Chasing the Wave:

Overview of the impact of demographic, economic and social trends affecting the future of youth in Atlantic Canada

In March 2000, Chasing the Wave: Overview of the impact of demographic, economic and social trends affecting the future of youth in Atlantic Canada was prepared for the Population and Public Health Branch, Atlantic Regional Office, Health Canada, by Joan M. Campbell.

The report examines the dramatic changes facing Canada and other developed countries as the new millennium begins. It uses existing information on demographic, economic and social trends as a base for speculation about what the foreseeable future might look like for youth.

The report uses the population health model as the organizing framework for this look at trends affecting youth. According to this model, health and well-being are linked to social and economic forces – far-reaching conditions that determine the health and well-being of entire populations. The most critical issues for youth in coming decades will revolve around these determinants of health: income and social status, social and economic environment, education, physical environment, employment and working conditions. Demographic, social and economic "megatrends" – changes over time that will shape the future – underlie these determinants.

The report focuses on the effect of demographic, social and economic megatrends on the Atlantic region as a whole. It uses data from existing sources to describe relatively predictable changes over the next 10 to 20 years, including population projections, economic forecasts and expected social changes, and examines the possible impacts of these changes on the most important settings in the lives of young people – families, schools and communities. Work, peer relations, recreation, education, physical and mental health, and environment health issues are examined.

The final section of the report focuses on the broad implications of the trends and their possible impacts for youth and for society as a whole over the next 10 to 20 years and addresses the possible costs of failing to attend to critical issues.

For copies of the report and/or the executive summary, contact:

Population and Public Health
Atlantic Regional Office
Suite 1816 - 1505 Barrington Street
Halifax NS B3J 3Y6
Phone: (902) 426-2700

The report is also available on the Health Canada web site: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

 

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