This volume tackles a number of popular misconceptions about the social and economic impact of an aging population. It emphasizes the specific demographic and policy changes taking place in Canada and focuses on trends in social policy that affect pensions, healthcare, and retirement. It provides a critical look at how an apocalyptic approach to the aging population is being used by the conservative parties to dismantle the Canadian welfare state. It also examines the many ways in which intergenerational relationships are changing and challenges the popular image of the elderly population as a burden on the younger generations.