Atlantic Canada is facing increased strain on its health-care system and a major shortage of skilled workers over the next two decades as its population ages and fertility rates continue to drop. 
 
But an expert on demographics says the national trends could also lead to big opportunities for the region, which could appeal to a growing number of baby boomers across the country who over the next five to 10 years will be looking for a place to quietly retire.

"When you get to your 50s, you're more likely to want some peace and quiet in your life and that leads to opportunities here in Atlantic Canada," David Foot, author of Boom, Bust and Echo, said in Halifax on Tuesday. 
"They tend to be more wealthy, they tend to be well-educated, they can start their own businesses - great opportunities." 

Foot, who was speaking at a luncheon on changing demographics, said the slower pace of life, the availability of land, a relatively clean environment and its proximity to the ocean will likely attract 50-something boomers looking for a break from big-city life. 

He said the spectre of a large group of people heading into retirement is not necessarily bad for the economy. But he warned that economies and health-care systems should be prepared for it, even ready to take advantage of it. 

"The focus (should be) on quality of life for young people in excellence in colleges and universities, and for the aging boomers who will come back here to settle and bring their wealth with them," he said. 
"Focus on quality of life, don't focus on economic growth." 
That could be challenging since statistics show that one in eight people is now over 65 in Atlantic Canada and, in 20 years, that number will rise to one in five. 

Baby boomers will enter retirement en masse, putting pressure on the health-care system and possibly sending the economy into a slump since the buying population will decrease. Foot warned that provincial governments should avoid cutting back rural hospitals, since they will be in greater demand as the population ages and requires more regular health care. 

The other challenge facing many provinces is a shortage of young, trained workers. Birth rates have been falling steadily in Canada and stiff international competition is depleting the country's skilled labour force. 

In Nova Scotia alone, 11,500 people between the ages of 18 and 24 left from 1992 to 2002. 

Foot and others say the shift will require innovative ways to attract workers, especially immigrants, and an emphasis on maintaining good quality education. 
"The reality is that global competition and labour-saving technology have already had a significant, non-demographic impact," said Neesha Rao, a first-year student at Harvard who participated in the luncheon. 
"If Nova Scotia wants me to work here in 25 years time, the focus must be on creating good jobs." 

The province said Tuesday that it would put $150,000 into a study looking at how changing demographics will affect the labour market, the health-care system, education and the economy. 

Foot urged the province to attract immigrants from countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan which all have young populations that could be key to creating healthy economies.