communicating or describing declining health or abilities. If supporting an older individual, ensure consistent monitoring of their health, and be attentive to any signs or expressions of discomfort.
  • Knowing what your days will look like can be reassuring. Take time to make a daily schedule for yourself; or help your family member do so, ensuring their input takes the lead. This should include grooming and hygiene, taking medication, meals, fitness, and any other regular activities. Make sure it’s changeable, to adapt to events, medical appointments, holidays, and cancellations.
  • Make it a habit to check the weather before going outside. This can affect clothing, transportation, and even the timing of the outing. You can also look at the forecast for the coming days when scheduling activities.
  • To combat isolation, schedule visits and outings with family and friends as regular, periodic events. Leaving it to ‘see you soon’ may mean it happens too seldom, or causes stress because the individual doesn’t know when these connections may occur.
  • If there are new physical or mental health facilities you (or your loved one) will be starting to visit, do your homework before you have an appointment with the doctor. If it’s a bigger centre, check out the parking, the building layout, potential sensory problems and solutions, and maybe meet a few of the staff. Can’t go in person? Check their website to glean what details and photos you can find. Then follow up with a phone call to ask any questions you may have, and to express any accommodations you will need.

Financial Benefits

Federal:

  • At age 60: May start withdrawing from RDSP without penalty
    • Annual withdrawals, or Lifetime Disability Assistance Payments (LDAPs), begin by the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 60. These annual payments will then continue for the life of the beneficiary. (Courtesy of TD)
  • At age 64: Transition from CPP-D to Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  • At age 65: Old Age Security (OAS) pension
    • They may send you a letter to let you know that you will receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
      • AISH will generally send a letter out 11 months before either the AISH recipient turns 65 or their spouse turns 65
    • You will need to apply for the Old Age Security pension if:
      • you get a letter from us asking you to apply
      • information in the letter we send you is incorrect
      • If you did not receive any letter about the Old Age Security pension the month after you turned 64, contact us to find out if you need to apply.
    • In addition to your Old Age Security pension, you and/or your spouse/common-law partner may be eligible for extra benefits and payments such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
  • At age 65: Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
    • In many cases, they will let you know by letter when you could start receiving the first payment. They will send you this letter the month after you turn 64. In other cases, you may have to apply.
    • You may have to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if:
      • they do not have enough information to enroll you automatically
      • you are already receiving your Old Age Security pension and never applied for the Guaranteed Income Supplement

Note About Spouses

  • When the AISH recipient turns 65, if their spouse is between the ages of 60-64, they may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement Allowance
    • The Allowance is a non-taxable payment you can get if:
      • you are aged 60 to 64
      • you live in Canada
      • your spouse or common-law partner is eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
      • your combined annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance.
    • You should apply for the Allowance 6 to 11 months before you turn 60. If you are already 60 to 64 years old you should apply as soon as possible.
    • If you were in receipt of the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner has passed away, you will be automatically converted to the Allowance for the Survivor.

Provincial:

  • Alberta Seniors Benefit
    • To be eligible for the Alberta Seniors Benefit you must:
      • be 65 years of age or older (benefits may start the month of your 65th birthday)
      • have lived in Alberta for at least 3 months immediately before applying
      • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
      • receive the Old Age Security pension from the Government of Canada
      • meet financial eligibility criteria
    • Note: If you or your spouse or partner have chosen to defer or delay receipt of Old Age Security (OAS), you are not eligible for senior financial assistance programs.
  • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (GOA)
    • To be eligible for this program you must:
      • be 65 years of age or older
      • be an Alberta resident
      • be a Canadian citizen or have been lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence

If you or your spouse, or both, have deferred receiving the Old Age Security pension, you are not eligible for Special Needs Assistance for Seniors.

province of alberta map

Funding spreadsheet

This table breaks down the types of financial assistance each government program provides for qualifying older adults. Please speak to each program for more specific information. Other supports may be available in your area.

Organization Income Appliances & Furniture Health Supports & Supplies Housekeeping/ Yard Maintenance Personal Supports
Alberta Aids to Daily Living     Yes    
Alberta Seniors Benefit Yes        
Canada Pension Plan Yes        
Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Yes        
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GOC) Yes        
Old Age Security (GOC) Yes        
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (GOA)   Yes Yes Yes Yes

Housing

Where you live as an older adult is one important component of your happiness and wellness. If you can live relatively independently and can afford to do so, you may be able to stay in your own home or rent an apartment. If you need assistance (financial or otherwise), you may start to look into housing that has additional support.

At this stage in life, as parents or guardians also age, they may need to look into arrangements with appropriate support for their older adult child. This could include living options such as:

  • adult residential care homes
  • staying in their own home with in-home care
  • a retirement community or apartment
  • living with other family members or friends
  • a retirement home with meals and care provided

The Government of Alberta offers two “Affordable Housing Programs” for adults 65 years of age or older. See the summary below. Click here to learn more and to apply.

Seniors Apartments

  • The Seniors Self-contained Housing program provides apartment-style housing to seniors who are able to live independently.
  • Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. In addition, applicants must be functionally independent, with or without the assistance of community-based services.
  • A tenant’s rent, which includes heat, water and sewer expenses, is based on 30% of a household’s adjusted income. Rent does not include electricity, phone, TV and any additional services such as parking.

Seniors Lodge

  • The Seniors Lodge program provides rooms, meals, housekeeping services and recreational opportunities for independent seniors. Community-based services may help offer these amenities and opportunities.
  • A seniors lodge may be appropriate for those who do not require care in a specialized healthcare facility.
  • Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. Exceptions may be made for applicants with special circumstances. In addition, applicants must be functionally independent, with or without the assistance of community-based services.
  • Each local housing provider sets their own lodge rates and these rates vary between regions. Regardless of the monthly lodge rate, each resident must be left with at least $357 in monthly disposable income.

Resources

Older Autistic Adults

Older Adults in General

Regional Resources