Rising prices force Ontario senior Jane Woodcock to return to work after retirement. Her story reflects a growing trend among Canadian seniors.
High Cost of Living Forces Ontario Senior Back to Work
Jane Woodcock, a 68-year-old resident of Deseronto, Ontario, has found herself working again years after retiring, as the rising cost of living makes financial stability increasingly difficult for Canadian seniors.
After her husband passed away in 2018, Woodcock quickly realized her income was not enough to support herself and their five pets. By 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of basic goods had already begun climbing.
Seniors and the Financial Strain of Unretiring
The phenomenon of seniors re-entering the workforce is no longer rare. A 2024 report by Resume Builder revealed that 39% of employed seniors have “unretired”, citing inflation and inadequate retirement savings as key reasons.
For Woodcock, the return to work wasn’t part of her plan. She now works as a cleaner to supplement her survivor’s pension, earning roughly $4,000 per month—an amount that barely stretches to cover her mortgage, insurance, and food expenses.
Feeding Pets Adds to Cost-of-Living Pressure
Woodcock’s household includes two dogs, two cats, and a potbellied pig. Feeding them alone costs hundreds of dollars monthly—$400 for the pig alone.
“Every time I go into the grocery store, stuff that I was always buying before, it’s like double the price,” she said, expressing frustration over skyrocketing prices.
Seniors Cut Back on Essentials to Afford Basics
To manage, Woodcock has made significant sacrifices. She’s cut her cable subscription and limits heating and air conditioning use—even during extreme weather.
“People should be able to live properly. If you’re hot, you should be allowed to turn on the air conditioner. If you’re cold, turn up the heat,” she said. “It’s just too much.”
Retirement Dreams Fade as Seniors Struggle to Keep Up
Despite combining her job and pension income, Woodcock still finds herself financially stretched. “It’s a mix, and it’s still not enough,” she admits.
Her story is not isolated—it reflects a growing crisis among Canadian seniors facing rising costs with limited retirement savings, prompting renewed conversations about the adequacy of pensions and support for aging populations.
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