The golden years are not all golden in Parksville, B.C., where residents 65 and older make up 46 per cent of the population, more than in any other urban area in the country.

The Vancouver Island community of about 14,000 people is a magnet for older Canadians who say they love the mild weather, outdoor activities and beautiful surroundings. As they age, however, many are discovering that doctor shortages, limited public transit and soaring dementia rates are also part of the Parksville package.