Vulnerable Populations

The report on Canadian seniors really highlights the impact and burden of our aging population on our health care system.

• Seniors' life expectancy is increasing, and they report overall good health, although the risk of developing chronic diseases increases with age.

• The average 65-year-old Canadian can expect to live an additional 21.0 years (19.5 years for men and 22.3 years for women). However, women spent a greater proportion of their life post-65 years in an unhealthy state (30.9%) compared to men (27.7%).

• In 2017–2018, almost half of Canadian seniors (46.5% of men and 48.3% of women) perceived their health as very good or excellent, and over two-thirds (72.0%) reported their mental health as very good or excellent, despite that many are living with chronic diseases. This apparent paradox reflects the fact that people's perception of personal health status is influenced by factors other than the absence of disease, such as economic security, social connectedness, satisfaction with life and psychological well-being. As such, some seniors may report good levels of health, despite living with chronic diseases.